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Posted: 4/25/2011 6:42:07 AM EDT
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Is there a topic somewhere outlining the best way to do the first clean, ie: removing all the cosmoline and what not, and lubing it up for it's first fire after purchase?
I was told to run a can or two of brake cleaner through the gun hanging stock side up and let it dry, then follow with some rem-oil or otherwise. Also to remove the wood as not to damage it. I will be picking mine up this next tuesday or wed, and wanted to take it straight to the range, but I don't want to risk baking the cosmoline on it and then having to polish the hell out of it to get it off. Just want to run 20-30 bullets through her to make sure there are no flukes, I can do a complete cleaning here at home later. I will do some reading in the meantime. Just looking for some assurance I guess, on what I need to do prior to firing it. |
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The brake cleaner will work, but it may also remove some finishes from the metal and usually WILL remove wood finishes.
I'm not sure if gun scrubber is milder than automotive brake cleaner, but you might read the label on a can at a gun store to see what it says. Whichever, test it on a hidden area to see if it's going to damage the metal paint. You don't have to get every trace of Cosmoline off everywhere, just off the bolt and carrier, and the areas inside the receiver where they operate. Clean out the barrel AND chamber too with a patch and rod. For lubrication, many people find Rem-Oil to be a little thin and it tends to run off fast. A thicker and often better option is CLP Breakfree, |
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Sounds good. I will utilize my current cleaning options with Hoppes solvent and rem oil for the test fire day, and bring it home for a full cleaning that night. Then I will try and find a better lubricant.
I tend to use Rem oil just because they have the spray option and it seems to "coat" things without having to really get it in there with a brush or otherwise, but I will agree, it seems to dissipate after a short time. Thanks for the advice. I have read that you aren't to overlube the piston and or the bolt face, although I don't see it hurting much. I am excited about this gun, sure hope it doesn't have to go back for service ! |
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Like most gas systems, you're not supposed to put any lubricant on the piston.
There's no lube that can withstand the super-heated incandescent gas entering the gas cylinder and anything on the piston or in the cylinder will burn to a sticky, tar-like substance that can cause problems in many rifles. The AK is much more forgiving of this, but it's best not to lube the gas piston or gas block except for storage, and then you wipe it off before firing. I don't see any real problem with lube on the bolt face, but there's also no good reason to have much there either. One way to help your AK work "easier" and wear less is to use a grease on key parts like the bolt carrier and bolt. As long as you clean the rifle once in a while and don't use it in a sand storm, grease is not a problem, and does a better job of staying put and lubricating. |
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