Gun Rust - Help

[WarEagle28]

Today I pulled out my S&W M&P Shield 9mm to do some shooting with the family. This was my first time pulling it out in a while, and found some slight rust/pitting on the thin bar behind the chamber (not sure what this piece is called). Also had some light rust in the serial number, but it mostly rubbed off while cleaning.

I gave it a good cleaning/oiling the last time I shot it, but I made the mistake of letting it sit so long without rubbing it down again. Do I have any options for cleaning off this rust? Never had to deal with it on a firearm before. I’ve seen online that some people gently use #0000 steel wool and lube, but steel wool always scares me on anything with a finish.

 

[lucky7]

My dad gave me a rusty old H&R 12g he found while cleaning his basement, so I took some steel wool to it.

Not perfect, but I was a little nervous at first. No worries.

 

[BikeDestroyer]

If you ever want to refinish a gun this place does a great job. The turn around time is long because they are a very busy small shop that does excellent work. www.robarguns.com

 

[ScottR]

That's your extractor. Try lightly rubbing with steel wool dipped in oil, don't use much pressure. If you're unsure about damaging the finish place some masking tape to protect the slide first. If you clean off too much finish, slap some cold bluing on and forget about it.

Alternately, find a gunsmith. The extractor can easily and cheaply be replaced.

 

[96RedRunner]

The method I use for surface rust like you have. A regular #2 pencil will work
though a carpenters pencil works better. Sharpen pencil with a short blunt end,
rub graphite (pencil lead) over rust. It will remove rust without damage to bluing.
Oil, wipe oil off, if rust is still present repeat. A old man told about this many guns ago.

 

[Gunslinger-13]

if anyone ever needs to remove larger amounts of rust from a firearm this is the best way to do it.

Make your own electrolysis tank.

Homemade Electrolysis Tank - HomemadeTools.net

oooo SS wool with gun oil and pencil graphite are both good methods. I'd start with the graphite and then move on to the wool/oil if needed.

That's not much rust, just on the surface and with small pitting is what it looks like from the photo. I'd remove the extractor to check everything underneath for rust also. Heck I'd fully disassemble the gun and give her a good inspection.

You could also just replace the extractor with an upgraded one from APEX Tactical as well.

https://store.apextactical.com/WebDirect/Products/Details/191846

 

[96RedRunner]

Keep in mind when dealng with rust where it is the worst the bluing is more
than likely toast. Use your method of choice to remove or kill it. To spot dress damaged bluing Birchwood/Casey's Presto Gun Blue Pen works well, Oxpho-Blue from Brownells works very well. With what you have no big deal
gives piece character. I have my stepdads favorite deer rifle with blood stain on
butt stock been there 30 yr's at least, it's staying.

While your at it scrub out that white safety warning I hate that stuff. LOL