I was just given an old Weaver V1.5 x 4.5 Widefield scope. The optics are in good shape, but the steel tube has rust patches over most of it. Looks like some pitting in places too. I intend to clean it up the best I can and either put it on a beater gun or a painted rifle. I intend to remove the rust using traditional methods (scrape with brass, use solvent and oil etc.). I'm concerned about trying to remove rust up against the edge of the lenses. I've used the Weaver Scope Repair service before and they do excellent work, but I don't want to spend anything on this otherwise good scope. Any tips or advice is welcome. Thanks - John

I would fit & trim several layers of masking tape & apply to the lens then use 0000 steel wool with a wee bit of oil on the rust.

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NRA Life member

I'd use Brownell's Oxpho Blue on it after you get it cleaned up. The best cold blue you can get, IMHO.

Don

For really detailed de-rusting you can put down a tiny dab of Naval Jelly using a toothpick. Use just a little bit at a time, sometimes you need to do it 2 or 3 times if it is deep rust but it doesn't sound like this is that bad. I wouldn't necessarily do the whole scope this way but like you are asking around the rings is a good idea. Masking the lenses like Bear Claw suggests is a very good idea also.