Touch-up on Rem 700

[jlgwiz]

  I have a Rem 700 BDL.  I removed the scope mounts (aluminum) in order to replace them with steel ones.  There are small patches where the finish appears to have been worn down or at least thinned out, as these places are discolored, much lighter in color.  Should I treat them in any way before installing the new bases?  Since they are under the bases,  looks is not a real issue but rust protection is. Also since they are under the bases,  I did not think any type of wax or oil would be the best thing.  Any help would be appreciate.  Calling me a novice at this type thing would be giving me more credit than I deserve.

              jlgwiz

[Rangr44]

I would first rub the area with a rag, wetted with lacquer thinner (which won't harm the bluing) - in case what you see is dried loctite/adhesive.

If the "area" doesn't disappear with the cleaning, that's OK - since the metal needed to be cleaned of all oils, etc, before cold bluing.
I got the best results from Formula 44/40 Cold Blue, following the bottle directions, oiling lightly afterward.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1112&title=FORMULA%2044/40~%20INSTANT%20GUN%20BLUE

Use blue loctite on the screw & hole threads, when you remount the steel mount, and the oiled action will be NP.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=25512&title=HIGH%20STRENGTH%20RED%20#271%20THREADLOCKER

[gunnut69]

I use OxphoBlue on the light spots. It provides a better wear/abrasion resistance than the others. Then use a wax under the bases and clean and LocTite the screws/screw holes as has already been described. I usually don't even use LocTite under most circumstances any more. Properly set up they will seldom loosen. Still it is cheap insurance and on any rifle used far from home or constantly in use such as my house coyote gun, it's a wise thing.. Still I've rifles that have been in use for 30 years and have not loosened,, yet..

[jlgwiz]

 Thank You for the replies.   Now its just a matter of getting the material and doing it.

           jlgiwz