Help with rusting SKS

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MattG666

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I don't know what it is, but I can't seem to stop my SKS from rusting in storage. I try to clean it using the cleaning rod and some paper towel (instead of normal patches) with an all-purpose cleaner/rust remover/lubricator. Yet every time I go to take the rifle out of the locker there is some new rust still in the barrel and in the chamber. The ammo is not corrosive, but it certainly is much harsher than the .22 I normally shoot.

My question is, am I cleaning it right or is it a moisture problem? Winter isn't too far around the corner, and I want to make sure I know how to properly clean and protect the rifle for storage.

Sorry for such a newbie question, but I figured I had it down ok as I have no issues with my .22s. Thanks!
 
MattG666 said:
I don't know what it is, but I can't seem to stop my SKS from rusting in storage. I try to clean it using the cleaning rod and some paper towel (instead of normal patches) with an all-purpose cleaner/rust remover/lubricator. Yet every time I go to take the rifle out of the locker there is some new rust still in the barrel and in the chamber. The ammo is not corrosive, but it certainly is much harsher than the .22 I normally shoot.

My question is, am I cleaning it right or is it a moisture problem? Winter isn't too far around the corner, and I want to make sure I know how to properly clean and protect the rifle for storage.

Sorry for such a newbie question, but I figured I had it down ok as I have no issues with my .22s. Thanks!
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What ammo are you shooting? I only ask because many of us have been fooled by certain retailers selling corrosive ammo as "non corrosive". If it's chinese milsurp in a green crate or spam can made in 1971 or 1972 (middle number of stamp, ie, 31-72-30) than it is the fool me once shame on you ammo from lever.

If you're not shooting corrosive ammo are you the first owner? They could have fired with with corrosive and the salts may not have been cleaned out properly but hidden under a layer of oil that you have now removed and still giving you grief. try cleaning any rusted parts with hot water, dry, then clean/oil normally.

You may have moisture/humidity problems where you are storing it, try moving your cabinet upstairs out of the basement or get a dehumidifier in the room or in the cabinet itself.
 
I am definitely the first owner, I had to clean all the cosmoline out of it myself. Damn, I don't read Chinese but it does come in a green crate with some instructions that mention '1971' three times. Should I be talking to the local gun store about being sold corrosive ammo or would they have been misled as well?

I'll have to look up how to clean corrosive ammo now; do you have any recommendations?
 
MattG666 said:
I am definitely the first owner, I had to clean all the cosmoline out of it myself. Damn, I don't read Chinese but it does come in a green crate with some instructions that mention '1971' three times. Should I be talking to the local gun store about being sold corrosive ammo or would they have been misled as well?

I'll have to look up how to clean corrosive ammo now; do you have any recommendations?
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If you search for any of the older threads about Lever Arms non corrosive ammo, there's lots of info to identify it, but non corrosive really wasn't made in 7.62x39 untill mid to late 90's at best. The retailer may have been misled about the ammo, so a call wouldn't hurt.
s far as cleaning corrosive, rinse the barrel/gas system with hot water, then clean normally, there is lots of info about cleaning after corrosive ammo on the internet.
 
yah actually a few stores are selling "non corrosive" which is actually corrosive. pretty sure lever imported it all though. im surprised they are not getting sued for all the damaged guns
 
I would take it out. Shoot it a whole bunch of times(this will scrub the barrel out and heat up the gun). And then clean the whole thing as if you were shooting corrosive ammo.

Then I would let it dry and oil the crap out of it. I've started using the Ed's Red on my CZ858 only because of cost and the amount of cleaning these things require after just one session.

Make sure you are leaving a good slick of oil in the gun when you are done. Especially down the barrel, chamber and gas ports. You can wipe it down before taking in out if it really bothers you.

Humid storage is going to hurt you too. On the cheap... I have one of those RV/boat air dryers in the bottom of my safe for peace of mind. Just fill it up with new pellets now and again and I'm good to go.
 
That's all great info guys, thanks!

Would you recommend cleaning it this way after every single use or just as a good clean-up? I live rather far away from my range so it would be kind of difficult to clean it while it's still warm.
 
MattG666 said:
That's all great info guys, thanks!

Would you recommend cleaning it this way after every single use or just as a good clean-up? I live rather far away from my range so it would be kind of difficult to clean it while it's still warm.
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Every single use when you are using corrosive ammo. You don't need to clean it "right" away at the range, but within a few hours or it will start to rust again
 
This belongs on the gunsmith forum.
Your storage locker is too humid. Paper toweling isn't much good either. Pop into a discount fabric shop and buy a few yards of remnant flannelette(that'd be PJ cloth or ask the women working there. Cost you well under $10 for a few hundred patches.) and cut it into 2 x 4 inch patches. Go buy some proper cleaning solvent too.
The rust will come off with 0000 steel wool and some light oil or a light touch with a fine brass wire wheel in a bench grinder. Eye protection is required with a wheel. Then grease the mating steel parts and oil the rest of it.
When you put it away for the winter(there's no reason you can't shoot in winter though), liberally grease the whole thing. Just a light coat over the whole rifle for storage.
 
You're clearly not cleaning it properly. Get the proper supplies (rod, cleaner, and patches), break it right down each time and clean it right. Use hot water down the barrel, and clean receiver & bolt with hot water. Let all the parts air dry then protect with a rub of gun oil and re-assemble.

I also agree that your storage area is less than desirable; too humid.

Rust is caused by oxygen, which is in both air and water. The corrosive salts, or any debris such as dirt, are harmful because they hold water against the metal, allowing the oxygen in the water to cause rust. So you want to clean the metal completely free of any salts, dirt, etc. Then the oil keeps the oxygen in the air off the surface of the metal.
 
I use a very small amount of WD40 in the barrel every time I finish cleaning it I spray it a little and let the excess drain out the muzzle, store it muzzle down to stop it from leaking into the action, and make sure you run a rod and patch through before you shoot and your bore should remain rust free
 
I would say three things as suggestion

ammo likely corrosive clean after every use

get proper cleaning supplies so it counts

get a dehumidifier for locker you can get stuff at the dollar store
for removing humidity

good luck
 
The guys here have it right. I use boiling water through the barrel and gas tube to neutralize the corrosion, then wash the bolt face and piston under a hot tap. If the water's hot most of it evaporates pretty quick, wipe of any remnants. Then a good scrub with Hoppes powder solvent leaves the bore nice and shiny, scrub any powder residue off the other parts and oil everything. I notice you didn't mention your gas system, it's probably just as bad as the barrel, take it apart and clean thouroughly. And if you're using the cleaning rod that came with it, do yourself a huge favour and go buy a three piece rod and 30 cal jag and brushes. And proper patches.
 
I emailed LeverArms about their ammo awhile back, all the guy said was I need to take proper care my guns or it will rust... Never happened to any of my other guns from not cleaning it for weeks.

I went in the store a couple of times, these guys seem like they hate dealing with customers I swear they get annoyed every time someone walks in the store. (If your looking for a bad experience visit their store)

People need to get the word out, I know a couple people that has been fooled , I can't believe they are still playing it off as non-corrosive.
 
I was in there too and told them about the 1971 date on the ammo. They insisted they had tested it and it was 100% non-corrosive. They politely told me I was full of shyte. Never bought and never will buy it. Yes they definitely could be a little more customer friendly like maybe a 1000% more.
 
nufros said:
people should be cleaning their firearms thoroughly after use, whether shooting corrosive or non-corrosive ammo...
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Sometimes running a rod over and over through your barrel can do more harm than good. The barrel on my target rifle only gets the rod every 50 rounds or so. Obviously corrosive is a different story though.
 
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