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jr54416

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I recently received my father's WWII rifle. It's an M1 inland carbine and I have no idea how to care for it. Should I put anything like linseed oil on the wood? How do I care for the metal, and how should I store it? As a female who has never fired a gun, I would appreciate any info. Thanks
 
I wouldn't put anything on the wood. Could buff it with a soft cloth, or clean it with a damp soft cloth.

I would use some good oil on the metal surfaces. I like Breakfree CLP, but nearly anything will do.

Dont freak out, just keep it from rusting until you're more comfortable. :)
 
If you have a friend that does shoot AND you trust them with that old jewel of a rifle have them help show you how to clean the barrel and oil it along with the rest of mantanece. That rifle would be nice to read up on and lean about. Recoil is light but loud. Many site and videos on cleaning and disassembly of your wonderfull old rifle.
 
My dad had a civil war era rifle and he wiped it down with 3in1 oil for years. No ill effects.
 
IMHO the wood can dry out and it should be cared for, but you do not want anything that will alter the color of the wood or damage any markings on the wood. As to the metal bits you do need to learn how to take the thing apart as it will rust in places you can not get to with everything all put together. You should also pick up a cleaning kit so you can run a oily patch and perhaps a brush down the barrel to get everything clean. Many times with these old rifles owned by "old timers" they had little value past that of a "gun" and did not get the best care....not saying that is the case here. As is it very likely a WWII rifle the value will likely be somewhere north of $6-700 and it could be WELL north of that depending on a few different factors.
 
Rub any metal part that you have touched with your hands with a soft cloth with a few drops of oil on it (gun oil, motor oil, it doesn't matter). Finger prints and sweat (even though your hands feel dry) is the easiest way to cause external rust on a gun (unless it has been in adverse conditions like rain or in a boat in salt water).

I have 50 year old guns that look brand new because the last thing the blued metal touched was an oily rag.

Dan
 
I recently received my father's WWII rifle. It's an M1 inland carbine and I have no idea how to care for it. Should I put anything like linseed oil on the wood? How do I care for the metal, and how should I store it? As a female who has never fired a gun, I would appreciate any info. Thanks
Use Lucas Gun Oil all over it !!!!
 
Looks like the other responders likely answered your questions. With that said, whatever you do, please never get rid of it. My father inherited my grandfathers M1 Garand, which has since been passed on to me. One day when I have a kid, it will become theirs. Heck of a family heirloom when you think about it.
 
If you posted the area in which you live, I'd bet that there's a forum member or two who's nearby that would love to give it a good, thorough cleaning for you. Most would probably consider it a privilege as that is one very cool firearm. There's no harm in asking, right?
 
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