There are many reasons why someone might want to restore a firearm. Perhaps the gun is a family heirloom that has been passed down for generations and is in need of some TLC. Or maybe the gun was purchased at a flea market or garage sale and is in rough shape. Whatever the reason, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you restore a firearm.
1. Safety first
As always, make sure the firearm is unloaded before beginning any restoration process. When you restore a firearm, never assume the gun is unloaded until you have personally checked it yourself.
2. Inspect it for any damage or wear that may need to be addressed before attempting to restore a firearm.
Some of the most common types of wear include:
– rusting or pitting of the metal surfaces
– damage to the wood or synthetic furniture
– dents or dings in the metal
These can affect the performance of a firearm and will need to be addressed during the restoration process. In some cases, simply cleaning and polishing the metal surfaces may be enough to restore the firearm to its original condition. More severe cases may require more extensive work, such as replacing or refinishing damaged surfaces.
3. Removing rust from a firearm
Rust can be removed from a firearm in several ways. One popular method is to use a rust-removing jelly. This gel-like substance is applied to the rusted area and allowed to sit for a period of time. Once the rust has been loosened, it can be wiped away with a soft cloth.
Another common method for removing rust is to sand it off using fine-grit sandpaper. This will take some elbow grease, but it will eventually remove the rust. Just be sure not to sand too aggressively, as you could end up damaging the metal beneath the rust. Another great option is to use a brass brush to remove the rust.
If the rust is particularly stubborn, you may need to resort to using a chemical stripper. These products are quite harsh, however, so be sure to be careful with this product to prevent further damage to your firearm and follow any instructions that come with it.
4. What to do about damage to the wood or synthetic furniture
Your firearm’s wood or synthetic furniture can be easily damaged through regular wear and tear, or even just from being stored in a less-than-ideal environment. But don’t worry, there are some easy ways to restore damage to your firearm’s wood or synthetic furniture.
Once the damaged area is sanded down, you’ll want to apply wood filler. Wood filler comes in different colors, so be sure to choose one that closely matches the color of your firearm’s wood or synthetic furniture. After the wood filler has been applied and has had time to dry, sand it down until it is flush with the surrounding area.
Next, you’ll want to apply a finish to the repaired area. For wood, you can use a clear coat of polyurethane or varnish. For synthetic furniture, you can use paint that is specifically designed for plastic or composite materials. Be sure to follow the instructions on the can carefully in order to get the best results.
With a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily restore a firearm from damage to its wood or synthetic furniture. Just be sure to take your time and follow the directions on your products carefully in order to achieve the best results.
4. Dents or dings in the metal? No problem.
For this, you can use a small hammer to carefully tap around the perimeter of the dent while using a dent raiser until it pops out. Again, be careful not to be too aggressive in this process so you can avoid further damage to your firearm. If you need to see how this is done, you can watch this video.
You can view our Build Your Own Rifle page for your next custom-build, or give us a call at (360) 559-6210 for more information.