AFTE Store - The Restoration of Rusted Firearms: An Evaluation of Different Methods

A survey conducted of a number of firearms sections indicated that when presented with a rusted firearm, different firearms sections are using different practices. In this paper a number of different methods of rust removal and restoration of firearms are examined. Each method is evaluated for its effectiveness with regard to removing rust and restoring the working surfaces of the firearm, specifically the bore and breechface, so that individual characteristics are recovered and preserved. The comparisons of test fired bullets and cartridge cases collected prior to the firearm rusting and collected following restoration of the firearm, as well as the effects of fresh versus salt water are also discussed.