Cavalry
.338 Win Mag
Long story short, I am involved in an estate with a substantial amount of firearms that have been neglected for a couple years. I am not a stakeholder but phrased it as I would be interested in helping out for first picks at a discounted rate. They were oiled but left to sit out in the open in a house with no attention. Dust, dander, etc has fallen on any horizontal surface and mildew has formed and is eating the dust as well some mildew on the oiled wood, fabric and leather. The mildew/dust on metal comes off but is very sticky.
If they were mine I would do a detail strip and just do it right. But I do not have that sort of time or inclination.
Thought #1 Pull the wood, wipe with water/vinegar. Metal goes in the solvent tank and gets scrubbed with a soft brush, blow off and oil
Thought#2 Go to town with my steamer on them assembled (outside). It will flash dry almost immediately so I am not worried about rust. As long as I dont dwell on the wood or damaged finish I do not foresee issues with the steam. Oil and send it.
If they were mine I would do a detail strip and just do it right. But I do not have that sort of time or inclination.
Thought #1 Pull the wood, wipe with water/vinegar. Metal goes in the solvent tank and gets scrubbed with a soft brush, blow off and oil
Thought#2 Go to town with my steamer on them assembled (outside). It will flash dry almost immediately so I am not worried about rust. As long as I dont dwell on the wood or damaged finish I do not foresee issues with the steam. Oil and send it.