What do you soak an old gun in?

[Ken NC]

I have a new-to-me old gun (actually a Sauer & Sohn 1913 in 32 acp) that needs a good cleaning. I think I can do a partial detail strip, but would rather avoid complete. Have heard different things to soak an old gun in, as I recall: gasoline, kerosene, break cleaner, acetone, etc. What do you think would be best for loosening up grit in hard-to-reach places? Thank you!

 

[ibewbull]

Don't use GAS!
Is it blue , chrome or nickle ?
Don't soak plated guns in Hoppe's
I would get a spray can of gun scrubber.
Read the directions first.
I have used WD 40 without any issues.

 

[Ken NC]

Good question--it is blued, thanks!

 

[Maximumbob54]

Kroil, the one and only.

 

[rogerstg]

I've used kerosene, mainly because I have some on hand and it is safe. It smells though. WD-40 smells much better and does a good job dissolving old crud. Let it sit for a while.

 

[-db-]

Gasoline, brake cleaner and acetone are fairly harsh, not to mention highly flammable. Kerosene or mineral spirits are milder but will do the job and they're not as dangerous to work with.

 

[john323]

KROIL It will loosen up all the guck and rust etc.

 

[tomcatt51]

I use a mix of 1/3 each: K1 kerosene, mineral spirits and Dexron II atf, the "Ed's Red" mix minus acetone, in my sonic cleaner. Works better than anything else I've tried on really gunked up guns. Works very well for general gun cleaning also, except for copper fouling.

 

[Retired W4]

I'm just lucky enough to have a Branson ultrasonic cleaner, and a big stash of Carbon-X. The Carbon-X can be diluted with water and the ultrasonic is large enough for most hand guns. It's a great combination. I have found that Kroil works very well also. The Carbon-X is the best, in my opinion. It can be found at aircraft parts dealers, and other places as well, and is probably more economical than Kroil for soaking. It is safe for just about any metal surfaces and finishes. Just make sure it is completely removed from exposed, bare metal surfaces and the gun is oiled as usual.

 

[Ken NC]

Thanks! Have a can of Kroil (should have mentioned that too) and will give that a try. Think I should have put the ultrasonic cleaner on the Christmas list. Well, maybe next year.

 

[1 old 0311]

Those are neat old guns. How about a picture?