K31 Clean Up

[rick54R]

I purchased this Swiss K31 early last year. I had read up on them when Classicfirearms got them back in stock.
Just so happened to be looking at used guns,at a local big
Sporting Dealer. Spotted what was labeled as another type Milsurp. Price tag was $150.00 less than Classic!
I asked to look at it, bore was bright, rifling sharp and all numbers matching. Stock has no cracks. Action is smooth as silk and locks up tight. Had a Swiss issue sling.
Needless to say, K31 was added to my collection that day.
Has been in the safe ever since.
Now, read the wonderful instructions of how to properly clean w/o harming this military classic.
The sling was as stiff as a ministers you know what. Ordered Kotton Klenser complete clean kit. Now the sling is soft as a baby's butt. Tried on a small spot, now proceeding to clean the stock.
Do yourself a favor and order this stuff.
You will not be sorry you did. The results will make that tired finish look like a museum piece.

[redspoon]

Looks good Rick, gonna have to find some me some Kotton Klenser. Got a K11 from Simpsons a few yr. ago and the stock a little ugly.

[rick54R]

Just wanted to let all see how great this stuff is.
I am always reserved about removing screws from wood on Milsurps. But I had to know. Yes, soldiers name, rank,
Unit and maybe town was attached to butt under plate.
Look how clean the stock now is. Yes, by all means get you some of this.....works wonders. You will not believe the crud that comes off.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Nice rifle , I have been using Kotton Klenser to clean my antique phonographs for many years, it works great.

[rick54R]

Had to resize photo.

[rick54R]

Nice rifle , I have been using Kotton Klenser to clean my antique phonographs for many years, it works great.

Thanks for the comment. Yes, this is great. They even make a cleaner that can be used to clean oil paintings.
I was floored by the amount of dirt left on rag after applying. The sling is very soft now, was very very stiff and almost useless. Will place back onto the rifle now.

[rick54R]

Well call that puppy cleaned.
Inside and out. Very pleased with results.
I thought I knew how to clean a firearm until I read everything posted on this forum.
Now, I understand, clean yet preserve what I have been trusted with to own. Here she is, all done with period correct sling installed. I do have 500 rounds, but have as yet to shoot. Cost a small fortune to even aquire that amount, and sadly, none is the military issue, after
market stuff. I really dig that straight pull bolt.
The fact I have discovered the soldiers name assigned this weapon, makes it even cooler.

[desdem12]

Nice swiss. Looks nice with the walnut stock

[Junk Yard Dog]

Yes, Kotton Klenser is used by many museum conservators for objects far more rare and expensive than our rifles or my 1906 Victor II phonograph. I hadn't heard about the oil paintings, I don't have any to clean, and I wonder who will be the one to try it on a multi million dollar old master.

[rick54R]

....
I work with a fella that does just that....clean oil paintings.
His last project netted him 5 figures.....!
Rick

[Junk Yard Dog]

His business insurance premiums must be five figures.

[rick54R]

His business insurance premiums must be five figures.

He is the Department Head for the Medical staff.
He runs a Conservatory Business on the side.
He cleaned and preserved a painting that had been denoted to my place of employment. Oil painting was dtd
1700's. Valued at $124,000.00.......way out of my pay scale. He also does furniture, autos, jewelry, and get this, is working on a suit of armor from Germany.
Have no idea why this guy is even working.
I am sure he is more than insured, but more than I could afford.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Car wax, I learned that trick from a museum conservator years ago, car wax preserves your car, it also works on polished steel displayed on a wall or under glass. or blued steel. First all oils must be removed, it lasts for years if not touched. Armor, blades, guns, sometimes the most simple things work the best.

[TheMaineEvent]

That rifle is a beauty. You did real well on that deal.

[Sonny]

I like the wood,looks great..

[JER]

Rick54R, Re: Kotton Klenser. Thanks for the tip. Beautiful job.

[rick54R]

Thanks guys. I read about the cleaner on the web.
I agree, use something that absolutely does not altar the finish and or panta as many here advise.
Test on a unseen area, then proceed to clean.
They also sell a complete kit that contains bee wax.