My first M1

[peeshooter]

I just got my first M1 from the CMP. It's a correct grade Springfield Armory. Serial #5850483. I was wondering If anyone had any suggestions on how clean all that cosmoline off. I don't know much about these rifles but have always admired them. Any help or tips would be appreciated.

 

[SaxonPig]

I wait for a nice hot day and hang it upside down in the sun. Most of the stuff will melt and run out the barrel (put down a can). Rest can be wiped off with rags.

 

[Orlando]

Any Grade Grand bought from CMP should be completely tore down , cleaned and properly greased
Dissasembly instructions are on the CMP web site
Wheel bearing grease is fine for lube

 

[devinsdad]

Take it apart and take as much off with rags and mineral spirits as you can. Do this outside!! Easy-off oven cleaner is the best thing i've found for all the parts. Hose them down with the cleaner and wrap them in paper towels. This is also the best (easiest) way to get it off the wood too. May need to do this a few times to get it off.

 

[Double Vision]

I've seen a heat gun suggested to remove the cosmoline.
Today I put 6 clips through my CMP M1. It's a lot of fun to shoot.
Congratulations and good luck!

 

[Tommygunn]

My father used gasoline but many volatile liquids will work.
And NO that doesn't mnean you burn it off, it dissolves it....

 

[a-sheepdog]

I agree about the oven cleaner, very effective. Those old garands are really nice with a little cleaning. If your stock leaches out, just rub it down with boiled linseed oil or tung oil.

 

[Orlando]

There is absolutly no reason to be using all these caustic chemicals
Wipe off excess with rags, wipe with mineral spirits. It is not cosmo but a protective grease.

 

[bigjay27]

Brake clean or acetone works on the metal parts. I own an M1 and shoot competitions with it. The history alone is reason for having the gun.

 

[mgregg85]

I used a steam cleaner on the metal parts of a few mosin nagants, it cleans the cosmo/grease off quickly and without any chemicals. I'd remove the wood and, once the cleaning is done, spray the parts down with wd-40 to help get rid of the water and protect the metal. Once it dried I applied a good coating of CLP.

 

[BigBore]

As stated , rags , tooth brush comes in handy and mineral spirits..The rest is just time..

 

[mshootnit]

I used a hair dryer first careful not to get the wood too hot. Then I used mineral spirits. The mineral spirits took quite a bit off. Then when it was dry I burnished it with 0000 steel wool. Then back on went a couple coats of BLO. Looks pretty good right now.

 

[peeshooter]

Thanks for all the help guys. I appreciate it. Does any one know how to tell when my gun was made or any history of it?

 

[Orlando]

Since its a Correct Grade it would be Post War , proabably ion the mid 1950's
No records were kept as far as were it went or who it was issued to

 

[451 Detonics]

My brother owns a Chrysler dealership, I just use the parts cleaner in the shop, works like a dream so if you have a buddy in the business...

Otherwise the above advise works...

 

[dprice3844444]

pvc tube and mineral spirits kerosene etc

 

[1KPerDay]

Peeshooter, congrats on a great rifle.

I found these helpful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnjxnwCRz5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTKfwdmMvVQ

http://www.surplusrifle.com/garand/index.asp
(click on the maintenance links to the right)

 

[GCBurner]

Thanks for all the help guys. I appreciate it. Does any one know how to tell when my gun was made or any history of it?

You can find out when the receiver was originally made here: http://oldguns.net/sn_php/milmods.htm

The history after that is a mystery, though. These rifles may have been back to the arsenals for rebuilding and parts replacement several times over their military lifespan.

 

[1KPerDay]

Though for a correct grade, it's more likely that it wasn't rebuilt.

 

[Orlando]

CMP Correct Grades are original Post War Garands, not arsenal rebuilt

 

[GCBurner]

Though for a correct grade, it's more likely that it wasn't rebuilt.

Can't really tell. The CMP "Correct Grade" will be put together with parts appropriate to the year the receiver was manufactured. The "Collector Grade" will come with all original parts, as it came from the maker, and will have documentation to that effect from the CMP Armorer. You can order a Correct from the CMP directly for $1100, but the Collectors go to the auction site, and go for whatever people are willing to pay. There's an unissued one on there now, current bid something over $5000.

 

[Orlando]

CMP does NOT build Correct Grade rifles (per Orest director of operations)

Quote "we did not build them - but - if we see a rifle that is otherwise correct and only needs a minor part to make it comploetely correct, we will replace the part and make the rifle correct"
Unquote

This is the actual grade description
"Correct Grade rifles will have all correct parts for the date of manufacture with 80% or better overall original metal finish"


Correct Grades are not arsenal rebuilds

 

[Maj Dad]

I very strongly recommend that you not use oven cleaner on your wood. It will clean it, but it will do more harm than good in this case. Wipe it off with rags and forego chemicals that can harm the wood & the grain. Look over on CSP (www.jouster.com) and the CMP website (and here!) for recommended techniques. Search Google, but don't use oven cleaner. I speak from experience (not mine but a friends) and it isn't worth the damage you'll have to contend with. I know some do, but I can tell you it ranks up there with sanding. Like they say, YMMV, but use it at your own peril.
My 2 cents

 

[1KPerDay]

IN the case of a correct grade rifle, IMO the hippocratic oath should be adhered to: "first, do no harm."