dark spots on my barrel
 

RE: My 1887 12ga hammer, #1 frame, O/P grade, twist barrels.Attachment 96124

Attachment 96125

Attachment 96126

Attachment 96127

These barrels are not blued. The right barrel has dark spots on the side up near the muzzle. I'd like to remove them if I can and tried polishing them with brass wool but it had no effect.

Any suggestions? 0000 steel wool? Should I just blue them?

I'm open.

Leave them for now and if you’re sure they are safe then and only then send them to Breck Gorman here on this site for proper refinishing.

Does Breck have a website?
Contact info?

Send Breck Gorman a PM on this site.

Looking at his invoice to me I don’t see a website listed.



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In addition, how can I brighten up the receiver without threatening the engravings?

It is not always advisable to "brighten" the receiver unless there is built up crud, rust and non-desirable ugly patina.

Please show us a picture of it again in good light (no reflections) and clear sharp images.





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I always believed spots like that came from past rust?

Right, but just surface rust as those spots don’t show any severe pitting.





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Correct Dean. These spots are NOT pits. It's a discoloration. As mentioned, I scrubbed them with brass wool... no effect.