Cosmoline out of a yugo sks stock

[Shrinkmd]

Better than I thought...

As they say, when you're cheap you pay twice. Since I paid the first time to get "new unissued" I think it worked out.

I used murphy oil soap with orange spray bottle, wet it down a couple times with it, and wiped with a towel. I checked it this AM and it smells like orange juice! No stickiness on the outside, but still a little wet (but not tacky like before with the cosmoline). It isn't shiny. I will take some pictures and try to post later to get thoughts on what to do to make it look good.

I used mineral spirits on the rest of the stuff, got a little more cosmoline out of the bolt carrier, gas cylinder tube, reciever cover, recoil spring, and magazine. And this was after the brake cleaner dousing and remoil soaking overnight. The mineral spirits bath for an hour and toothbrushing seemed to get the rest out no problem. I think I will start there next time (next time. Geesh. I can see how people get into this. I am dreaming of a 91/30...)

Thanks for everyone's helpful advice. I will post pics, especially one she's done.

 

[TrafficMan]

i learned an old "stock polish" method online awhile back. it consists of one part turpentine, BLO, and Beeswax. Put the ingredients in a pot and cook it (NOT OVER AN OPEN FLAME) until it congeals. then you can pour it into a container (i used old shoe polish containers) -- it turns into a paste wax type substance, and makes your stock look GREAT!

 

[jwhdfw]

Real Easy

I bought an unissued SKS that was so bad, the receipt the dealer gave me was packed in cosmoline. For the metal parts, I used a SWEET recipe on makarov.com of mineral spirits, kero, Marvel, and Rislone. For the wood - me, orange action, a hot shower, and a loufa and 20 minutes later - Whoala, no finish. I think the cosmoline was the "stain" on it anyway...so....