The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

...Family Dollar. Anyone used that to remove cosmoline? It did an incredible job on a super-greasy range hood but I'm hesitant to try it on a blued gun. Anyone try it, and if so what happened?

Thanks,
Aaron

It wold probably be fine. I just always use mineral spirits. Tried and true.

Petroleum based (mineral spirits, lacquer thinner) or water based degreasers (simple green etc.) will not harm bluing, but acidic things (vinegar, various rust removing products, etc) will eat it off. Strong ammonia is not good either if left on too long.

Gasoline and a bucket with a parts cleaning brush, just don't be a dumbass and let the vapors find an ignition source or you could damage your rifle.

Soften it up with wd-40 and hit it with the high pressure hose at a car wash. Or maybe not.......if you do video it.

steelbuttplate wrote:Soften it up with wd-40 and hit it with the high pressure hose at a car wash. Or maybe not.......if you do video it.

That would work as well as firing up a smoke while scrubbing the action with gasoline.

Thanks all. Maybe I'll save the time by combining all solutions: mix of mineral spirits WD40 and gas through a lit flamethrower, applied gently. OK maybe not LOL

A kettle of boiling water..
Hold parts over sink and apply boiling water..
Tell wifey to button her pie hole.
Continue until all cosmoline is removed..
Clean as per normal with G96 or Hoppes

Buy flowers for old lady and all is good.

quote="Sonny"]A kettle of boiling water..
Hold parts over sink and apply boiling water..
Tell wifey to button her pie hole.
Continue until all cosmoline is removed..
Clean as per normal with G96 or Hoppes

Buy flowers for old lady and all is good. [/quote]

As a plumber, I love the idea of washing grease down the sink drain. I made a lot of money in my life from stuff like that. ;)

Update: on the Yugo parts I tested it on: the brass heads for the cleaning kits got murky, the gas system cylinder looks a bit dulled and the rear spring cover 'seemed' to be slightly dulled but I'm not sure. What did come out superb were the silver gas piston and the bolt carrier and body. Your mileage may vary.

Update: for the latest one I tried Break Free CLP, let it soak for a minute, then scrubbed with a toothbrush. Cosmo broke up after a bit and was lifted off with a paper towel and some elbow grease. But now both elbows are tired

I have always used simple green and it works great for me.