Do I even want to remove the cosmoline?

[geosh]

If cosmoline preserves the gun, and I want it to last, why would I want to clean off the cosmoline?

Obviously I couldn't fire the weapon if I didn't clean it off, but if I'm keeping it for collecting purposes it seems like preserving it would be a good thing.

[desdem12]

By all means if you are storing it keep it in cosmo. If you are using it the cosmo will leach out and get everywhere and on everything. You wouldn't want to have cosmo all over your hands while handling a loaded weapon.

[Junk Yard Dog]

If you are going to shoot it then you must remove the cosmoline or it will heat up during firing and find it's way to your face and clothing. Should it accumulate in the chamber then a serious overpressure situation could develop, and that's A Very Bad Thing. If you are going to store it away then leave it and add some more.

[MN Fan]

I have 3 all cleaned up and the rest remain in cosmoline. With my other rifles, I figure 3 is enough to keep me happy at the range

[geosh]

You wouldn't want to have cosmo all over your hands while handling a loaded weapon.

Hah, no kidding. Although, technically, all guns are always loaded

I guess I'm asking in case there are other ways of preserving it that may have developed in the past 50 years. Perhaps just cleaning it regularly can achieve the same results?

Also, my Mosin just shipped today, I'll be posting pictures once I get it

[desdem12]

They still sell cosmo i think but any grease might work I haven't tried any though. I know JYD uses cosmo still. Congrats on the Rifle.

[geosh]

I have 3 all cleaned up and the rest remain in cosmoline. With my other rifles, I figure 3 is enough to keep me happy at the range

I suppose at the price they're going for these days, you can't just buy one!

Unfortunately my gun addiction is starting to exceed my safe-storage capabilities, and I have a 2-year-old daughter, so more will need to wait until I upgrade my living situation.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Cleaning regularly will keep the rifle rust free, this works well until you hit 20 rifles or so, then you start to notice the amount of time you are spending oiling up rifles. Once it hits 50 rifles yo are setting aside hours a week for the task, past 100 and it's just impossible without a full time staff. There are better ways that cosmoline, chemical impregnated wraps, and storage in inert gas. You have to have the resources of a government arsenal to store thing like that. I spray rifles down with spray cosmoline and wrap them tightly in heavy plastic to keep the air off of them in storage.

[geosh]

Cleaning regularly will keep the rifle rust free, this works well until you hit 20 rifles or so, then you start to notice the amount of time you are spending oiling up rifles. Once it hits 50 rifles yo are setting aside hours a week for the task, past 100 and it's just impossible without a full time staff. There are better ways that cosmoline, chemical impregnated wraps, and storage in inert gas. You have to have the resources of a government arsenal to store thing like that. I spray rifles down with spray cosmoline and wrap them tightly in heavy plastic to keep the air off of them in storage.

Cool, thanks for the wisdom and the great site!

One more quick question: is the cosmoline really necessary for the wooden stock as well? Or just the metal parts? It seems to me as though a good finish should preserve the wood on it's own.

[desdem12]

Moisture gathers under the barrel and it wonn't hurt to have it there. Might be moisture in the wood too. I hope you are not talking about refinishing the stock?

[geosh]

I hope you are not talking about refinishing the stock?

That and add a bunch of tacti-cool items to it

I'm kidding, I would never do that, and I can't imagine why anybody would. If anything I'm thinking that if the stock shows age that might even be a good thing in another 50 years. I'm even wondering what the long-term effects of cosmoline on wood would be, seeing as how 100-year+ testing hasn't really been done with something like that.

[audadvnc]

If cosmoline preserves the gun, and I want it to last, why would I want to clean off the cosmoline?

If water rusts a boat, and I want the boat to last, why would I want to put it in the water?

[Junk Yard Dog]

Do not put it on the wood, it will be absorbed and then leech out for several years after you bring the rifle back out of storage. I remove the barreled action from the stock, spray it down and let it fry, then put it back in the wood. Once it's in the plastic wrap moisture will be unable to be absorbed by the wood.

You paint the boat so it will not rust, and you remove it from the water in the off season, or when you are not using it.

[Sgt. Rob]

You can buy dehumidifiers for safes also. My little one seems to work and I have had it for about 14 years.

And you guys are just silly, boats ride around on trailers behind trucks. That way guys can pick up chicks in small town bars because they look like rugged outsdoorsmen!

Semper Fi, Rob

[MN Fan]

[pacanis]

Note to self:
Need to buy boat.

[Junk Yard Dog]

That would explain some of the dry, new looking boats I see running behind trucks around here!

[MadisonAV]

There is a lot to be said about the satisfaction that comes from cleaning off the cosmo and putting a rifle back in working order. In my case, most of my collection was de-cosmo'd before I bought them.

But the other posters are right. Once the grease is off you are committed to long term care. I'm accumulating enough Mosins that I need to start worrying about this issue. Put grease back on my guns? I need to think about that some more.

[desdem12]

Note to self:
Need to buy boat

Note to self ride around with pac

[MN Fan]

Note to Pac: You're gonna need a bigger truck