Suggestions / Tricks for Cleaning AR A2 Style Buttstock Pics Added

[llowry61]

Well, I am looking to tap the collective experience of the forum members here.

I have 2 different AR's from the late 80's early 90's that I purchased and the A2 buttstocks have not been cared for. I have never cleaned one of these buttstocks and couldn't find any info on the net about how to care for them or rejuvenate them. Both are Colt Sporters and I believe the stocks are fiberglass with some type of rubberized covering.

I don't want to replace them since the guns really need to remain in original condition.


Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

 

[mojave30cal]

Can you post some pictures to show condition you have
questions about?

 

[Engine49guy]

"Clean" them is kinda vague.
If they are "Dirty" it's different than if they are dry,
When A2 stocks dry out they look grey in which case certain lubricants can darken them.

 

[llowry61]

I added pics of one of them they are both about the same. They need both cleaned and are greying as Engine49guy suggested. I have not done anything to them yet. I just do not have experience with these guns since all my other AR's have the more modern buttstock.

 

[Eric300]

Automotive black trim restorer just might do the trick.

 

[AJ]

The two fastests ways that I know of to clean an AR platform are:

1.) Take a long hot shower with it. You will not believe how clean it is
afterwards. Then wipe it down and punch the bore. Have seen this
done and have done it myself. They were M16A1's government issue.

2.) Is liquid freon and a a spray wand with about 50 PSI of air pressure.
It will clean an M16 in about five minutes of spraying. All carbon and
oil is removed from the weapon, it leaves the weapon white. Wipe it
down with an oily rag and the parkerizing returns to it's black color.

I know that this sounds nuts, but both work like a champ. No harm to the weapons. Just lube as normal before use again. Saved a lot of time! The butt stocks and hand guards looked good too.

 

[lihpster]

Never dealt with this issue, but if they are rubber coated, how about Armor All?

 

[llowry61]

Never dealt with this issue, but if they are rubber coated, how about Armor All?

Thats the thing, I am not sure if they are coated, painted or if there is some other material applied to the surface.

I am afraid I might do more harm than good so looking for someone who might know.

From what I understand an A2 stock is fiberglass or some kind of polymer. On top of that, unless it is an early CS marked buttstock there is no way to tell if it is original Colt or not.

 

[Eric300]

Thats the thing, I am not sure if they are coated, painted or if there is some other material applied to the surface.

I am afraid I might do more harm than good so looking for someone who might know.

From what I understand an A2 stock is fiberglass or some kind of polymer. On top of that, unless it is an early CS marked buttstock there is no way to tell if it is original Colt or not.

They're not rubber coated. If rifles are stamped 'Colt Sporter' then they are probably all original. The stocks have a slight texture to them and aren't completely smooth and shiny. They do have a tendency to fad a little over the years depending on storing/cleaning circumstances, though. Use G96 on the entire exterior of the rifle. That will help and won't hurt anything.

 

[g-dad]

. Use G96 on the entire exterior of the rifle. That will help and won't hurt anything.

That is what I've used for years and my bride even like the smell of it!

 

[Engine49guy]

A2 stocks have a tendency to dry out,
I can't recommend one product but u get the idea that it's like when your plastic car parts age.
Bet it's covered in depth at AR15.com website.

 

[mckenney99]

If the stocks are off the rifles, then I would consider washing/scrubbing them down with hot water and Dawn dish soap to clean them up. After they have completely dried, I would spray them liberally with G96, let it set for 15 minutes or so and wipe off the excess.

 

[Rule3]

Soap and water on a rag. Then dry and use one of the auto trim restore products as mentioned

 

[Rule3]

I forgot to mention this "stuff" I use it a lot on all kinds of things,

 

[mojave30cal]

Aw hell, that stock is just fine. The scratches are part of the
history of the firearm. Just leave as is.

Additional info:

Early Colt AR15's that don't have the CR prefix serial number
or the QR roll mark are more desirable because the earlier
AR-15's were mostly made inhouse by Colt. By that I mean
the barrel, sights, upper and lower assemblies, bolt carrier
group and furniture. Colt was bought out by CZ recently
and a lot of the components are farmed out.

I picked up a factory Colt 6536 Dissipator A2 Carbine a few
years ago that was a special order Colt did for the California
Highway Patrol. My research indicates that only 400 of these
rifles were made, which makes them very scarce. This Colt
Dissipator has the A2 rifle forearm stock as well as the A2
rifle stock. The butt stock has some olive green over spray
on it near the forward part. I thought of removing it but it
is the history of this rifle. Also, there are scratches in the
rear part of the upper receiver that probably got there
because the gun was stored in these racks inside of the
police car. Again, it's the history of the gun.

Keep your rifles original and values up. And shoot them.

 

[llowry61]

Aw hell, that stock is just fine. The scratches are part of the
history of the firearm. Just leave as is.

I hear you that is what my buddy said. I am too particular. I think I was potty trained at gunpoint!