Cleaning old guns

[speed_demon_freak]

Hey guys what's going on? I acquired some old shotguns and rifles and I want to clean them. Some of them look like they have never been cleaned before. Can I use regular Hoppes on them?

I have a Winchester 1897 #158xxx

Winchester Model 1890 #308xxx

Westernfield unknown model #SB8xxx

Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 158 #158xxx

Stevens Model 67 Series E #E551xxx

Several Ithaca's 406xxx
113xxx
M49 263xxx

And a shotgun with no numbers on it at all.

 

[Sam]

You certainly can but I would reccomend something a bit more severe if they have been that badly neglected.

Remove all the wood and soak overnight in mineral spirits first. It will cut the crud, loosen any rust and make disassembly a bit easier.

Sam

 

[speed_demon_freak]

Thanks. Will that harm the finish?


Thanks again

 

[langenc]

Could disassemble and remove wood and then wash with soap & HOT water to get some of the crud. Would depend on how they looked. Will undoubtedly need an old toothbrush/wirebrush applied CAREFULLY please.

Wood may need same treatment but caution around the 'edges' so they are not damaged.

 

[mete]

Sometimes old guns can't even be taken apart because of cheap oil which has oxidized to a varnish. The gun may have to be soaked in a solvent such a s trichlorethylene or in a boiling solution of trisodium phosphate [TSP] [NOT for aluminum !!] For difficult to remove screws be patient. Use a penetrant on them and wait 24 hours .Use screw drivers that fit the slot properly and maybe apply a little heat.

 

[Azrael256]

Might mix up some Ed's Red. It's my favorite for soaking.