How to remove nicotine stains?

[John Y Cannuck]

I got a milsurp from a heavy smoker. I've used Oven cleaner to remove the oil/creosote stains, but heavy stains around the magazine, bolt, receiver area, wil not budge. They are really soaked in. IDEAS?

 

[Turf]

As long as you're refinishing the stock you could try lemon juice. It has worked for me but I don't think the stains were as deep as the ones you describe.

 

[gunfxr]

If yiu are refinnishing the stock take it to a furnature refinnisher and have them dip it in their cleaning bath, that should remove the 'nico' stains and it makes the entire stock easier to work with.

 

[Splatter]

Alcohol is a nicotine solvent. so vodka or isopropyl should work.

 

[Turf]

Vodka works real well on the nicotine stains on my dentures. Everytime I tried it on a wood stock I got splinters in my tongue

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Thanks great replies. Shamefull use of good spirits, I'll have to get some isopropyl.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

update,
Alcohol didn't phase the stains. I went back to oven cleaner, and four apps later, they are almost gone. I could see his fingerprints. Disgusting.

 

[josquin]

update,
Alcohol didn't phase the stains. I went back to oven cleaner, and four apps later, they are almost gone. I could see his fingerprints. Disgusting.

Sounds like you almost have it solved. I was going to suggest a "pack" of coarse salt and alcohol. I use this every few months to draw out the "tar" from my (tobacco) pipes. I remove the stem, put a soft pipe cleaner in the shaft leading down to the bowl, then fill the bowl with coarse sea salt then dribble Isopropyl alcohol into the bowl until it is full, then let it sit overnight. In the morning the erstwhile white salt is yellowish-brown (ugh). I don't see why a similar treatment wouldn't work on a rifle stock, although you would certainly need to refinish the stock as the salt would leave a stain of its own.

Stuart

 

[jaydeee]

Butches Bore Shine - removes all