Rust Removal with Flitz

[utengineer]

The rust on my 870 receiver is highly visible with direct LED lights, at a 45 degree angle. Yet, if I have a good coat of oil and look directly at it, it is hard to see. This still bugged me, so I ordered Flitz polish from Brownells (Product Link). The tutorial video commented how popular Flitz is for protecting the bluing while removing rust. They also noted if Flitz doesn't work, it would be time to use sandpaper. I guess my de-rust endeavor will turn in to a whole media blast and cold blue project. Although, I was planning to blue anyways.

I just thought I would pass on this picture in case others experience the same annoying rust issue. From what I have read, the Express matte finish is very prone to this issue. This picture shows my receiver after three attempts to degrease/steel wool/Flitz polish.

[Synchronizor]

From what I have read, the Express matte finish is very prone to this issue.

The Express finish isn't the most resilient in the world, but I don't think its negative internet reputation is entirely fair. It is the entry-level finish after all, and it's kind of unreasonable to expect it to be as durable or corrosion-resistant as more expensive alternatives. If the owner doesn't have unreasonable expectations, and understands that it needs to be kept oiled and promptly cared for when it really gets wet, the Express bluing actually does pretty well.

Many of my 870 components have the Express finish, and though it's seen plenty of rain, humidity, and snow, I have yet to see any rust apart from one case that was entirely my fault for dragging it through the snow and letting it sit wet for hours after I got home. Even then though, the finish had been oiled properly, and most of the gun was fine. There were only light dustings of rust where the water sat between contacting surfaces (like the magazine extension bracket), and it came right off with minimal effort.

[mercman]

I've been using Flitz for years to remove rust and it has worked well for me.