Sks cleaning

[BrownR]

So I just acquired a Sks type 56 and I think the previous owner did a cleaning but there are a lot of spots still covered in cosmoline oil yet. So before I tear it apart for a full OCD cleaning I was wondering what type of cleaner is best for it ??

Simple green ? Brake cleaner ? I’ve read a few different options just wondering what you’d have all used before ??
It’s functional but it’s VERY sticky and “gross” you can see small bits that have been missed so any help would be great

 

[Rooster504]

Mineral spirits

 

[simonsez]

Brake cleaner

 

[old303]

Traditionally the rear upper cover flies across the room the first time you clean an SKS.

 

[paz]

Some great online videos on cleaning SKSs, some for after shooting and some for out of the cosmoline. I can’t recall but a YT guy, triangle something like n the name.

 

[BrownR]

Well I have found some good disassembled and cleaning videos yes, but I’m wondering what type of cleaner would be best for doing a big full deep clean for it. I’ve never dealt with cosmoline oil before

 

[Thunderhog]

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner, actual firearm Gunk-Out also works well........

 

[scianna54]

Pressure washer, then pee on it.

 

[Mik123]

Put it in the dishwasher

 

[scianna54]

Put it in the dishwasher

Even Better. What works for the M14 should be a treat for any SKS.

 

[DT741]

Real question is: how does it shoot ?

+1 for the dishwasher trick

 

[BrownR]

I’ll stop at my local CT after work and grab some mineral spirits and hopefully that’ll do it, don’t have local place that sell gunk out for rifles

 

[old303]

Put it in the dishwasher

The Soviets didn't have dishwashers, and probably cleaned their firearms in a pan of gasoline over an open fire or something.

 

[Butcherbill]

Well I have found some good disassembled and cleaning videos yes, but I’m wondering what type of cleaner would be best for doing a big full deep clean for it. I’ve never dealt with cosmoline oil before

Boiling hot water from the kettle will melt cosmoline, soak in varsol will remove the rest.

 

[OkayShooter]

Id use dish soap, hot water and tooth brush. Then just my air compressor to blow out the gunk.

 

[BrownR]

Ya I’ve been noticing a few online have said they soaked in boiling hot water to help soften the grease/oil up and then used either mineral spirits or any metal safe degreaser to clean the remaining.

 

[Boris Badinov]

When in Rome...

 

[Buck1950]

I used Varsol Outdoors with a stiff paint brush over a pan for disposal. The Varsol will dissolve the Cosmo Easily, and the brush gets into the tiny spaces. I completely dis-assembled the gun and brushed the innerds. And the Bayo keeps some Cosmo inside the spring housing. The stock just wiped down w/o any probs, too.

 

[DiMP]

Buy a big stock pot from the thrift store for a couple bucks. Completely strip and any metal parts can go in the pot with boiling water. The cosmoline will literally melt off and float to the surface. Wooden parts should not be boiled

 

[paratrooper777]

good videos on how to take bolt apart clean firing pin channel a good idea to prevent slam fires