Mauser 98 Bolt polishing

[RPreto]

Hi All.
I bought an old neglected .308 FR8 Spanish Mauser "fabrica de armas la coruna mauser" with Wilson Combat barrel and std Mauser 98 Bolt.
Besides the Action and barrel that needs re bluing id like to "clean up" the overall appearance of the bolt. Pictures attached you will see it looks well worn. Ive seen a number of people polishing bolts for smoother action, but I dont need that. I only want to remove most of the remaining Bluing and keep the bolt metalised silver shiny look on the middle sections of the bolt visible through the ejection port area.
Any advise will be appreciated.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I polished mine on 98 Mauser that I built into 404J. I would suggest leaving the bolt shroud/safety blued. Polish cocking piece, extractor, bolt including handle, extractor, and extractor retaining ring.

Buy a polishing wheel to fit a bench grinder (I used a Shopsmith multitool). Also pick up some polishing compound and 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper. The polishing wheel and compound should help make fast work of it. Sandpaper for cleaning up pitting or rust. You can find lots of videos online for instructions on dismantling your bolt.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

The bluing is a form of rust that is stabilised , so any chemical that removes rust without etching or colouring the metal will do it. Burchwood casey make a bluing and rust remover that is diluted but works. You should be able to find something locally that will do the same
Gumpy

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Just checked to make sure , but it’s basically weak phosphoric acid ,
Gumpy

 

[ftrovato]

I use a Dremel and jewelers rouge or JB Bore Cleaner and a microfiber towel. Both will make the action and bolt like glass.