Cleaning a Mosin

theres the boiling water method. strip it and basically rinse it with boiling water to "melt" the cosmo off of it. i think theres videos on youtube showing this method.
 
I usually get as much cosmo off as I can just using paper towel and cotton swabs then once a majority of it is gone I go over it with some hoppe's elite gun cleaner (the kind in a spray bottle) and that usually works. Then I go over the bore with some wipeout foaming cleaner. For rust removal you can usually get away with soaking the rust in penetrating oil (kroil, 50/50 mix of atf and acetone, something of that nature) and buffing it with some superfine steel wool.
 
Also quick question I'll post the picture later there is what is either a B proof mark or a backwards 3 it's a 1936 tula does it mean anything
 
There are a few youtube videos on how to clean a Mosin, they come in very handy for learning how to disassemble and reassemble the bolt. It can be confusing at first. I use varsol and boiling water on cosmoline covered guns, and an old toothbrush to get all the gunk out.
 
Aeresol brake cleaner works good for getting cosmo off the metal and out of the bore. Make sure you apply some sort of gun oil (CLP) afterwards, because the cleaner removes ALL traces of grease/oil. (DON'T use it on the stock!)
 
I didn't follow SF's link but one of the easiest ways to clean off cosmoline is with light steam.

As mentioned before, wipe the firearm down and run a loose patch through the bore. That is a very good start.

Next, go to Canadian Tire or some other similar store and pick up a small steam generator. They are plastic and run under $30 taxes in.

Carefully, using properly fitting tools, disassemble the firearm. Again, wipe off the easy stuff.

Next, plug in the steam generator, after filling it with clean water of course. Let it heat up and start putting out enough steam.

The big stuff, like the receiver/barrel is easy and the cosmo just melts away. For small parts, use a pair of long handled needle nose pliers. Wear rubber gloves with insulating cotton gloves to protect your hands. Also, wear a full face shield if you have it or at least safety glasses. Your choice.

Do this outside if possible. If not, make sure you put something on the floor. If you have a septic tank, don't use the sink.

I talked to a young fellow that cleaned up a Mosin and an SKS in his kitchen sink. He put all of the small parts into a colander and poured boiling water over them. It worked well but left a nasty scum around the bottom of the sink. It took longer to clean up the sink than the firearms.
 
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