Rifle Mildew

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

Here is a problem for you ordinance types in our group Mildew on rifle stocks. In the picture below are two No 4 M I rifles stored in the same rifle cabinet side by side for years. Then this winter the right suddenly developed what I take to be mildew on the stock.

Now I'm sure this was from how the rifles were stored/coated at some point in the past. Now my question what is the best stuff to clean it and prevent it from reoccurring.

Whats kind of interesting despite actual banging around these rifles have had (dings in the wood etc) each rifle has matching numbers, receiver, bolt, band and magazine. The bores on both are clean and not obviously worn.

Cheers Phil

Phil..There is only one product to use on all your weapons..wood stocks included..
G-96..
Even at -40 F or C...(The same reading in both scales at -40)..or freakin' cold..there will be no seizing or fouling and your mechanisms will be working easily and bolts slide fine..been using it for as long as it has been in existence and have never found another product like it..at one time could have armed a squad of troopers to the teeth with every thing from 9MM side arms to a 60MM shoulder fired rocket launcher..to cap and ball 1861 Tower muskets..
And they all got the G-96 treatment and were like new condition and remained like that until I reduced my collection size,,..thanks to our pinko Gummint policy's..to zero..still have the gun oil..but the guns are gone..
Best product on the market today ..use it and your problems will disappear ..

http://www.g96.com/

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Phil, what I always did whenever I bought an old rifle was to dismount the stock(s), [in your case then sand off the mold/mildew], then strip off the old varnish/lacquer/whatever and sand, sand, sand. To strip use a good quality wood stripper, and what works well is a straight razor blade - just make sure you get it all off. After you're satisfied with the final finish (using successively lighter grades of sandpaper), it's time to pour on the linseed oil and rub it in by hand. You'll want to do a number of applications, rubbing it until you can feel the heat - this way the oil will soak well into the wood. You'll be amazed at the final finish! Do enough of it and it will keep out the nasties as well.

I've done quite a number of old rifles this way and it works... gives the old girls some dignity!

BTW, I'd also invest in a dessicant for your gun cabinet - you obviously have moisture in there.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

Phil, what I always did whenever I bought an old rifle was to dismount the stock(s), [in your case then sand off the mold/mildew], then strip off the old varnish/lacquer/whatever and sand, sand, sand. To strip use a good quality wood stripper, and what works well is a straight razor blade - just make sure you get it all off. After you're satisfied with the final finish (using successively lighter grades of sandpaper), it's time to pour on the linseed oil and rub it in by hand. You'll want to do a number of applications, rubbing it until you can feel the heat - this way the oil will soak well into the wood. You'll be amazed at the final finish! Do enough of it and it will keep out the nasties as well.

I've done quite a number of old rifles this way and it works... gives the old girls some dignity!

BTW, I'd also invest in a desiccant for your gun cabinet - you obviously have moisture in there.

Jiffy..I disagree!!
The quickest way to devalue a firearm is to remove the original finish..
The desiccant I agree with..Rubbing G-96 on it will remove the moisture..the mildew and restore the original patina..end of problem..
GADS!!! Sand paper..!!
Those were the gloves they issued officers when they signed up..trying to keep them from abusing and amusing them selves..!!
LOL..Gottcha..!!
See you and Sally at Bobbee's..
Here is some thoughts on refinishing firearms..

removing any patine from the firearm defiantly reduces value.
however a tear down to clean all the old oil and any build up from years of sitting
wont drop value.i too have an old valuable rifle and had it cleaned but did not remove patina
and it retained its value.

i cant stress enough how important it is to leave things alone till you
take it to a professional who knows what he/she is doing and take their
advice.
removing any patine from the firearm defiantly reduces value.
however a tear down to clean all the old oil and any build up from years of sitting
wont drop value.i too have an old valuable rifle and had it cleaned but did not remove patina
and it retained its value.

I cant stress enough how important it is to leave things alone till you
take it to a professional who knows what he/she is doing and take their
advice.
Check this out..

One thing to remember that if these guns are old enough or have any original collector value at all, is not to try to strip them down and refinish them. You might end up with a nice looking gun, but it's value would be way down. You could ruin a valuable collector gun.

[malcolm erik bogaert]

WD-40 has always worked for me....have to agree with the statements about the lefty pinko's...we have a very strong STALINIST goverment here......regards malcolm

[cletrac (RIP)]

The best thing to get rid of mould or mildew is a bleach solution. I use that treatment on my house window ledges every few years. It won't affect the wood or metal finish. After everything's dry rub the gun down with oil.

[Ian Pullen]

Guys, as an armourer for more than 25 years I agree with the g-96, even WD-40 is useable, but I am not 100% sure about that one in extreme cold.

The issue is the woodwork. Personaly I agree with Geoff. Linseed oil, rubbed in by hand is the only way I would do it. And yes, the finish it leaves is amazing.

Only difference though is the method of cleaning the woodwork. I don't think I would sand it, however I would scrape it back with the REVERSE side of a hacksaw blade. It cleans off the grime without the sanding or razor blade effect. The majority of stampings & markings remain. Just don't get over zelous with the pressure when scraping it.

My two cents worth...

[servicepub (RIP)]

Only two ways to deal with this problem;
1. strip them down, smelt the metal and burn the wood, or
2. sell them to me at a major discount off their value.
Whichever you choose you will not have to deal with unsightly mildew issues again.