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I’m sure this has been asked before, but I can’t find the information I am looking for. What is the best solvents/cleaning agents to use to clean and preserve an old gun Winchester rifle without causing damage, or potentially decrease any value it may have? Are modern cleaning agents safe to use? Are there special tools or techniques aside from what I use on modern rifles? I just want to make sure I am doing it correctly.
Thank you,
Wade
I’m sure everyone here has their own favorite method for maintaining their own stable of Winchesters so I don’t think there is any one product better than another. Modern gun cleaning products are safe on old guns. The main thing is to keep the bores clean and free of lead or copper fouling.
If you are concerned about about correcting a specific problem, that’s another matter. For instance, I think most folks here would recommend Kroil for loosening stuck parts, etc.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
November 7, 2015
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First of all, be gentle. We’re only temporary custodians of these old Winchesters. One group of products to avoid is the harsher copper solvents as they may attack the oil finish found on some classic Winchester stocks. Another tip for solid frame lever guns is to put the gun in the cleaning vise lever side up so the dirty solvents drip out and not into the action.
Mike
TXGunNut said
One group of products to avoid is the harsher copper solvents as they may attack the oil finish found on some classic Winchester stocks.
Because they contain ammonia, I believe. Strong ammonia solution (which ain’t what you buy in the super market) can damage many surfaces.
TXGunNut said
First of all, be gentle. We’re only temporary custodians of these old Winchesters. One group of products to avoid is the harsher copper solvents as they may attack the oil finish found on some classic Winchester stocks. Another tip for solid frame lever guns is to put the gun in the cleaning vise lever side up so the dirty solvents drip out and not into the action.
Mike
I agree with Mike on how to clean the bore and inside of the receiver. Turn the gun upside down so all the junk falls out. I like Break Free for cleaning the metal surfaces and Hoppes for the bore. The ammonia bore cleaners are used to get rid of copper fouling. I use this on some guns that shoot jacketed bullets and I have not had a finish problem. I don’t get it on places like the wood though. Almost any light oil when used sparingly won’t harm the wood. Just don’t use more than you need or let large amounts remain for long periods. When you see a gun with long black streaks that is caused by a large amount of oil running down the wood and being left like that for a long time.
What is common to use on the wood itself? I have heard of furniture polish being used before.
Thanks
Here’s a good guide that should answer all your questions.
http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/caring-for-your-historic-firearm/
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Thank you for the link. I appreciate all of the information everyone has given.
Take a look at this wax. Museum quality and does not turn white after drying.
http://www.thefurnitureconnoisseur.com/renaissance-wax-polish/
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