Restoring 1918 Swedish Mauser

[FLgunfan]

Hello,

I purchased a Swedish mauser produced in 1918 that has some significant rusting.

I plan to use motor oil and bronze wool to take off the rust, but am not sure if that's the best way to go. I could also use some advice on what/if anything I should do to restore the wood.

The goal is to keep the gun as original as possible.

 

[ClaymoreAKM]

Worthy Goal, restore that rifle back into shape!

 

[FLgunfan]

Worthy Goal, restore that rifle back into shape!

Definitely trying! I think there's a lot of life left in it if it's worked on correctly

 

[ClaymoreAKM]

Definitely trying! I think there's a lot of life left in it if it's worked on correctly

I agree! Keep us up to speed with your project!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Good luck, they are fine rifles!

Id try Howards Feed and Wax on the stock after you get it cleaned. If that doesn't work, gentle sanding followed by several coats of Tung Oil.

 

[wiscoaster]

I see you've got a Carl Gustav there. They used the finest steel in the world. I can't image what conditions that gun was stored in to get it into that shape. I'm betting that underneath all that is still one fine old
rifle. Good luck with your project!!

Mine:
View attachment 1030483

Note: ya know, I'm wondering -- how much of that stuff you're seeing as "rust" is actually just dried-up crusty old Cosmoline? You might think about starting with that approach before you advance to something more aggressive.

 

[Barnfixer]

Good luck, they are fine rifles!

Id try Howards Feed and Wax on the stock after you get it cleaned. If that doesn't work, gentle sanding followed by several coats of Tung Oil.

This sounds good but if you get to the point of sanding get out the 0000 steel wool and denatured alcohol or boiled Lind seed oil or whatever sounds good first. The denatured alcohol will clean and prep the wood, and dry fast. My Swede is a outstanding shooter!

 

[AMraider]

I have had great luck with Frontier's Big 45 cleaning coils. Removes the rust without removing the original finish. Tom's 1/3 mix stock finish works great on the wood. A worthy project for sure!

 

[troy fairweather]

Steam the metal parts it will turn the rust to black oxide.

 

[NuclearMeltdown]

Looks like it spent a few years in a damp basement closet with no wipedowns or maintenance. I bet it cleans up nice though.

You'll need a handguard too!

 

[gpb]

I recommend looking at the videos posted my Mark Novak. He has several videos on conserving rusted rust damaged arms. He demonstrates the boiling water and carding method already mentioned (post #9). See the link below. Search the videos for what applies to your needs.

Mark Novak Gun Smith Link

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM86hA7E1y3vOJuzdqCXh1Q/videos

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Mark Novak Gun Smith Link
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM86hA7E1y3vOJuzdqCXh1Q/videos

Ditto.

 

[AJC1]

You may be very intrested in the gunblue490 7.7 arasaka restoration. He essentially goes through the process I would use to get your old war horse back in shape.

 

[Random 8]

For the wood, you should start less agressive, and work towards stronger treatments if needed. I would start with Boiled Linseed and burlap. I suspect a heavy rub will restore the wood and need no further treatment.

As for the corrosion, your blueing is lost. If you wish to incur the expense, a professional strip and blue would be appropriate in this case, as there will be no restoring the original finish, it is lost. If you wish to take on a home blueing project, I would suggest trying a couple of random gun parts, such as a take-off barrel or other part that can be had cheaply and in sad shape. I'm concerned for the condition of the bore. M96s are terrible shooters with a pitted bore.

 

[Armorer 101]

Has that bolt face been turned?

 

[eastbank]

a coating of kroil and the easy use of 0000 steel wool will clean up most light surface rust with out removing the original blue, that would be my first choice.

 

[bmac10]

I have done a few restores like this. For the metal, try electrolysis before any sanding, etc. I use a 12v battery charger and ammonia solution. (google for the whole procedure) The results are incredible. I've seen it remove rust and leave the bluing underneath.

 

[Boattale]

I have done a few restores like this. For the metal, try electrolysis before any sanding, etc. I use a 12v battery charger and ammonia solution. (google for the whole procedure) The results are incredible. I've seen it remove rust and leave the bluing underneath.

^^ This. I have a good friend who is a collector of cast iron cookware. He gets stuff in a lot worse shape than that rifle. Uses an e-tank and gets remarkable results.

 

[FLgunfan]

The finished product. The bore is shiny and the rifling is sharp.

 

[wiscoaster]

Beautiful!! Man, that's some nice figuring on the wood grain!!

 

[dcloco]

WOW!!!

Get out and exercise that beauty!

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

Hello,

I purchased a Swedish mauser produced in 1918 that has some significant rusting.

I plan to use motor oil and bronze wool to take off the rust, but am not sure if that's the best way to go. I could also use some advice on what/if anything I should do to restore the wood.

The goal is to keep the gun as original as possible.

Hello, and glad to see a Swede enjoyer on here! I have a 1910 Carl Gustafs and it is a beautiful rifle with a mint barrel and a bit worn stock but compared to your project, looks brand new. I will look forward to seeing how the restoration process goes! A place to try to find parts would be Numrich Gun Parts Corp in New York, I just replaced the trigger assembly in mine as the sear spring was worn down and not drop safe lol.

 

[dh1633pm]

Nice work.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Beautiful job pal, kudos! Which method did you end up using?

I wonder what happened to this lovely gal in the first place -- looks like she sat under water for a week after a hurricane!