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How to Clean Rust From Outside of a Gun Barrel

Rust is a detriment to anything made of metal, but it becomes dangerous when it occurs on a gun barrel. Removing rust from the outside of a gun barrel is vital if the gun is to continue functioning correctly. You can remove the rust using a "bead blaster" tool which propels a stream of abrasive material under air pressure that will smooth the surface of the barrel and remove all surface contaminants. You will also need a bead blasting cabinet to contain the effects of the bead blasting and glass bead abrasive. Adult supervision is required if the person using the bead blaster is a minor.

Things You'll Need

Rough cloth
Trigger guard
Bead blaster
Bead blasting cabinet
Extra-fine glass bead abrasive

Instructions

- 1
  Unload the gun. Remove any magazine from the gun's butt. Check the breech for any projectile. Secure the gun's trigger with a trigger guard.
- 2
  Wipe the gun's barrel with the rough cloth.
- 3
  Put the bead blasting cabinet on a work surface Place the gun inside the bead blasting cabinet on its side so the rusted side of the barrel is facing you.
- 4
  Unscrew the bead blasting compartment lid from the bead blaster. Insert the extra fine glass bead abrasive into the bead blasting compartment. Screw the lid back on.
- 5
  Aim the tip of the bead blaster about two inches from the rusted side of the barrel. Turn the valve on the bead blaster to start the flow of compressed air.
- 6
  Apply the stream of glass bead abrasives coming out of the tip of the bead blaster to the rust. Move the tip of the bead blaster back and forth against the rust.
- 7
  Move the tip of the bead blaster away from the rust. Turn off the valve on the bead blaster.
- 8
  Inspect the gun barrel for rust. Repeat the process with the bead blaster on the gun barrel if the rust has not been removed.
- 9
  Remove the gun from the bead blaster cabinet. The gun barrel is now free of rust and can be polished to restore its look to the way it was before.

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