Mosin initial cleaning

[TennHunter]

I have a Mosin Nagant M91 that was given to my father a long time ago by a friend of his. Since my father pays it no attention and likely will never shoot it, I've decided to clean it up myself and see how it shoots. This is really the only truly old rifle I've had in my possession, and while I know it isn't that valuable I'd like to get it in the best condition I can. I've had a gunsmith look at it and he said it was mechanically sound and safe to shoot.
A couple of questions: One, I've removed and taken apart the bolt and tried cleaning all the individual parts but I'm finding that many of the rifle's steel parts have what looks like black tarnish stains in areas. How can this be removed?
Two, the construction of the bolt and whole action seem quite sturdy, but having never dealt with an antique like this, I'm not sure how much care and what solvent to use or not use in the bore and chamber. Any info from those of you who have experience with old rifles like this would be appreciated. Btw, its one of the early models, 1897 IIRC.

 

[fundercj]

I'm not sure about the tarnish stains...they could be leftover cosmoline, though if it's a shooter most of that probably has already been cycled through and burned off. Generally I will disassemble all my military surplus rifles and add them to a pot of boiling water until they appear to have been "degunked." After that, I air dry/towel dry them (careful they will be hot) and then let them cool to room temperature. Then I'll let them soak overnight in mineral spirits. This has been effective for me, but everyone does different stuff and I'm sure others will have suggestions, probably better than mine!

Good luck!

 

[Cosmoline]

I use M-Pro bore gel for cleaning surplus bores. Those are usually a problem area due to people shooting corrosive ammo and not cleaning afterwards. CLP for the rest. If there's a rust spot ultra fine steel wool and elbow grease work well.

No need to baby the steel. Antique Mosins are still shooting great today. They were built with plenty of steel to spare. The wood could be another matter, depending on how it's been treated. I usually clean with warm wet rags and dry off. If the finnish is bad enough I'll put on new coats of hand-rubbed BLO.