How to Properly Remove Storage Lubricant

[STUPA216]

Just purchased a 1935 98K Mauser for shooting and as a representative piece (my first). Mostly matching arsenal refinished piece with near excellent bore. Question is how do you properly remove the lubricant it was submerged in for storage. It is an oily liquid. Thank you.

Kurt

[Von Hoth]

I am no expert, but i'd use Kroil, wd40, or teflon and wash the thick oil off with that?I bet the safest way would be to use a lighter weight oil and literally bathe the gun off with that until you have just the Kroil, teflon, or other light oil. Then use a bunch of rags and dry the gun off with that.
this would be safest way to avoid altering finish, no?



I have a few questions about storage like that. Is it really better in the long run? aren't there detergents and other additives in oils? (at least modern ones) those would surely leave some kind of altering chemical properties to finishes. I assume storage in lubricants is best for short term or extreme corrosive environments?

I ask because i was wondering about this stuff and what and where to buy Desiccants. What exactly is a Desiccants and is it available for the small hobbiest or only industrial purposes?

[2.FJD]

Two questions: are the metal parts coated with a liquid protectant or is it more like cosmoline? Cosmoline can thin out also with heat and time. For the metal parts pretty much any good solvent can be used. Some people will use kerosene to start and then switch to a lighter solvent for a final cleaning. Petroleum solvents will not damage the blueing or other finish. Many people will use spray on brake cleaner containing perchloroetylene. Other good solvents are acetone or even methyl or isopropyl alcohol. A used toothbrush will help get into small spaces. Keep in mind that most of these solvents are flammable so work should be done outside in good ventilation away from ignition sources. After cleaning use a good gun oil for further protection.
DO NOT use the solvents on any wood parts.

[M1 Tanker]

Simple Green and Purple power both work very well to remove cosmoline. A toothbrush and a lot of rags will help also. I would just set the stock out in the sun on a warm day and let it sweat it out.

For the metal, brake cleaner works good also.

[STUPA216]

More Like A Heavy Oil

The lubricant feels more like an oil. It is liquid like but does not run off the rifle. It will rub off when you touch it but is not free flowing.

Kurt