I have a weatherby vanguard stainless in .270. After a recent hunting trip in the elements I noticed when I got home to clean it, it had little (tiny) spots of rust in the pores of the stainless steel on some parts of the barrel. They are hardly noticeable though they are annoying me. I thought about using a metal polish to try get it out though thought it might turn the the matte finish into patchy gloss finish, not desirable. Does anyone have a gentle way of removing the light rust spots without changing or damaging the surface of the metal?

Thanks
Rick

try some Kroil, let it sit a few minuets and i bet it lifts it off.

I have a weatherby vanguard stainless in .270. ... it had little (tiny) spots of rust in the pores of the stainless steel on some parts of the barrel. While I haven't tried it on stainless, I've used a number 2 pencil for years to remove light rust from blue steel. Just keep working it as if it were a chisel, and let us know if it works on SS, too.

Jaywalker

Four ought steel wool will usually take the rust off without harming the finish. Deep rust will take the finish off with it. The Kroil is good stuff as recommended. The fine steel wool won't hurt the stainless at all.

I never tried it on stainless,but regular gunmetal can be cleaned with ordinary terpintine and a coarsecloth,like denim.---If it is light rust.
Frank

I use Lemon Pledge furniture polish.

I live in a humid, tropical climate. When I bought my Vanguard Stainless new it already had light rust spots. It rusts faster than my blued rifles. It will have pin prick sized rust within an hour of being handled.

I use a 50/50 mix of turpentine and light oil with rough cloth to cut the light spots when they appear. If I have been shooting all night and the rust is thicker in the common areas and as much as I hate using it, I use 0000 steel wool and gun oil.

I am definitely going to try floor wax next time I go out and see if that inhibits it. I really should buy a Remington XCR and be done with it. Then use my blued rifles and this one only in the Dry Season. I haven't had any rust on my Marlin XLR or Ruger MK2 yet though. Maybe Howa are using cheaper stainless because of price or machinability.

Snow.

Try MAAS Metal Polish.It removes rust from all fine metals without affecting the finish. You can find it in the "cleansers/polishers aisle of your local Wal Mart or food store.

If after trying to remove the rust spots you find patches of a different luster, use Scotchbrite to restore a uniform look. Just take a pad of the green Scotchbrite, wrap it around the barrel, grasp it tightly and drag it from the breech to the muzzle in a straight line. You will come up with a pleasing burnished look.

Flitz will remove the rust. It will also protect the finish. I have used it on my blued carry guns in FL with good results.

Thanks for all of your replies. It seems Kroil is the one to try first. I had never heard of it here in Australia, though after looking it up, it's a penetrating oil. Found we have the same thing over here but it is called penetrene. The turpentine and light oil may also be worth a look as it is readily available here.The other products mentioned like flitz, lemon pledge, MAAS metal polish etc I have not seen or heard of these brands over here.

Thanks again