Gooey Gat Gunk Bustin' 🧼 Cosmoline Removal 101! [Guide]

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on removing cosmoline, a thick petroleum-based grease, from military surplus rifles. Cosmoline is essential for protecting firearms during long-term storage but can be challenging to clean. Follow these steps to effectively degrease your rifle and ensure it's safe for operation.

Step 1: Disassemble the Rifle

• Carefully disassemble your rifle into manageable components. For a Type 56 rifle, separate the following parts:
  • Rifle stock
  • Barreled action
  • Bolt carrier assembly
  • Trigger assembly
  • Magazine
  • Operating rod
• If the cosmoline buildup is severe, you may need to completely detail strip the rifle.

Step 2: Initial Cleaning of External Surfaces

• Use shop rags to wipe away any accessible external grease.
• This initial cleaning helps ease the overall degreasing process.

Step 3: Separate Wood Components

• If your rifle has wooden components:
  • Place them in a trash bag to prevent any further contamination.
  • This allows the cosmoline to "sweat out" from the wood due to heat.

Step 4: Heat Method for Wood Components

• Leave the bagged wood parts outside in the sun (ideally in temperatures between 115 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few hours.
• This will help melt the cosmoline and make it easier to clean.

Step 5: Clean Small Components with Ultrasonic Cleaner

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner for small metal parts:
  • Submerge parts in the cleaning solution (e.g., Lyman Turbo Sonic cleaner).
  • Allow them to soak to remove hardened cosmoline.
• You may need to repeat the process multiple times.

Step 6: Apply Brake Cleaner to the Barreled Action

• Take the barreled action and receiver outside.
• Spray non-chlorinated brake cleaner generously:
  • Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation.
  • This cleaner will help dissolve the remaining cosmoline.

Step 7: Deep Cleaning with Q-Tips

• Use Q-tips to clean hard-to-reach areas:
  • Focus on crevices and corners where cosmoline may linger.
  • This step can be tedious, so consider listening to a podcast while you work.

Step 8: Clean the Barrel and Gas Port

• Spray brake cleaner into the barrel and gas port.
• Use a bore brush to scrub out any remaining gunk:
  • A 30 cal bore brush works effectively for this purpose.

Step 9: Clean Wood Components

• After the wood has been in the sun, remove it from the bag:
  • Wipe off any released cosmoline with shop rags.
  • Use a safe solvent like Goof Off to remove any sticky residue remaining on the wood.

Step 10: Final Assembly and Testing

• Inspect all components for cleanliness.
• Reassemble the rifle carefully.
• Perform a dry fire function test to ensure everything operates correctly.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively remove cosmoline from your military surplus rifle, ensuring it is safe and functional. Remember that some residual cosmoline may still leak out when the rifle heats up during use, so keep an eye out for any grease after firing. If you have additional tips for cosmoline removal, feel free to share them!