Surface rust on my new P226... How to?

**beschatten** · 06-29-12, 11:52

How do I remove the surface rust? I seriously picked this thing up 4 days ago and did not handle/fire it. Even has the QC tag on it.

It's only surface rust, I greased it up with CPL but it's not coming off. Btw, it's on the barrel only. Any tips?

**KCabbage** · 06-29-12, 11:56

Some Flitz or something similar should do the job.

**Microalign** · 06-29-12, 12:49

Regular, fine steel wool should take care of it. Flitz is pretty hard on finishes, and might be over-kill if the rust is minor.

If you've got a carbon slide Sig, then you definately need to keep it protected with something like Eezox or Weapon Shield. Eezox is going to be the best.

**gtmtnbiker98** · 06-29-12, 13:16

I would keep the QC tag on it, contact Sig and demand a replacement. I would also amend the QC tag to read 'FAILED.'

**Norinco** · 06-29-12, 15:44

Just the other day I noticed slight rust on the barrel of my X-five. It gets handled/shot often but is never without ample of lubrication.

**DBZ220** · 06-29-12, 16:43

Every SIG I own, or was issued had some minor barrel rust of some sort. Even when lubed properly, the exposed part of the barrel would have some minor surface rust. This was a bigger issue in summer time or rain, heck the entire slide of my parkerized P220 would look like an old boat anchor after a traffic detail in the rain. I solved the problem via Robar and their NP3 finish. Otherwise just buff it off with a light abrasive cloth and CLP as mentioned. The barrels are just blued from the factory, even today they generally don't Nitron or put any rust resistant finish on their barrels unless specified as part of a Gov or Agency contract...

**lunchbox** · 06-29-12, 16:45

Buy a Glock

**mkmckinley** · 06-29-12, 17:19

I use CLP and a toothbrush to tackle surface rust. Sometimes it works better if the CLP is allowed to soak in overnight. If the toothbrush isn't enough then I upgrade to a green scratchy potscrubber pad or brass brush. I was under the impression that steel wool would imbed and cause more rust later.

I'd also contact SIG and see what they have to say about it.

**arcticlightfighter** · 06-29-12, 17:36

Most all of my SIG's would turn brown at some point. Did not adversly affect the reliability of the pistols but was a PITA to maintain. Grip screws, slides, trigger and hammer would all be affected.

I tried several different finish options to no avail. I just worked harder at maintenance.