Removing bluing from RIA barrel..

[FishSteelhead]

Would like ta' know if one can use Steelwool for it's removal, what grade would be the best and proper procedure? Also, found solutions on the market that will accomplish this and would appreciate any opinions regardin' them. Pre-thanks are in order...~Skip

[ratznfragn]

I've only used Birchwood Casey Rust and Blue Remover,but it has been effective every time I used it.Nearly as I can tell,most rust and blue removers are basically the same formula,so they all should work well enough.
On the steel wool,I've only used #0000 to polish after blue removal.

[FishSteelhead]

I've only used Birchwood Casey Rust and Blue Remover,but it has been effective every time I used it.Nearly as I can tell,most rust and blue removers are basically the same formula,so they all should work well enough.
On the steel wool,I've only used #0000 to polish after blue removal.

I thank ya' :appld: . Have used Birchwood Casey's for all my gun workin' (very limited ;)) ie., cold blue, refinishin' stocks etc., with great results and with your reccomandation, that'll be the way I'll go. Ta' reiterate, "I thank ya' "... ~Skip

Note: Is there any solution that should be applied to barrel after bluing has been removed?

[cedjunior]

I thank ya' :appld: . Have used Birchwood Casey's for all my gun workin' (very limited ;)) ie., cold blue, refinishin' stocks etc., with great results and with your reccomandation, that'll be the way I'll go. Ta' reiterate, "I thank ya' "... ~Skip

Note: Is there any solution that should be applied to barrel after bluing has been removed?Just keep it lightly oiled.

[FishSteelhead]

Just keep it lightly oiled.

Thats what I fiquered but, with this technologhy now-a-days one never knows. I thank ya' for your respose ;)... ~Skip

[Tom in Ohio]

I'm not sure what this would do to your barrel, but...

I've used Koolaid to remove bluing from old Mauser actions. Use just the packet of Koolaid mix (not the sugar free kind), its almost pure citric acid, don't add any sugar. Just mix it in some boiling water, let the part sit for a little while and a nylon brush will take the bluing completely off. It will also lightly acid etch the metal, though, if left in too long.

Once you're done, rinse with hot tap water and most of the water will evaporate off because the metal is still so hot. Oil it quickly or it will rust before your eyes.

Again, I've never done this with a barrel so I'm not sure if it would ruin the rifling or not.

[FishSteelhead]

I'm not sure what this would do to your barrel, but...

I've used Koolaid to remove bluing from old Mauser actions. Use just the packet of Koolaid mix (not the sugar free kind), its almost pure citric acid, don't add any sugar. Just mix it in some boiling water, let the part sit for a little while and a nylon brush will take the bluing completely off. It will also lightly acid etch the metal, though, if left in too long.

Once you're done, rinse with hot tap water and most of the water will evaporate off because the metal is still so hot. Oil it quickly or it will rust before your eyes.

Again, I've never done this with a barrel so I'm not sure if it would ruin the rifling or not.

Tom,
I thank ya' for the idea (ain't never heard of that one before ;) ) however, Iv'e already removed bluing with Birchwood Casey's Blue & Rust Remover. Am now polishin' up the barrel where it meets the eject port with some "Flitz"... Started by hand but, plan ta' use a buffin' pad to bring out some luster in it.
To reiterate, I thank ya' :cool: ...~Skip

Note: FYI ~ that Flitz be sommmme good stuff if ya' ever need ta' get the shine out of a non-blued area(s)...