Do you guys have any tips on how to remove surface rust inside the lettering on a barrel? I cleaned the barrel after shooting but apparently I missed the grooves of the manufacturer name and model. I tried to use some more cleaner on the lettering but its still there. I thought about some sort of pick or toothbrush to get in there and clean but I didn't want to scratch up the lettering too much. Should I use the bore cleaner on the outside of the barrel to clean up this rust or some other solvent?

Stay away from the pick and use a solvent with a strong synthetic toothbrush so you don't scratch the barrel.

If you have it you can use just a bit of JB Rust Blaster and scrub the lettering with a toothbrush or other fairly stiff nylon brush. You can also use kerosene or mineral spirits. When you have it cleaned up wipe the barrel with alcohol to remove any of the cleaning residue and then wipe with a cloth with gun oil.

Try a sharp # 2 pencil.
Just trace in the letters with the sharp lead.
The graphite should clean the rust with hurting the metal.

Good Luck.

I've found just about any light oil and a toothbrush will do the job. But Montana X-Treme bore conditioner seems to do it better than any other.

Thanks guys,

I'll try out the suggestions tonight and see what works. I think I have most of the chemicals mentioned in my garage. I'll let you know how it turns out. Next time I need to be more thorough cleaning the outside of the barrel as I am on the bore.

I use evapo rust to remove rust from most places including inside the barrel.You can pick some up at the auto parts store.

How is that .45 of yours shooting cornfork?

Some of the chemical options will remove bluing or leave splotches. A simple oil scrubbing will do no harm to the finish.

I agree Semi, some of the rust removers like to remove bluing. Also, I do not "Like" all the new "Like" thingys.