new project spoon - need advice

[id10t]

Got a new project spoon I just couldn't turn down - Mossberg 44us

Rear sight is broken - it spins 360 freely - but what I need help with is the surface rust.

I've heard/read that rubbing with steel wool and oil works, but I'd think the steel wool could embed itself more causing more rust down the road.

Should I just use naval jelly and ??? and plan on refinsihing later? Bought it as a project and a shooter, have $90 in it, plan on getting a scope mount for it and seeing what it can do...

Suggestions? Thanks!

[azasadny]

I use bronze wool and oil to remove rust. Do not use steel wool! I pit dome grease on the rusty areas and rub it in until definitive action can be taken. I remove all "furniture" to be sure norust is under that...

[Mericet]

As Art said, check for rust under all the furniture. Until you are sure you are ready for a refinish, stay away from the naval jelly. Fine (0000) steel wool would be okay if you do not have bronze wool. I would use something like CLP as a lubricant. Make sure you wipe it down well afterwards.

[targa911S]

the action on those is two bolts. Remove them the whole deal comes out leaving just the wood. Clean as others have mentioned here. use a good dose of RIG or light grease on the parts that will be under the wood and bolt it back together again. Be careful taking the trigger guard off they break easy also remember to take that magazine out before removing the whole action. Those are nice shooters, have fun. Pics of this new project would be nice to see.

[targa911S]

Some interesting stuff on yer gun here:
David B. Horvath's CMP Mossberg US 44 FAQ