WWII - GI Rifle Bore Cleaner / Where can I get more or make more?

[whatnickname]

Two marriages and about three life times ago I bought 40 2.0 OZ bottles of what was probably WWII surplus GI bore cleaner for $20.00 from Sarco. Money was limited back then. Over the years I have mostly used this for cleaning handguns. I’ve grown to like the stuff. I’m down to my last bottle and, naturally, there is no more of it to be found. Does anyone know where I can get more? Anyone know how to make more? My guess is that it’s mineral spirits and some type of light oil but that’s just a guess.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

The bottle shown is not of WWII vintage and I'll bet the solvent isn't either.
Looks like 1960's issue to me.

Tins of WWII bore cleaner (corrosive primers era) have an extremely pervasive odor and were labeled as POISON
in an era when washing one's hands in av-gas was acceptable.
Those who have ever used this cleaner indoors know what I mean.
I lost serious gun cleaning privileges in any part of the house because of one time with the WWII cleaner.

I see some of the pictured bottles for sale at all gun shows, so that would be my suggestion (when we ever have one again!).

JT

 

[AlexanderA]

Yes, those plastic bottles look like Vietnam-era issue. The actual WW2 stuff came in metal cans. The advantage of the WW2 bore cleaner is that it would remove corrosive primer residue. That shouldn't be an issue with current ammunition.

I'll bet most shooters today are far more used to the smell of Hoppe's #9 than GI bore cleaner.

 

[bdickens]

Why?

 

[Texas10mm]

1 part Dexron II, IIe or III ATF

1 part kerosene, deodorized K1

1 part Aliphatic Mineral Spirits (odorless mineral spirits, Stoddard Solvent, Varsol)

Ed's Red without the acetone.

 

[briansmithwins]

This guy has the rifle bore cleaner: https://www.sprucemtsurplus.com/grease-oil-sealant.html

I’ve bought from him before with no problems.

BSW

 

[CapnMac]

This bit:

DSA 640-69-D-0282

Tells us this is a Defense Supply Agency contract, and for the 1969 Fiscal year.

 

[Kleanbore]

1 part Dexron II, IIe or III ATF.......without the acetone.

Won't dissolve jacket material

 

[Dibbs]

IIRC, most Mil-Spec materiel is open to public manufacture, just make it to their specs, which they publish. Highly doubt if their
rifle cleaner is a state secret.

 

[briansmithwins]

IIRC, most Mil-Spec materiel is open to public manufacture, just make it to their specs, which they publish. Highly doubt if their
rifle cleaner is a state secret.

Some specs are written that the item must (or must not) contain certain materials. Others are written for performance and how you do the job doesn’t matter.

No idea which way the rifle bore cleaner is written.

BSW

 

[Dibbs]

Yeah, me either.

 

[lightman]

I have a can or two of the old WW2 stuff and maybe a bottle of the stuff that you pictured. In my opinion, there are better choices now days. The WW2 stuff did work well if you shot corrosive ammo.

 

[0ne3]

i found it at. Billings Army Navy Surplus Store. 4.95 for a 2oz. bottle.

 

[ilbob]

I use straight kerosene or diesel. Just soak overnight and generally the crud comes out pretty easy the next day.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I have a gallon of the crap. Never cared for old GI bore cleaned. If you lived close by, I would give it to you.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

Try eBay. I've been able to purchase Outer's "Nitro" solvent there, no MSDS as it was manufactured before such things were required.

 

[johnnyringo12]

View attachment 913648

Two marriages and about three life times ago I bought 40 2.0 OZ bottles of what was probably WWII surplus GI bore cleaner for $20.00 from Sarco. Money was limited back then. Over the years I have mostly used this for cleaning handguns. I’ve grown to like the stuff. I’m down to my last bottle and, naturally, there is no more of it to be found. Does anyone know where I can get more? Anyone know how to make more? My guess is that it’s mineral spirits and some type of light oil but that’s just a guess.

omahas.com

WW2 Rifle Bore Cleaner in a 6oz Can (omahas.com)

An old post i know but i love this stuff too and not sure if you have found any since you posted this.

 

[FL-NC]

That WW2 stuff smelled suspiciously like diesel to me.

 

[792mauser]

The bottle shown is not of WWII vintage and I'll bet the solvent isn't either.
Looks like 1960's issue to me.

Tins of WWII bore cleaner (corrosive primers era) have an extremely pervasive odor and were labeled as POISON
in an era when washing one's hands in av-gas was acceptable.
Those who have ever used this cleaner indoors know what I mean.
I lost serious gun cleaning privileges in any part of the house because of one time with the WWII cleaner.

I see some of the pictured bottles for sale at all gun shows, so that would be my suggestion (when we ever have one again!).

JT

I found 2 cases of the WW2 metal can cleaneryears ago. I'm now down to one more than a decade later.

I can't properly describe the smell. It's the perfect size to pop in a pocket to take to the range.

I've never had a problem shooting corrosive chi-com 7.62x39 after cleaning with it. Or any other corrosive ammo.
But Jesus the smell, it lingers for days if you spill a drop on the ground.

 

[mjsdwash]

i can't help, but from the descriptions people give, Sweets 7.62 may be similar, and will work for what you want. The descriptions people have of the ww2 stuff reminds me of it. The vietnam stuff is probably conventional bore cleaner.