Need help with cleaning a painted 700

[Soberhunter]

Folks I am new to ODT, posting anyway. I picked up a couple of new to me toys this weekend. A Mossberg 835 ulti-mag turkey gun. It cleaned up well so no problem there. However the second one is a model 700, date code AF which puts it 1980. I am not sure it was cleaned very often. The bore cleaned up nice, no pitting or rust so it is good there. The problem is the weapon was painted camo, stock, bolt, barrel, action, scope, the whole 9+ yards. I can refinish the wood stock, or at least I think I can. But the metal parts are where my concerns are. The paint is chipping off in spots, it looks like cheap spray paint, and the finish looks intact. What can I use to remove the paint and not damage the finish underneath?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[ARCman47]

welcome to the odt! i can bet someone will chime in very soon with an answer

 

[Hasselhoss]

If it was originally blued you should be able to use mineral spirits without concern. No vinegar though.

 

[the_great_white]

0000 steel wool and some good ol elbow grease

 

[Trader Jordon]

You have a few options... You can media blast it, I recommend professional only! You can also try astone. I know it sounds bad but it dries quick, I use it before I DURACOAT firearms. * Just make sure you put it in a case and don't even fingerprint it. It will rust faster than a 74 Pinto. After you done if you plan on using it make sure you re-lubricate firearm. Welcome to the trader~

 

[Soberhunter]

Thanks, I had not thought of mineral spirits, a friend of mine at work and I had kicked around using acetone but mineral spirits should work if it is just cheap paint. And it is or was originally blued.

 

[Soberhunter]

OK now, go easy on the 74 Pinto. As a much younger man I had a new one of those and it never rusted. It also did not run very often but there was no rust.

 

[Soberhunter]

Guys thank you for the response.