QuestionSir- I am restoring a badly rusted Browning .243. Outside and in. Can you remove the blueing and leave it that way if you keep it oiled? The lever-action workings inside are surface rusted. Can I use phosphoric acid to clean the gears and action and then keep oiled also. Looks as if there are some small rusty hairs-breath of pitting-very small- at the beginning of the rifling, just after the breach. Does this pose any problems? Would be nice to have a rifle again instead of a club. Thanks. --Also, any relevant issues regarding the Llama Omni-.45 as far as maintainence or operation.
AnswerBirchwood Casey sells a kit for rebluing, it includes a bluing/rust remover and a cold bluing solution. I've used the cold bluing on pistols with much success, but for something as big as a rifle you should look to a gunsmith for refinishing.
I wouldn't advise against keeping the surface of the gun unblued, it will rust very badly unless you oil it every day. If you can't afford a professional rebluing then I'd suggest cold bluing it.
As for the internal parts, I've never used acid, so I can't say. You might want to try the bluing/rust remover, or possibly Naval Jelly to remove the rust. Be very careful using abrasives on these parts, as they have to fit together properly for the gun to work.
You may want to consider replacing these parts - maybe find a "parts gun" or get what you need from Numerich Arms Co. ("The Gun Parts Company."
On to the Llama Omni - I haven't seen one of these for years. They had a pretty brief production run in the late 1980's, I remember. I've had no experience with this gun, so I can't comment on it. I will offer that the Llama M1911-style pistols are very under-rated, and if the Omni's quality is on par, it should be a decent gun.
If you are looking to buy an Omni, I wouldn't pay more than $150 for it. Beyond $150, there are better quality guns in your price range (such as the Ruger Kp90).
I hope this helps. If you need more information, please email me
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