What a difference a cleaning makes...

[selmerfan]

About 7 or 8 years ago I purchased a 1948 K38 Masterpiece 6" used in shooter condition. It was my first revolver or pistol, other than my T/C Encore, but that doesn't really count. I didn't grow up using handguns of any sort, though I'm very familiar with bolt action rifles and break action shotguns. Anyway, I bought it because .22 LR was through the roof and I already was casting bullets, so it was a cheap way to burn more powder.
When I first researched cleaning it, I found multiple sources advising that removing the cylinder for cleaning was a bad idea. I've put thousands of rounds through it since purchase, cleaning the bore and cylinder from the muzzle end with a quality rod and muzzle guard.
I was out shooting again today and it functioned - cocked and fired - but it just wasn't smooth. DA was not smooth AT ALL and the cylinder didn't spin freely when opened. So I decided it need a more thorough cleaning than I've been giving it. I did more research on removing the cylinder. Stupid easy procedure (though I learned that mine is old enough to be be standard right hand threads - not reverse threads!)
I got it all apart and could clearly see the lead and carbon fouling build up. Uff da. I soaked it down with Kroil for a few hours and then went to work on it. Wow does it clean up nice! DA is nice and smooth again and the cylinder spins nice and free. Bore is bright and shiny and it's ready to go again!


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[rubiranch]

I like clean guns.
But then I like to clean guns.

 

[chief38]

Kroil works very well and I do have a few cans in my Work Shop.I just wish they could make it smell a bit better! Every time I use it indoors the Mrs. complains instantly! Unless it is either raining, snowing or freezing outside I will usually use it there. Next time I buy some I will get the squeeze can instead of the Aerokroil Spray. That will allow more precise placement, less product required and less over spray = less smell.

 

[mike from st pete]

Kroil smells better than ballistol (sp?)

 

[larryofcc]

Now that it is clean, put a couple coats of Ren-Wax on it and you will be much more pleased with your treasure. It will look new again. Big Larry

 

[rct269]

I never had much occasion to use Kroil, and the Boss lady didn't have much if anything to say about it when I did. Now---Hoppes #9, which I bought and used by the quart, that's a different matter: "SCHEW, ARE YOU USING THAT STUFF AGAIN?!!!! LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!

I've always thought it smelled like bananas----maybe rather over-ripe bananas, but that's what you use to make banana bread, and I never heard anybody fuss about banana bread----right out of the oven----with lots of butter---YUM!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Protocall_Design]

Try mixing some butter in with your Hoppes...

 

[rubiranch]

"SCHEW, ARE YOU USING THAT STUFF AGAIN?!!!! LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!

Ralph Tremaine

It goes well with my morning coffee.

 

[RKmesa]

... banana bread----right out of the oven----with lots of butter---YUM!!

Ralph, I had to smile. I too love Hoppes and I have grown to enjoy the smell - it reminds me of cleaning guns with my beloved and sadly prematurely departed dad. My wife gives me grief when I open the bottle. Then again, she gives me grief when I put a knife full of butter on her banana bread, ... when it is right out of the oven. I can taste it right now... and yes "YUM!!" is the proper way to describe it...

 

[quinn]

Richard, I too, love the smell of Hoppes. I can still remember my grandfathers introduction to it when I was 6 and helped clean his 1911. I also remember the smell of the carbide miner's lamp that he used to black the sights. It is nice how things like that stick with you for many decades.

 

[selmerfan]

I never had much occasion to use Kroil, and the Boss lady didn't have much if anything to say about it when I did. Now---Hoppes #9, which I bought and used by the quart, that's a different matter: "SCHEW, ARE YOU USING THAT STUFF AGAIN?!!!! LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!

I've always thought it smelled like bananas----maybe rather over-ripe bananas, but that's what you use to make banana bread, and I never heard anybody fuss about banana bread----right out of the oven----with lots of butter---YUM!!

Ralph Tremaine

I used kroil to loosen the lead and Hoppe's #9 to clean the fouling and carbon. Best of both worlds!


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[selmerfan]

Kroil works very well and I do have a few cans in my Work Shop.I just wish they could make it smell a bit better! Every time I use it indoors the Mrs. complains instantly! Unless it is either raining, snowing or freezing outside I will usually use it there. Next time I buy some I will get the squeeze can instead of the Aerokroil Spray. That will allow more precise placement, less product required and less over spray = less smell.

I use the squeeze can. Everyone upstairs knows what I'm doing within five minutes. [emoji23]


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[glenncal1]

OP-now pop the sideplate and clean and put some modern lube on the innards.

 

[selmerfan]

OP-now pop the sideplate and clean and put some modern lube on the innards.

That's one thing I have not done on this gun yet. I remember reading that there is a trick to it that does NOT involve prying. I'm open to tips.


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[Wiregrassguy]

Remove the side plate screws then tap the handle grip with a mallet or wooden or plastic handle of a tool to vibrate the side plate loose.

Guy

 

[ameridaddy]

... Now---Hoppes #9, which I bought and used by the quart, that's a different matter: "SCHEW, ARE YOU USING THAT STUFF AGAIN?!!!! LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!

I've always thought it smelled like bananas----maybe rather over-ripe bananas, but that's what you use to make banana bread, and I never heard anybody fuss about banana bread----right out of the oven----with lots of butter---YUM!!

Ralph Tremaine

Although I use the current Hoppes #9 often, I have kept a half bottle of #9 from ~40 years ago, when it was still in the glass bottle, old formula, only because it smells even better than the current #9. Anybody else notice the difference?

 

[ameridaddy]

That's one thing I have not done on this gun yet. I remember reading that there is a trick to it that does NOT involve prying. I'm open to tips.
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Remove grips, remove side plate screws, note which is the front most screw holding the yoke in place, because it's fitted, carefully slide the yoke/cylinder assy out the front and put it aside for later.
Grasp the gun in one hand around the cylinder frame, sideplate facing down toward your work surface (put an old towel down to catch the plate) and rap the grip frame near its top on the side opposite the side plate sharply several times with a plastic hammer, screwdriver handle or a piece of hardwood. The side plate will drop free after several firm taps.
DO NOT PRY IT OFF.

 

[bigmoose]

Richard, I too, love the smell of Hoppes. I can still remember my grandfathers introduction to it when I was 6 and helped clean his 1911. I also remember the smell of the carbide miner's lamp that he used to black the sights. It is nice how things like that stick with you for many decades.

It's been said that your sense of smell has the best memory of all your senses. I believe it. On many occasions I am whisked back to early childhood by something I got a whiff of.

 

[Muley Gil]

My wife LOVES the smell of Hoppes #9!

 

[Muley Gil]

Remove grips, remove side plate screws, note which is the front most screw holding the yoke in place, because it's fitted, carefully slide the yoke/cylinder assy out the front and put it aside for later.
Grasp the gun in one hand around the cylinder frame, sideplate facing down toward your work surface (put an old towel down to catch the plate) and rap the grip frame near its top on the side opposite the side plate sharply several times with a plastic hammer, screwdriver handle or a piece of hardwood. The side plate will drop free after several firm taps.
DO NOT PRY IT OFF.

I remove the grips, the screws and then tap on the grip frame with a wooden or plastic tool (old screw drivers work fine), but I keep the side plate UP. Less chance of it getting damaged and of loosing the hammer block.