2013
Derek Mears
Albuquerque, NM
Different methods are evaluated for effectiveness of removing rust from firearms and restoring their working surfaces, specifically the bore and breechface, so that individual characteristics are recovered and preserved. Five different methods were chosen: ultrasonic cleaning, electrolytic rust removal, Rust Release, soda blasting, and hand scrubbing with Break-Free CLP. Bullets and cartridge cases test fired prior to firearm rusting were compared to tests fired after restoration. While each method was found to be viable in restoring rusted firearms, soda blasting and Rust Release seemed to work better than others. Electrolytic rust removal and ultrasonic cleaning also facilitated the removal of rust. With rusted firearms, there may still be a possibility of recovering individual characteristics through rust removal and restoration techniques.