Some collectors like to see the old grime and dried oils on a collectable. When they don’t see it they wonder what was done to the gun. Its like a seal of originality. You can tell if someone turned screws out recently or slide the wood off.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
[email protected] said
What can i use to safely remove old sour oil and grease from a winchester commemeritive that i bought and was told it was new in box condition until i received it and opened it.
Automotive brake parts cleaner will get it off. It is basically chemically the same as most of the “firearms cleaner” out there, but much cheaper. Also don’t get it on the stocks. Use in a well vented area. I wouldn’t use it on a prize high grade antique, but for commeratives and Shooter grade guns its fine.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
I use to clean up the old oils, grease, and varnish around screws and seams, but not any more. Antique guns that show age are hard to fake, once cleaned always cleaned. A lightly oiled rag used to wipe down your gun will not take the history off the gun and will prevent rust. I use wax on the wood and on some guns on the steel. I never use anything on brass, I try not to handle brass. If you carry a brass gun in your bare hands long enough the nice patina will disappear. That nice patina you want to see on a brass gun is a aging process that can be rubbed off or oil stopped. Don’t do something you might regret later, cleaning can always be done later. A modern gun made after 1898 is different, everyone likes to see bright and shiny blue, cleaning enhances eye appeal. T/R
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