Greased Mags Need Cleaning?

TPAW · November 17, 2012, 10:03 AM

I would like to soak greasy mags in a bucket to get the grease off. What should I use?

Sparks1957 · November 17, 2012, 10:48 AM

How did the mags get greasy in the first place?

If they're new, I clean them by disassembling then, and wiping them down inside and out. I put the lightest oil coating possible on the springs, and re-assemble. That is enough.

carguychris · November 17, 2012, 11:03 AM

If these are new mags, and they're packed in a slightly sticky, pasty, yellowish, and foul-smelling preservative, it's most likely cosmoline, the same stuff used to preserve vintage military rifles.

Cosmo can be removed using a variety of common solvents such as brake cleaner, mineral spirits, or acetone, but IMHO the easiest and cleanest way to remove it is to dip the parts in boiling water. Disassemble the mags and set any plastic parts aside. You'll want to do this outside and either boil the metal parts in a pot that you never use for cooking, OR put the parts in a metal or glass container and then fill it with boiling water. The cosmo will melt off and float to the top of the water; stir the parts gently to make sure you get it all. Thoroughly dry and oil the metal parts afterwards and reassemble.

All that being said...

I'm generally with Sparks1957. I usually don't do the full-blown cosmo removal treatment on new mags; I just disassemble them, wipe everything down really well, lightly oil, reassemble, and call it good.

Amsdorf · November 17, 2012, 11:26 AM

It's always interesting to me to see how different manufacturers handle things. When I bought my Beretta 92A1 a few months ago I cleaned the pistol itself and lubed it up, but didn't think to touch the magazines.

I was having lots of problems with it during the first session.

Took a look at the magazines and ... coated with heavier than usual oil which was rather thick.

Cleaned the mags thoroughly and applied light lube (Ballistol).

Not a single problem since.

Stressfire · November 17, 2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

When I bought my Beretta 92A1 a few months ago I cleaned the pistol itself and lubed it up, but didn't think to touch the magazines.

Weird. Got mine in '10. Shot 2 mags without a hiccup straight from the box. Mags weren't greasy at all, both came with the pistol. The latter was pretty gummy though

drail · November 17, 2012, 03:40 PM

I can't believe no one has suggested tossing them in your dishwasher.

BlueTrain · November 18, 2012, 11:16 AM

Someone, probably Ruger, had a magazine advertisment showing a revolver in the dishwasher. The only problem with that is waiting until you have a full load.

Edward429451 · November 19, 2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

get the grease off. What should I use?

Dawn dishwashing detergent.

K1500 · November 19, 2012, 10:28 PM

The ad was for Colt when the stainless 1911's came out. Great ad.

medalguy · November 20, 2012, 11:10 PM

If you're working with milsurp mags, I would fully disassemble them one at a time and wipe everything down with mineral spirits, dry with a clean towel, and reassemble. I say one at a time because often the parts won't fully interchange between mags. This way you don't have any issues with this. Wipe the outside only with a very light coat of oil, something like CLP, and again wipe until nearly dry. I don't use any oil on the inside because it simply holds dirt.

November 17, 2012, 10:03 AM	#1
TPAW Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Posts: 2,860	Greased Mags Need Cleaning? I would like to soak greasy mags in a bucket to get the grease off. What should I use?

November 17, 2012, 11:03 AM	#3
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	If these are new mags, and they're packed in a slightly sticky, pasty, yellowish, and foul-smelling preservative, it's most likely cosmoline, the same stuff used to preserve vintage military rifles. Cosmo can be removed using a variety of common solvents such as brake cleaner, mineral spirits, or acetone, but IMHO the easiest and cleanest way to remove it is to dip the parts in boiling water. Disassemble the mags and set any plastic parts aside. You'll want to do this outside and either boil the metal parts in a pot that you never use for cooking, OR put the parts in a metal or glass container and then fill it with boiling water. The cosmo will melt off and float to the top of the water; stir the parts gently to make sure you get it all. Thoroughly dry and oil the metal parts afterwards and reassemble. All that being said... I'm generally with Sparks1957. I usually don't do the full-blown cosmo removal treatment on new mags; I just disassemble them, wipe everything down really well, lightly oil, reassemble, and call it good. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

November 18, 2012, 11:16 AM	#7
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	Someone, probably Ruger, had a magazine advertisment showing a revolver in the dishwasher. The only problem with that is waiting until you have a full load. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.

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November 17, 2012, 10:48 AM	#2
Sparks1957 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,552	How did the mags get greasy in the first place? If they're new, I clean them by disassembling then, and wiping them down inside and out. I put the lightest oil coating possible on the springs, and re-assemble. That is enough.

November 17, 2012, 11:26 AM	#4
Amsdorf Junior member Join Date: July 24, 2011 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 849	It's always interesting to me to see how different manufacturers handle things. When I bought my Beretta 92A1 a few months ago I cleaned the pistol itself and lubed it up, but didn't think to touch the magazines. I was having lots of problems with it during the first session. Took a look at the magazines and ... coated with heavier than usual oil which was rather thick. Cleaned the mags thoroughly and applied light lube (Ballistol). Not a single problem since.

November 17, 2012, 03:40 PM	#6
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	I can't believe no one has suggested tossing them in your dishwasher.

November 19, 2012, 10:28 PM	#9
K1500 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2011 Posts: 163	The ad was for Colt when the stainless 1911's came out. Great ad.

November 20, 2012, 11:10 PM	#10
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2009 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,033	If you're working with milsurp mags, I would fully disassemble them one at a time and wipe everything down with mineral spirits, dry with a clean towel, and reassemble. I say one at a time because often the parts won't fully interchange between mags. This way you don't have any issues with this. Wipe the outside only with a very light coat of oil, something like CLP, and again wipe until nearly dry. I don't use any oil on the inside because it simply holds dirt.