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Cosmoline Removal

891 views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Mikebiker 
#1 ·
Took the opportunity to use the 104 degree weather to melt off some more of that dreaded cosmoline from three of my rifles. A 91/30, M44 and VZ24 were in the mix. After 2 hours of baking in the sun the 91/30 was clean, the M44 had a bit come to the surface and the VZ24 was covered in the shiny goo. I'm wondering if it will ever come off thoroughly.
 
#4 ·
I'll give that a shot tomorrow. I'm sure it'l be blast furnace hot again. At least 5/6 of my WWII's are good to go. Can't wait till it cools off and I get to shoot them. I found a serial number on the VZ 24 that wasn't noticeable before. Pretty cool. Too bad it doesn't match all the others.
 
#5 ·
just do it out in the open an be aware of the fumes.

Gas works well as a solvent for the heavy paraffin content of these types of greases
you can also use plain mineral spirits and it will be a little easier on your eyes and safer, Most naphtha solvents also have a flash point of 120-140F where gasoline can be down around 85

Also, the prep solvents that paint and body guys use to wipe down a car prior to painting would be a great option if you can get some.
Kerosene also works well

wear safety glasses and wear nitrile gloves
 
#11 ·
Been there:oops:. Now I'm trying to figure out the best way to clean between the fore-end and magazine tube on an old Winchester 97 I just picked up. It was caked with years of old powder residue and difficult to shuck. Did my best with #9 and a toothbrush which helped a bunch but I know ere is more to be had.
 
#12 ·
Years ago a friend and myself bought two barreled action 45-70 Springfield rolling block rifles. I think they cost us $9.95 plus shipping each. They arrived in a cardboard box, rapped in dark brown wax paper and covered in cosmoline, thick, pretty dried up cosmoline. We didn't have any wood to deal with so we just used a stiff brush and gasoline. On the bore we used a rod with a brass brush with gas and finish up with a patch. After we finished cleaning we made sure the gas had all dried and then we oiled them real good.
 
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