Cosmoline and chemical tanks

[Cajun Justice]

I've been doing research for the easiest cosmoline removal technique for a Mosin Nagant 91/30. The general consensous is to soak it in mineral spirits. Naturally, the barrel is extremely long and difficult to find a proper tank for. I have seen people build a standing tank out of PVC pipe with the bottom sealed. Is this the best way? If not is there something else easier? PVC would most likely be the cheapest, at least I am guessing. What have you guys seen? What are your experiences?

 

[JR1572]

Don't do it. I made one out of PVC to soak a can in. The mineral spirits did something to the cut ends of the PVC pipe and little shards of PVC got everywhere.

JR1572

 

[Cajun Justice]

Is there another sturdy material to make a standing tank out of? I was going to use the cut end of the PVC as the mouth and the uncut end to be the sealed end on the bottom.

 

[dwr461]

I have a bunch of old gasoline that won't run anything anymore. But it works real well in striping cosmo. I wouldn't smoke while using it though.

 

[Metryshooter]

In my past experience hot water and Simple Green will make an ass out of gasoline or mineral spirits. Since it's getting cold outside the garbage bag/sun trick eon't work as well. Try putting the barreled action and stock in the oven at the lowest setting, after it's good and warm scrub it a bit with the hit water and Simple Green. Repeat if necessary.

 

[RustyHammer]

I know it sounds crazy, but the best method I have found is to strip the rifle and use boiling water to give it a quick bath or two. (Pour it down the barrel, receiver, etc. )The cosmo melts like Crayon and the metal gets so hot that any water which remains on it evaporates from the heat right before your eyes - it's almost like magic!

After a bath or two of that, what little cosmo that remains (around the sights and such) can easily be removed using traditional method. Note: The bolts/firing pin is a little more of a pain to clean. I even use it on the wood ... it tends to steam out the dings. Note: If there are any cartouch marks or such that you want to save ... all bets are off. Like I said, it sounds nuts, but I have done a dozen or more rifles over the years and never had an problem.

I would like to take credit for inventing this method, but I learned about it from a couple old CMP'ers.

Be sure to wipe down the metal with your favorite "oil" after this process.

YMMV ...

 

[themcfarland]

Boiling hot water, rinse repeat.. be sure you wipe it down with regular oil of choice or it may flash rust when done

 

[Bassncrap]

In my past experience hot water and Simple Green will make an ass out of gasoline or mineral spirits. Since it's getting cold outside the garbage bag/sun trick eon't work as well. Try putting the barreled action and stock in the oven at the lowest setting, after it's good and warm scrub it a bit with the hit water and Simple Green. Repeat if necessary.

I also was gona recommend the garbage bag trick. Perhaps maybe. Setting near a fireplace? Even heard of sticking the stock in an oven!!!!!

 

[dixiejarhead]

Brake cleaner works well too. Wipe off as much excess as possible and use brake cleaner to get the rest off.

 

[LACamper]

The attic worked well in the summer. I just hung it from a nail and put a paint tray underneath. I tried a wall paper steamer first and it did a good job of getting the first layer off.