Old rifle cleaning advice needed

smurfsdad · November 17, 2010, 09:01 PM

I've come upon an old Mossberg Model 46b-b that is pretty rusty and dirty.
I've got the stock off to clean and finish. I've cleaned most of the metal pretty well but have a few areas that I'd just as soon not take apart fearing that I'd screw something up. Mainly the trigger and bolt action areas. These places are not rusty, but are dirty and may have bits of steel wool in them. Can you guys recommend any solvent spray to use in order to flush these areas clean?
Thanks for your time

DnPRK · November 17, 2010, 10:09 PM

The old Mossbergs are steel. I use 14 ounce spray cans of CRC's Brakleen automotive brake cleaner from Auto Zone. It blasts away all the gummy dirt and dries quickly. Use it in a well ventilated area.

Bill DeShivs · November 18, 2010, 02:37 AM

Brake parts cleaner is the way to go.
Make sure you lube thoroughly after using it. My routine is to use brake cleaner, then flush with WD 40 to lube internal areas and displace any condensation caused by the brake cleaner. Dry, then oil.

smurfsdad · November 18, 2010, 10:45 PM

Thanks guys for your input

dutchy · November 24, 2010, 05:08 PM

I have cleaned many old guns, including a lot of rimfires.
My recipe to get the goo out is: strip as much as possible and then soak and brush with a clean paintbrush in white spirit. After thorough cleaning apply Ballistol generously and you do not need to look at the action for a long time.
After shooting only clean affected areas.
In case of an unlacquered (= not sealed) stock:
Strip of all metal parts, get an electric paint remover and, finding out the right distance to the wood, (start with a larger distance and work closer from there) and make the muck sweat out. Regularly remove muck with clean preferably old cotton cloth. When ready apply oil to your taste.
Dents are taken out by covering with very wet cotton cloth and applying the electric iron very briefly to on top of the cloth on the dent.
PS: White spirit is a hydrocarbon. That means: outside or at least in a very well ventilated space and eliminate all ignition sources.

gunney 67 · November 25, 2010, 07:30 PM

remember to use good quality rubber gloves(cheap ones dissolve) when using brake cleaner. It ain't good for your liver. Well- ventilated is also a good idea.

Bigfatts · November 26, 2010, 12:00 AM

While you're at it, there is plenty of excellent info on your rifle here:
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...splay.php?f=51

Rifleman1776 · November 26, 2010, 09:19 AM

Spray carburetor cleaner has long been my top cleaning tool.

November 17, 2010, 09:01 PM	#1
smurfsdad Junior Member Join Date: November 9, 2010 Posts: 10	Old rifle cleaning advice needed I've come upon an old Mossberg Model 46b-b that is pretty rusty and dirty. I've got the stock off to clean and finish. I've cleaned most of the metal pretty well but have a few areas that I'd just as soon not take apart fearing that I'd screw something up. Mainly the trigger and bolt action areas. These places are not rusty, but are dirty and may have bits of steel wool in them. Can you guys recommend any solvent spray to use in order to flush these areas clean? Thanks for your time

November 18, 2010, 02:37 AM	#3
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Brake parts cleaner is the way to go. Make sure you lube thoroughly after using it. My routine is to use brake cleaner, then flush with WD 40 to lube internal areas and displace any condensation caused by the brake cleaner. Dry, then oil. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

November 24, 2010, 05:08 PM	#5
dutchy Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2005 Location: Holland Posts: 199	cleaning I have cleaned many old guns, including a lot of rimfires. My recipe to get the goo out is: strip as much as possible and then soak and brush with a clean paintbrush in white spirit. After thorough cleaning apply Ballistol generously and you do not need to look at the action for a long time. After shooting only clean affected areas. In case of an unlacquered (= not sealed) stock: Strip of all metal parts, get an electric paint remover and, finding out the right distance to the wood, (start with a larger distance and work closer from there) and make the muck sweat out. Regularly remove muck with clean preferably old cotton cloth. When ready apply oil to your taste. Dents are taken out by covering with very wet cotton cloth and applying the electric iron very briefly to on top of the cloth on the dent. PS: White spirit is a hydrocarbon. That means: outside or at least in a very well ventilated space and eliminate all ignition sources.

November 17, 2010, 10:09 PM	#2
DnPRK Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2001 Location: LC, Ca Posts: 1,917	The old Mossbergs are steel. I use 14 ounce spray cans of CRC's Brakleen automotive brake cleaner from Auto Zone. It blasts away all the gummy dirt and dries quickly. Use it in a well ventilated area.

November 18, 2010, 10:45 PM	#4
smurfsdad Junior Member Join Date: November 9, 2010 Posts: 10	Thanks guys for your input

November 25, 2010, 07:30 PM	#6
gunney 67 Member Join Date: July 21, 2008 Location: boise idaho Posts: 77	remember to use good quality rubber gloves(cheap ones dissolve) when using brake cleaner. It ain't good for your liver. Well- ventilated is also a good idea.

November 26, 2010, 12:00 AM	#7
Bigfatts Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2005 Location: Lutz Posts: 1,528	While you're at it, there is plenty of excellent info on your rifle here: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...splay.php?f=51

November 26, 2010, 09:19 AM	#8
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Spray carburetor cleaner has long been my top cleaning tool.