I have a bunch of Russian rifles that came with oil cans. What do the letters mean and why are there 2 caps and are they 2 different compartments? Mine are all full of cosmoline. Just wondering iris probably a stupid question. Is one grease and the other oil?
Russian oil can? Can someone enlighten me on the 2 lids?
- Thread starter Bendeco
- Start date
PinkyPlinker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kenora, ON
separate compartments, one for oil, one for solvent. Or vodka.
Phat Eagle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Fraser Valley, BC
^^^^ what he said. What's the matter, you don't read Russian? 
Vodka works fine as solvent if you're stuck, but I'd rather drink it!
Vodka works fine as solvent if you're stuck, but I'd rather drink it!
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
You know there's s search function right?...
geotndtwine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
I once heard the solvent inside was to help counter act the corrosive ammo salts, can not remember where I heard this or how much BS it is or true.
Complete history of oil bottles here, for those who are interested.
http:// browningmgs.com/OilBottles/OB.htm
I have a large collection of oilers, many with history, and there is always another one you have not seen or don't have.
http:// browningmgs.com/OilBottles/OB.htm
I have a large collection of oilers, many with history, and there is always another one you have not seen or don't have.
Weirdly enough this was brought to my attention by a CGN'er with experience using them - seems the solvent is basic, and neutralizes acidic compounds left behind in the barrel, preventing salt formation and therefore rusting. You would then oil the gun after using the solvent.
I personally was skeptical, but that's partially where using windex/ammonia comes from when dealing with corrosive ammo. Ballistol is similar and mildly basic. Seems more common in former Soviet countries where corrosive ammo was used until frequently, military service more common, and the ph basic solutions were issued. Not much known about it here, what with different histories, cultural experiences and a strong language barrier.
PinkyPlinker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kenora, ON
It would be interesting to read if there were issued instructions detailing the cleaning procedure at the time. Or even pictures, dare I hope. I would assume their procedure would be similar to what I do.
I've taken enough Chem requirements to know nothing dissolves salts like water does. Salts don't form, it is a component of the primers and is left as residue after firing. The salt is hydrophobic and the moisture it absorbs and hold against steel is what causes the corrosive reaction. Water fit for cleaning a gun can be found almost anywhere so I assume the washing of salts would first be water.
Solvents (as would be used on guns) displace water. Think WD40 where the WD stands for Water Displacement. Next step would be displace moisture and scrub with solvent. Lastly apply the protecting oil.
I would doubt they would be hauling chemicals unnecessarily in wartime, and the half oiler bottle isn't really enough to do the salt removing - at least not more than once.
All just speculation on my part. Again, I'd love to find out what the Red Army training manual said at the time.
I've taken enough Chem requirements to know nothing dissolves salts like water does. Salts don't form, it is a component of the primers and is left as residue after firing. The salt is hydrophobic and the moisture it absorbs and hold against steel is what causes the corrosive reaction. Water fit for cleaning a gun can be found almost anywhere so I assume the washing of salts would first be water.
Solvents (as would be used on guns) displace water. Think WD40 where the WD stands for Water Displacement. Next step would be displace moisture and scrub with solvent. Lastly apply the protecting oil.
I would doubt they would be hauling chemicals unnecessarily in wartime, and the half oiler bottle isn't really enough to do the salt removing - at least not more than once.
All just speculation on my part. Again, I'd love to find out what the Red Army training manual said at the time.
