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.
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.
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
The degreaser called Purple Power is the absolute best. Will not hurt the metal and takes off the gunk/cosmoline/old linseed like magic. Your stock will be ready for fresh oiling.
Been there. 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.
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.
Gasoline was the usual removal method years ago for the stuff but it is very dangerous and now days better and safer chemical are available.
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