Removal of silver solder?

[Kiwi]

I have a NZ marked Patt 14 (F) rifle I am restoring and somewhere in its post army life someone has silver soldered a brass plate to the mid section of the barrel (it was sporterised when I got it). I have the woodwork and metalwork to bring it all back to military configuration, but am having a job trying to remove the silver solder now I have taken off the brass plate to allow me to fit the full length stock I have for it.

Should I be able to remove all traces of the stuff with heat, flux and solder wick or is going to require some sort of mechanical intervention to remove it? I have manage to remove all but a light coating of it, but the remnants ain't budging.

Information

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[WarPig1976]

Yup, sand it off. 320 should do it then blue or whatever.

[browningautorifle]

Like he says sand it off. If in doubt about it being gone, try some cold blue to see if it's all gone, that comes off easy before refinishing.

[Buntlineguy]

Try a Dremel tool with a cup wire brush. A little easier on the metal.
B

[vintage hunter]

A wire brush ain't gonna do it. You have to remove a few thousandths of metal to get past the penetration depth. On something round such as a barrel strips of emery cloth works best.

[Kiwi]

Thanks to all. I have managed to remove the remnants to the solder with the careful use of emery cloth after taping up and protecting the non soldered parts of the barrel to protect them. Applied permablue to the metal and managed to get an ok result. not great, but it's on the underside of the barrel and not at all visible when the barrel is in the stock and hand guards are removed. Not really a fan of permablue, but it is what I had on hand. Is there better type of blue that could be used so there isn't that blueish/greenish tinge and shine the the metal when finished.

[browningautorifle]

Only if you're prepared to do a hot blue. Cold blue never did look as good. Just a cover up...

[Kiwi]

Only if you're prepared to do a hot blue. Cold blue never did look as good. Just a cover up...

In which case, I shall be satisfied with the cold blue finish and be happy that I can bring back to full spec a piece on NZ military history. Will get some photos uploaded soon to the restorer's corner showing my project.

[vintage hunter]

Is there better type of blue that could be used so there isn't that blueish/greenish tinge and shine the the metal when finished.

I read an article years ago on cold blue that said each brand has a different formulation and one may produce better results than the others depending on the type of steel they are used on. In some cases none do very well. Basically it's a trial and error thing.

[browningautorifle]

each brand has a different formulation

trial and error thing.

Very true...