I picked up a poly spiker and the front sight post, muzzle, and upper portion of the barrel. Is 0000 steel wool the best option? Or??? School me. Would like to try to save the bluing as much as possible https://imgur.com/gallery/JE9A5

Rules. We need a picture.  They are too nice not to share. Plenty of restoration  experts here that will help.

IS it surface rust? Your post doesn't say what the problem is.

If it is, go to Harbor Freight and get a container of Evapo-Rust.

It wipes off surface rust.

I bought a Marline Camp 9,

took it home took it apart and found the barrel under the hand guard completely covered in rough surface rust.

Evapo-Rust wiped it away and made it perfectly smooth without touching the bluing.

Test it on a small spot first is recommended.