Gunsmithing How to clean up old, worn out action

[Swift]

I wanted to try my hand at gunsmithing but didn't want to tear into one of my nice rigs so I used an old Savage as my practice dummy. The plan is to switch out the barrel, clean up the action, install a new trigger and make it go boom safely and successfully.

After getting the barrel off, I inspected the receiver and the threads in the receiver are oxidized and have some surface rust. The bluing is also worn off a large portion of the receiver's exterior. It should be noted here that the rifle is shot and cleaned on a regular basis and the receiver shows no signs of stress or weakness.

What products/methods would you suggest for 1) Cleaning up the threads and 2) Prepping the barrel/receiver for Duracoat?

EDIT: And before anyone suggests that I send the action away to have the threads recut, the goal isn't to build a custom quarter minute gun. Just trying to get my feet wet and build something that works for the experience, confidence and personal satisfaction.

 

[former naval person]

Re: How to clean up old, worn out action

I'd use some Os-Pho on a stainless steel brush and rotate it round and round in the receiver, let the Os-Pho work for an hour or two, and then rinse it out. It will remove bluing too, and leave a mildly matted finish. You can paint that or reblue as you wish. JMHO

 

[BBeyer]

Re: How to clean up old, worn out action

Some guys say a tap made for the purpose will do a good job cleaning up tue action threads, but with the variation of the threads in a Rem. action I do not see how. Practice single pointing a bit and give it a shot on your action.

 

[geargrinder]

Re: How to clean up old, worn out action

Don't re-cut the threads on the Savage action. Doing so prevents it from ever being able to use pre-fit barrels.

Don't worry about the threads. You can protect them with some anti-seize when you screw your next barrel on.

If your going to Duracoat it, you'll want to have it blasted with aluminum oxide or have it parkerized. It needs the rougher surface to cling to.

 

[Col Kurtz]

Re: How to clean up old, worn out action

I would also recommend blasting the action. You can pic up a cheap blasting cabinet from Harbor Freight or simular store. The benchtop models are very reasonable priced. Then I would spray it down with acetone to remove any remaining oils. Be sure not to hadle it with your bare hands after you've blasted it, as that will contaminate the surface. Then spray, and bake. This is how it is done in the most simple form. I hope this helps.

 

[mattja99]

Re: How to clean up old, worn out action

I built a blasting cabinet from leftovers around the garage. I simple plywood box with a 8x10 window of an old glass pane. Order a cheap "gun" from harbor freight and some aluminum oxide from midway. I use a crappy old 1.5hp compressor and a 5 gal air can. It's not top notch but it does the job just fine. I have maybe $50 in it, already having the compressor, can, hose ect. The most expensive thing I bought was a "hang on" shop vac to suck out the dust. I just blasted my old savage 110 action and gunkoted it green over the weekend. Building a blasting cabinet was one of the cooler garage projects.