How would you go about testing a shotgun that has a bit of rust on it(More detail on first response)?

[JM]

How would you go about testing a shotgun that has a bit of rust on it(More detail on first response)?

[JM]

-I already have an idea of what I want to do, but I want to hear other opinions before I post it.
-The gun is a 1970s 12 gauge Wingmaster. On the outside it looks perfect, but due to sitting around for more than a decade a bit of surface
rust formed on the inside of the barrel and on most of the moving parts(it was not clean when it was put away). After cleaning it all up I am 99% sure it would not have any problems, but I want to make sure.

[huntfishtrap]

If you mean you want to determine whether it will fire and cycle properly, I can't think of a better test than a round of trap. Just clean up the rust as best you can first and give her a go...

[JM]

@huntfishtrap,
-I am focusing more along the lines of safety testing. There was just enough rust on the inside of the barrel that I can't help but be a little bit worried that there might be a bad spot that I can't see.
-A round of trap sounds like a good way to make sure everything in functioning perfectly after I make sure it is 100% safe to fire.

[DSMbirddog]

JM, place the butt of the gun in an old tire with the barrel pointed in a safe direction. Attach a cord to the trigger, load the shotgun, walk away a safe distance, and give the cord a yank. I'm sure the 870 is okay but better safe than sorry.

[JM]

@DSM,
That was my plan(Didn't think of the tire though). Do you think just one shot would be good enough insurance though or should I put some bigger loads/really fire a few off quickly?

[huntfishtrap]

I agree with DSM, the tire-and-cord is a good safety test for any firearm. Likewise I would think the 870 is okay unless the amount of rust is really nasty, but you can't be too careful when it comes to firearm safety I guess.
As to your other question, I would fire a few (maybe 4 or 5) of the heaviest shells you plan on using with the gun, in moderately quick succession. If it holds up okay with the heavy loads, you'll be fine.

[JM]

@huntfishtrap,
It would be a gun a friend or family member would use to hunt with when visiting..that is why I am being so cautious.

[DSMbirddog]

As huntfishtrap said use the heaviest loads you are likely to use. Fire several and give the bore a good inspection inside and out.

[Ram1500]

After test firing as suggested by these other gents and your still concerned about the safety issue pick up another barrel and feel totally safe then.

[PigHunter]

-I already have an idea of what I want to do, but I want to hear other opinions before I post it.
-The gun is a 1970s 12 gauge Wingmaster. On the outside it looks perfect, but due to sitting around for more than a decade a bit of surface
rust formed on the inside of the barrel and on most of the moving parts(it was not clean when it was put away). After cleaning it all up I am 99% sure it would not have any problems, but I want to make sure.

It's good to be concerned. But you have done what I would have.

[PigHunter]

@huntfishtrap,
-I am focusing more along the lines of safety testing. There was just enough rust on the inside of the barrel that I can't help but be a little bit worried that there might be a bad spot that I can't see.
-A round of trap sounds like a good way to make sure everything in functioning perfectly after I make sure it is 100% safe to fire.

Barrel rust in a smooth bore is not a big deal as long as there's no obstruction

[PigHunter]

JM, place the butt of the gun in an old tire with the barrel pointed in a safe direction. Attach a cord to the trigger, load the shotgun, walk away a safe distance, and give the cord a yank. I'm sure the 870 is okay but better safe than sorry.

That's unnecessary caution.

[PigHunter]

@huntfishtrap,
It would be a gun a friend or family member would use to hunt with when visiting..that is why I am being so cautious.

JM, I agree that you should err on the side of caution but these jokers were giving you some silly advice.

[PigHunter]

As huntfishtrap said use the heaviest loads you are likely to use. Fire several and give the bore a good inspection inside and out.

HELL NO! You start with the weakest load you can find.