The forum software is annoying me, so I'm going to have to start a new thread here rather than copy some posts over...
MB has already started me in the right direction (quoted below), but I'm at the point now where I'm not sure what the "right" way is to get off a bunch of goop from my Garand. I've got a bunch of cosmoline still caked on under the forward hand guard and I'm trying to figure out the best means of getting it out of there while still preserving the wood.
I had a plan to use mineral spirits on all the metal bits but didn't end up needing it and just used some carb/brake cleaner once disassembled. However, I've read online that brake cleaner (and mineral spirits) is pretty hard on the wood and I'm trying not to have to refinish it. So...is there an "easy" way to get this stuff off? It's underneath the hand guard where it meets the barrel and you can't see it until you remove the op rod (which I have). Other than leaching out a little more cosmoline out of the forward hand guard wood, this is pretty much the last step before I lube it up, put the whole thing back together and go shoot it.
Appreciate any suggestions. Here's what MB had for me already. Most of this is already done, minus the bolt disassembly and trip to the dishwasher.
MB has already started me in the right direction (quoted below), but I'm at the point now where I'm not sure what the "right" way is to get off a bunch of goop from my Garand. I've got a bunch of cosmoline still caked on under the forward hand guard and I'm trying to figure out the best means of getting it out of there while still preserving the wood.
I had a plan to use mineral spirits on all the metal bits but didn't end up needing it and just used some carb/brake cleaner once disassembled. However, I've read online that brake cleaner (and mineral spirits) is pretty hard on the wood and I'm trying not to have to refinish it. So...is there an "easy" way to get this stuff off? It's underneath the hand guard where it meets the barrel and you can't see it until you remove the op rod (which I have). Other than leaching out a little more cosmoline out of the forward hand guard wood, this is pretty much the last step before I lube it up, put the whole thing back together and go shoot it.
Appreciate any suggestions. Here's what MB had for me already. Most of this is already done, minus the bolt disassembly and trip to the dishwasher.
MB said:Cosmolene:
Put the parts in the dishwasher. Hot, no soap. Wipe down immediately afterwards. I'm not kidding.
After a light range session, I just do the bore. Get bore guide and use it that way, or go boresnake.
For a more thorough cleaning, pull back on trigger guard, remove trigger group.
Remove stock
Remove recoil spring and "Fork"
Remove pin and lock open mechanism.
Slide oprod back to notch, pull charging handle to rear and outboard/up
Remove bolt
Clean the bejeesus out of everything. Bolt disassembly is not impossible, but have someone with experience there.
Take a LARGE flat screwdriver and undo the cross screw at the end of barrel.
Spin off peice at end.
Slide gas cylinder off gun.
a .45 patch/jag works well for cleaning the gas cylinder.
(I posted all the above from memory, so if you see anything obviously missed, correct me)
A good way to check to make sure your OpRod and bolt are clean/not bent improperly is to assemble the bolt, oprod and gas system with no lube or just thin oil, and as the gun is angled up and down 45 degrees it should cycle.
I use a light gun grease for M1s off of Ebay to lube the lug ways, and the cam in the oprod. I also put a thin coat of grease where the oprod has been rubbing. (its on a circular part on the bottom). Just a dab of oil in the trigger mechanism.
I've never had to take a CMP gun to a smith. They check for proper headspace, and that's the biggie.