What To Do About Pitting Problems?

[Lambo]

I purchased a RC K98 Mauser last week. After a complete disassembly I noticed pitting under-barrel. After removing the cosmoline I rubbed these areas with steel-wool and cleaned with Ole Hoppe's #9. Next, I sprayed the areas with PB Blaster and let stand for about a 1/2 hour. I then wiped dry the areas and applied Rem Oil. I have 2 ?s ... Was this the proper technique to neutralize pitting? Before placing Barrel in Stock should Grease be applied to these areas?

 

[romulus]

If you keep it oiled up with a nice film of a proven protectant - BF CLP comes to mind - you won't need to apply grease. I have the exact same situation in 98 I bought from Springfield Sporters ten or more years ago. The pits are likely due to storage conditions since WW2. Have had zero issues since, and no grease...

 

[Jim K]

One of the best ways to kill rust is by boiling the gun in water. Sounds illogical, but hot water kills rust. Then, after drying it out thoroughly, use any good gun oil to prevent further rust. There are other materials that will do a good job of rust removal, but some of them won't get deep enough into the pitting or they will just form a film over the rust and the rust will continue underneath.

Jim

 

[spencerhut]

How long do you need to boil it?

Spencer

 

[ball3006]

Were those pits there....

before the Russians reblued the rifle? If so, don't worry about them. If it is new rust, treat with a penetrating oil and just keep an eye on the pits to make sure they don't start rusting again. I wipe down my milsurps after the initial cleaning/inspection with LPS 2 a milspec rust preventative/lube that dries. I believe it is the same as Breakfree, looks and smells the same. Never a rust problem in the many years I have been doing this.....chris3