1913 Erfurt Luger

Ice · 05-29-2009, 05:39 AM

What Heinz means it this: steaming or boiling rusted metal in water converts rust into black oxide; this is the same as rust blueing. IMHO the process all depends on the extent of the rusting and pitting. On a lightly rusted pistol it would be acceptable to steam or boil it. As an alternative it would be okay to use even oiled 4-0 steel or bronze wool to remove light patches of rust. You described having to soak the pistol in oil for a loonng time to even be able to remove the sideplate and barrel. This indicates a worst case scenario in my mind. Some people would pop a heavy wire wheel brush in their electric drill to remove the rust. This is the worst thing you could do. I suggested the chemical stripper for use on a true basket case because it removes rust from every nook and cranny of the pistol; places that are hard to reach sometimes. Each repair/restoration is unique because the extent of damage is always different. IMO your oil soaking approach is an excellent way to start. After you get it apart, please post some photos. I'm sure that someone will make a suggestion of a way to approach the next step.

Charlie

05-29-2009, 05:39 AM	#6
Ice User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 552 Thanks: 13 Thanked 69 Times in 57 Posts	What Heinz means it this: steaming or boiling rusted metal in water converts rust into black oxide; this is the same as rust blueing. IMHO the process all depends on the extent of the rusting and pitting. On a lightly rusted pistol it would be acceptable to steam or boil it. As an alternative it would be okay to use even oiled 4-0 steel or bronze wool to remove light patches of rust. You described having to soak the pistol in oil for a loonng time to even be able to remove the sideplate and barrel. This indicates a worst case scenario in my mind. Some people would pop a heavy wire wheel brush in their electric drill to remove the rust. This is the worst thing you could do. I suggested the chemical stripper for use on a true basket case because it removes rust from every nook and cranny of the pistol; places that are hard to reach sometimes. Each repair/restoration is unique because the extent of damage is always different. IMO your oil soaking approach is an excellent way to start. After you get it apart, please post some photos. I'm sure that someone will make a suggestion of a way to approach the next step. Charlie