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I have seen many comments on the like new condition these rifles are being received in from CMP. Upon opening my CMP box I was also impressed with the condition.
However, these rifles are over 60 years old and have been held in storage for many years. They really do require a complete cleaning, not simply a wipe down and a bore patch. A complete and thorough cleaning will prevent problems during that first trip to the range. I've spent over 8 hours cleaning mine and here's what I've observed:
1. Old cosmoline. This stuff is sticky and eventually can act like glue. It will definitely cause function problems with the action and trigger. I also found it caked around the barrel band and on the underside of the barrel beneath the stock. Also check the barrel to receiver edge.
2. Corrosion. Primarily on the non-blued trigger assembly. Again, this can cause problems with the firing sequence as well as proper utilization of the safety.
3. Bolt. This needs to be completely stripped and cleaned. Old, dried cosmo and corrosion. The extractors can be left in place and worked with an application of Kroil.
4. Rear Sight. Mine is a S100. Remove it, run the elevation and windage knobs up and down a few turns and clean/lube all surfaces.
My own procedure is to completely disassemble the firearm. Use a degreaser if/where necessary. WD-40 on all parts. Scrub lightly with SS wool and/or copper wool to remove rust/corrosion; this will not damage the finish. A nylon toothbrush is helpful for reaching into difficult areas. Wipe with paper towels to remove the loosened stuff. Let soak overnight with a liberal application of the WD-40 and then scrub again as necessary. Wipe down with paper towels. Examine all parts closely, both visually and by running you fingers over the metal. Once satisfied, apply a coating of BreakFree CLP or similar by saturating a cleaning patch or rag and running it over all metal surfaces, re-assemble and let sit for 24 hours, then wipe away excess CLP with an old t-shirt.
If there was tape on the stock - I had an "8" taped on the right fore-end with filament tape - WD-40 will help loosen the tape and will allow you to remove the sticky residue with a paper towel, all without harming the wood finish. Then go over the area lightly with the SS wool to remove any dirt marks from the edges of the tape. Any scratches can be touched-up with a small brush and some Chestnut Ridge Supply brand Dark Walnut Military Stock Stain which has a "hint of red" in it (available from Brownell's). Apply the stain and almost immediately wipe with a paper towel to blend with the existing stain. This is a perfect matching stain for these stocks.
Don't forget the sling swivels and magazines. I used an awl to remove leather debris from a sling which had accumulated in the deeply recessed Philips head screws.
That's it, the rifle is now clean and ready for a range session. The only thing left for me to do is stretch the trigger guard back into place, but that's for another day.
Semper Fi
However, these rifles are over 60 years old and have been held in storage for many years. They really do require a complete cleaning, not simply a wipe down and a bore patch. A complete and thorough cleaning will prevent problems during that first trip to the range. I've spent over 8 hours cleaning mine and here's what I've observed:
1. Old cosmoline. This stuff is sticky and eventually can act like glue. It will definitely cause function problems with the action and trigger. I also found it caked around the barrel band and on the underside of the barrel beneath the stock. Also check the barrel to receiver edge.
2. Corrosion. Primarily on the non-blued trigger assembly. Again, this can cause problems with the firing sequence as well as proper utilization of the safety.
3. Bolt. This needs to be completely stripped and cleaned. Old, dried cosmo and corrosion. The extractors can be left in place and worked with an application of Kroil.
4. Rear Sight. Mine is a S100. Remove it, run the elevation and windage knobs up and down a few turns and clean/lube all surfaces.
My own procedure is to completely disassemble the firearm. Use a degreaser if/where necessary. WD-40 on all parts. Scrub lightly with SS wool and/or copper wool to remove rust/corrosion; this will not damage the finish. A nylon toothbrush is helpful for reaching into difficult areas. Wipe with paper towels to remove the loosened stuff. Let soak overnight with a liberal application of the WD-40 and then scrub again as necessary. Wipe down with paper towels. Examine all parts closely, both visually and by running you fingers over the metal. Once satisfied, apply a coating of BreakFree CLP or similar by saturating a cleaning patch or rag and running it over all metal surfaces, re-assemble and let sit for 24 hours, then wipe away excess CLP with an old t-shirt.
If there was tape on the stock - I had an "8" taped on the right fore-end with filament tape - WD-40 will help loosen the tape and will allow you to remove the sticky residue with a paper towel, all without harming the wood finish. Then go over the area lightly with the SS wool to remove any dirt marks from the edges of the tape. Any scratches can be touched-up with a small brush and some Chestnut Ridge Supply brand Dark Walnut Military Stock Stain which has a "hint of red" in it (available from Brownell's). Apply the stain and almost immediately wipe with a paper towel to blend with the existing stain. This is a perfect matching stain for these stocks.
Don't forget the sling swivels and magazines. I used an awl to remove leather debris from a sling which had accumulated in the deeply recessed Philips head screws.
That's it, the rifle is now clean and ready for a range session. The only thing left for me to do is stretch the trigger guard back into place, but that's for another day.
Semper Fi
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