Prepping a barrel with exterior rust

[Cajun72]

So acquired a TC Renegade in a trade. The bore is great, but exterior not so much. I started to draw file and sanded with 220 grit. Plan on using Doc Hawken's rust blueing. My progress in photo so far. I need to block sand some more. I still see some fine scratches. Advice appreciated.
Adam

 

[Phil Coffins]

Go back to draw filing. Patches of rust like that will show threw.

 

[Cajun72]

Thanks

 

[Old-Duckman]

It is amazing how deep rust pits can be. That barrel looks to be in pretty bad shape.

 

[IanH]

Go back to draw filing. Patches of rust like that will show threw.

+1. Those pits are deep.

 

[SDSmlf]

I would first try rust bluing it as it sits, then rub it back for that well used look. If you don’t care for the look, draw file it back for that factory fresh finish.

I’d be more concerned about the condition of the bore. You say it is great, but how did you check it? I would confirm condition with a borescope before putting to much into the exterior. I don’t often find neglected muzzleloaders with a bore in better shape than their exterior.

 

[Cajun72]

I am not trying for a factory finish. If it looks beat up ok with me. I just put a note scope down the bore. I did not see any rust or pitting, just needs a little cleaning. I would not have traded if the bore was toast like the other barrel I had.

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

I cannot recall the price of my Teslong borescope, but it has been worth every penny.
Plugs into your computer with one of those USB thingies; renders great views. The light is adjustable in brightness, and I believe it is slim enough to pass through a .22 cal barrel, provided it is not bent at a sharp right angle.

If you are going to mess with long hollow tubes, a borescope is a tremendous asset.

 

[deerstalkert]

browning it would make those pits less obvious. but if you want blue it will take much more sweat.