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I just picked up a 1901 Krag rifle and the outside is in great shape, not much cleaning needed. When it was time for the bore different story, it looks frosted, minor pitting, and a lot of copper deposits. I don't think it's been cleaned for 100 years. Does anyone have tips or advice to get the leading and copper out, Thanks.
A good new .30 cal bore brush and oil to start. Use a rod from the back end. Lots of work and time. There's bags of fizzing or copper eating products, but work will get it done.
I was using hoppes #9 for a while and it kept coming out black and I had to quit because the brush end broke. I put a long tipped swab in the muzzle pulled out and found a green residue.
Get a new full length brush like a Parker Hale and the rod will be specific for whatever brush you use. Steel rod rather than aluminum, because you have some work ahead. Yes, it will come out green and maybe blue and definitely black. Then you shoot it once and the deep down stuff comes out. But that's not until you have it cleanish...always with oil...
I just realized there's a Krag rifle forum, oops. I'll have to buy another flexible cleaning rod and brush. I was cleaning from the muzzle end and just figured out how to take the bolt out, now it should be much easier. I'll keep ya posted, thanks.
It's OK Aaron, you're forgiven. The mods may move this...if they feel it needful. There's lots of info on line about these and guys doing vids of how to... If you have a firm stand like a work bench to do this on where you can lay it flat and hold it down it will be easier. Like I say, this can take a bit.
On a rifle that has a frost bore and has set around collecting dust I use Janitors Ammonia from the hardware store. I swab the bore with a patch soaked in the solution and let it set for 5 minutes then use a brush dipped in the ammonia. I run the brush through 3 times then let it set an additional 5 minutes. I push a dry patch through the barrel and usually have a blue-green goop come out. I flush the bore with hot water and dry patch to finish. If the patch comes out dirty I repeat the process. I have the action removed from the wood which allows me to check for pitting on the underside. Once the bore is clean then just normal cleaning after shooting is all that is needed. The janitor strength ammonia really cuts the crud. Of course oiling after the cleaning is required. I flush the brush with water to prevent the ammonia from eating the brush.
Of course I'd take the metal out of the wood too, matter of fact I'd do a complete strip and clean to detail. They look so much better when you have NO filth in the details. It's surprising how much builds up inside and around corners...