Rusty M16

[MilitariaMan]

Hello! I’m looking for advice on removing rust from an old M16 I have. It has two layers of paint, both appear to be over 70 years old. The second layer is mostly in tact, except on the underside where it is rusted away, but coated in a light layer of rust that has turned it into a maroon color instead of the traditional green.

I suspect it was left in a barn for a long time. The inside is toasted, some areas of paint are cracked, and it feels kinda burned.

My plan is to put naval jelly on the inside. I have been told that the outside should be treated with Rem Oil. I have also considered just giving it an oxalic acid bath.

I would eventually like to put a liner and chinstrap on it, but that’s a ways away. would be the best course of action to removing the rust and keeping the paint?

[GlennAgain]

I suggest leaving it the way it is... There's really nothing you can do that would be an improvement...Nice display piece!

[BlackCat1982]

I agree, you gain nothing by stripping the history from this relic, the value won’t increase even when replacing the liner and a repaint.

[MilitariaMan]

Oh, I wasn't planning on a repaint, just want to be able to see the green paint that's already there. But I'll take this into account with the liner. Thank you for the quick response!