how should i clean an old gun

My dad gave me an old lever action 22 mag that he probably found in a barn/basement or at some yard sale. it was made by Marlin for Sears Roebuck in early 60s. The stock is super dirty and has built up grime on it, I was thinking maybe 00 or 000 steelwool on that. I don't even want to imagine what the action and receiver looks like. I am thinking it will take a few nights after work of cleaning and putting back together to see what it is like
Any suggestions would be great

 

I'd say just go at it with steel wool and steel brushes. If the barrel is horrible, use a brush in an electric drill, that's how I clean my muzzleloader. Then when your done, lather it up with gun butter before storing.

 

On the wood, I'd start with mineral spirits and a cotton rag. See what will clean off w/o risk of scratching the wood. Even if you are going to eventually restain/refinish it, I'd start slow.

I have a late 60's Winchester semi auto 22 that the wood is excellent on, but I've just kept it clean and well stored over the years.

 

Instead of using steel wool, use one of those copper kitchen scrubber or stainless steel, regular steel wool will rust and encourage rusting. I recently received a number of old shoot guns from one of wife's uncles, all were stored in the basement, they were all rusty. soaked them with PB Blaster, scrubbed them, then soaked them again, repeated the process as often as needed, then oiled them, today they look pretty good for 50 to 90 year old guns. For the bore and internals, just clean like any other gun.

 

Do not touch that barrel with steel wool. You just want to clean the gun with a rag and use like Remington oil. Clean it up and make sure it functions smoothly. As far as the stock use liquid gold. It will clean and protect the wood for you

 

if it were my rifle from the start I wouldn't have to worry about keeping it clean, I am anal about cleaning them. I just hate starting behind the 8 ball and trying to recover what other people have neglected

 

Do NOT use steel wool!!!!!

 

I was talking steel wool on the wood parts not the metal

 

Curious? Do you have a pic of the gun? I also have a lever action marlin .22 that has some age to it.

 

What's your guy's opinion on firing guns with a lot of age to them as long as they are in good working order? My brother gave me this .22 but said if I shoot it that the value will decrease? I am going to take it to a gun shop and have them look it over to see that it is in good firing condition. I would love to use it but don't want to de-value or ruin a really awsome gun. Last I heard it a model from the 20's or 30's... lever action. 22 marlin. Thanks for ant knowledge.

 

.22lr is pretty tame. I'd shoot those all day. I've got a 1911 from 1926 that I shoot and I shoot the shit out of my 1906 Winchester. Shotguns are what you need to watch. They use to use black powder and the barrels won't withstand the pressures of modern powders

 

...sounds like a wonderful find! ...for the wood stock, ...you "might" try using a product called "wool-lube", ...apply and rub w/ just a cotton rag, ..i'd probably avoid using steel wool if I can, ..but you might "try" lightly rubbing the stock w/ 0000 steel wool, lubricated by the wool-lube of course... hopefully that will remove residue/grime w/out harming the finish...

...as for the metal, ...if it looks pretty bad, might want to consult a gunsmith for for best options to safely clean it up..

 

Not exactly a collector piece.

Shoot it if you want to shoot it, the value is low.

 

Curious as to why it has low value iyo?

 

Never use steel wool on wood that is intended to be finished. It leaves small steel particles in the wood grain that can later rust.
If you must use a wool, use bronze wool.

 

A 60s era Sears Roebuck .22 that is in the condition as described is not a valuable item.

Sears sold many firearms in their stores, they're not rare by any means. Particularly in "yard sale/basement stored" condition.

Could be a good shooter but a valueable firearm it is not. Restoration or clean up almost always takes away value from original finishes and patina, as well.

 

Never said I was looking to sell it and restore. Just want to clean it up s once it's not a clean as I like guns.

 

Thanks for the reply, the gun I have and mentioned in my post above is dated from the 1920's though. I'll try to post a pic in a while to see what you all think of its condition.

 

Ha!

I apologize, I read your post and replied to it but thought it was the OP who wrote it.

Totally ignore it. Lol

 

A thought on steel wool, it does have its place if used correctly. I bought a used marlin 60 which had surface rust on the barrel, used 0000 steel wool soaked in CLP, no more rust, no scratches, looks new. That was 4 yrs ago. Not saying i would do that on a very valuable gun, but also wouldn't be oppose do do it again. I did end up buying the white scotch brite pads (finest) which is equal to 0000 wool for parts where metal particles could be a problem.