How does the old finish get removed? Would it damage the crest on an old Mauser? Would the new finish obscure the crest? I have an old Mauser that has seen better days. I would like to restore it to like new condition. (And I don’t plan to sell it, so I’m not concerned with collector value).

Thanks.

First of all, what model Mauser? Why do you want to remove the old finish? And you may or may not reduce the value, depending on what it looks like now, selling it or not.
Restore to like new? Post or send me a picture, of the receiver markings, and the whole piece. Some can be "restored" and not hurt them. Others are so rare that you will potentially turn a $3000 rifle into a $300 one.

FN model 1935. I just want it to look like new. I really like that crest. I don’t like the look of the finish that’s getting worn away.

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Picture not found. My Mac said. I see it now.
Anyway, FN 1935, King Leupold L crest; you can't hurt it; do anything you want to it. These were originally painted; so you don't need to blue anything. Stock, definitely don't sand it; soak it in TSP to remove oil.

You have to get rid of that paint, it’s tough shit. Lots of applications of paint stripper gets it off eventually. See what’s underneath, it might be blued.
The ones I’ve done were 1950’s FN’s and they were parkerised underneath.
Don’t bead blast it!

This is also an FN.

I'd leave it as is. Being that you operate at such long distances, you probably won't be able to see the difference anyway.

John

as others have said, its painted.. want to get the rust off? wad up a foot of alum foil and squirt wd40 on the ring.. wipe around with the wad of foil, and use a rag repeatedly to pick up what comes off...

They are not blued under the paint; they were phosphated. I don't see any rust; take some 400 grit and shoe shine it until it is smooth. Hit it with some Rusteolum semi gloss.
No need to remove all the paint.