Beware the NEW gun may be pitted and rusty.

[AJMD429]

I just thought I'd post the observation that several times over the past few years, I've bought a new levergun (blued), and upon disassembly, found quite a bit of rust on the outside of the magazine tube, even to the point of pitting, and often a bit of rust on the front of the receiver and underside of the barrel as well.

I assume this is due to moisture from the forend wood or some acidity or something from the stain in the forend.

One thing I dislike about leverguns is that they usually have two-piece stocks and are easier to get water or debris in place that aren't easily exposed for cleaning.

[darkwater]

Did you keep the guns and correct the issues yourself, send them back to the factory, or back to the gun store? I assume it would be covered under the factory warranty if it's new.

[RIHMFIRE]

were they Henrys by chance?

Friend of mine who owns a gun shop here in florida
has been having rust problems with Henry rifles

[J Miller]

I guess I've been lucky so far. I've never had this trouble with a new gun. I have bought some really old ones that had rust and crud under the wood, a thorough cleaning and oiling took care of it.

Joe

[olyinaz]

I have had the same issue and unfortunately it's been with brand new Rossi guns. I've sent them back (Davidson's has have a very good exchange policy) but one was so bad that it had already developed some pitting. Very little was visible above the wood line - most of the disaster was hidden.

Something else to remember is that gun cleaning sprays like "Gunblaster" etc. are very good at displacing moisture but you have to then make sure that you douse your piece with an oil that has good migration tendencies so that it'll creep down under wood and into crevices etc.

If only stainless lever guns weren't so ugly! They sure make a lot of sense from a practicality perspective.

Cheers,
Oly

[AJMD429]

One thing I like about the Ruger's is the one-piece stock you can remove quickly and expose all the action and barrel for cleaning. Just wish they made them in stainless, and in other chamberings, and without the barrel band.