Cleaning vintage guns...

[lonr5667]

I'm afraid I may become a bit of a pest here until I get my feet under me, but what would be the best thing to clean the metal on old Benjamin's seeings as the black finish appears to be fragile? Normal firearm solvents would more than likely be a little harsh I'm thinking...

[bantam5s]

I'm afraid I may become a bit of a pest here until I get my feet under me, but what would be the best thing to clean the metal on old Benjamin's seeings as the black finish appears to be fragile? Normal firearm solvents would more than likely be a little harsh I'm thinking...

What is your idea of cleaning?

Personally I just use the same degreaser I use to clean the insides of the gun when resealing it.
Simple green, mean green, and purple power.
Even warm soapy water, really just whatever I have on hand at the time.

[lonr5667]

On most of my rimfires I use either Hoppes #9, Eezox or Kroil. Never considered Simple green...

Thanks

[MDriskill]

Hoppe's is generally to be avoided on airguns. It can be tough on rubber or plastic parts, and really is not required as there is no powder or primer residue to deal with of course.

My personal favorite all-purpose lube/cleaner is Ballistol. It is mostly medical grade mineral oil, with some solvents added. Fabulous cleaner, but safe to use on any metai, plastic, rubber, or wood surface, and leaves a long-lasting film that is not sticky or gummy. My only choice for bore cleaning and wiping down exterior surfaces.

Since you mentioned vintage guns I will mention that's been my thing for 30+ years and I own dozens of 'em. They all love Ballistol.

[Garvin]

Hoppe's is generally to be avoided on airguns. It can be tough on rubber or plastic parts, and really is not required as there is no powder or primer residue to deal with of course.

My personal favorite all-purpose lube/cleaner is Ballistol. It is mostly medical grade mineral oil, with some solvents added. Fabulous cleaner, but safe to use on any metai, plastic, rubber, or wood surface, and leaves a long-lasting film that is not sticky or gummy. My only choice for bore cleaning and wiping down exterior surfaces.

Since you mentioned vintage guns I will mention that's been my thing for 30+ years and I own dozens of 'em. They all love Ballistol.

Just about the only downside of Ballistol is that it stinks!

[Blowpipe Sam]

White vinegar is an excellent cleaner for blued metal surfaces.  It's overlooked these days in our era of wonder products but it has several advantages.  It's a natural degreaser and rust remover.  It won't effect plastic, paint, varnish, or wood.  It doesn't leave a residue.  I use vinegar to clean all my guns, muzzle loaders, cartridge guns, and air rifles.

[Habanero69er]

Ballistol. Good for both metal & wood. Won’t attack seal.

[MDriskill]

Just about the only downside of Ballistol is that it stinks!

Ha - it does indeed have a very distinctive odor, but it dissipates pretty quickly when the solvents evaporate.

I actually rather like the aroma...but my bride hates it. I will leave others to speculate on the possible pros and cons of that!

[avator]

Yeah, Betty Lou does not like the smell of fuels or solvents. It don't matter what I had been doing in the shop she always asks  " ewww.. what's that smell ? "

[SpringerGuy]

   I try not to petroleum based oil onto any rubber parts of my vtg AGs.  Sam s righht about white vingear and and agree with Bill s comment about just using simple greem, stuff is great.

I am a new guy too but don t think your are a pest to other AGs most enjoy sharing trade tricks to help other guys.

 

Randy

[Hoosier Daddy]

I use Marvel Mystery Oil on a regular basis.
 Hoppes #9 is reserved for P.B.'s.