Getting the dried cosmoline off..

[Michael03a3]

I inherited a mummy wrapped 1903a3, full of cosmo, still in the box it was shipped in in 1957. I enjoyed cleaning it up -- all or mostly original Remington, -- and shooting it. Take some pics of before and after. It's a nice feeling to be able to handle and shoot a piece of history like that. Here are my pics, also check out the after pics:
1903a3 BEFORE pictures by Selmalinapilchard - Photobucket

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[painter777]

Mike J,
Tough question.......
I like removing the old cosmo.
I've found that when it's dried rock hard, it can effect the cycling.
I'd go with freshly cleaned....oiled and grease where needed.

JMO
Charlie-painter777

[LittleCrane]

I just wipe the receiver and barrel with Hoppe's. For the other parts, a quick cleaning with carburetor cleaner or lacquer thinner, after complete disassembly (bolt and trigger housing). Then a spray with CLP. An amazing amount of gunk, dirt, oil, grease and cosmoline collects on or in these small parts and it can cause malfunctions, especially if you are in a cold climate. Since I live in Arizona where it's hot I use a little grease on the bolt lugs and slide guide slots.

[Jim Long]

At work I used a commercial parts washing machine that uses near boiling hot water and steam cleaner detergent to degrease a few rifles..Of course they were rinsed in fresh water afterward and oil was applied liberally while still hot.. That was about 15 years ago..Recently I noticed dots of rust stains welling up through the Parkerizing on one of my rifles that went through the parts washer.. If it was me I'd go with the carb cleaners or solvents knowing what I know now.