Cleaning

[Harris135]

Hello, I recently was given a 1936 luger in fairly dirty condition. The bore isnt bad but the action and small parts of the pistol are fairly gunked up. Any suggestions on some effective cleaning methods?



Thanks

[Giuliano]

What is the meaning of "gunked up" ???
Giuliano

[John Sabato]

Hoppe's #9 solvent to start the cleanup process... use a brass brush where necessary to clean any gummy deposits like dried grease or cosmoline...

Make sure you don't get metal cleaning stuff on the grips...

If it is really nasty ("gunked up" is the same as 'sporko' Guiliano) then use spray carbureator or brake cleaner, then oil liberally once everything is clean. once again, no solvents on the grips.

[Giuliano]

Dear John, many thanks for your translation, but in italian it is sporco, not "sporko".
Your surname came from sud Italy, is not it?
Dear Harry135 if it is only "sporco", it is possible clean with petroleum, a brush and many patience and accuracy.
Cordialissimi saluti from Italy
Giuliano

[John Sabato]

Ciao Guilaino,

Piacere Signore!

You are correct. My grandparents from my father's family are from Enna, Sicilia. They emmigrated to the USA in the first decade of the 20th Century. I am second generation in the USA.

I had the very good fortune to serve my country in the U.S. Army for 20 years, and while serving, was privileged to serve for almost 7 years in the Southern European Task Force (SETAF) of NATO.

My places of duty were Livorno (Campo Darby) and Vicenza (Campo Ederle) and joint US/Italian duty with the 57th Gruppo, 1st Air Brigade, at the Italian Air Force Base, at Ceggia.

I left Italy in January 1988...it was a second home to me... my Italian language skills are very rusty. Thanks for your spelling correction, and welcome to the forum.

[Giuliano]

Carissimo John,
I was in your Camp Ederle in the 1980, circa. I was in the MVCC (Military Vehicle Collectors Club). I was the owner of a Jeep (manufactured by Ford in 1943) and I was in Camp Ederle for an appointment between collectors.
Near Salerno, my city, circa 51,5 Km, there is Naples. In Naples there is the Command of SETAF. I know this Base and in the Airport of Capodichino there is the base of the USAF, I know that also.
Dear John, around the world there are many, many Italians and most of them have become honor in the land where they live, like you.
I am proud to be Italian !
I'm Doctor, specialist in Forensic Medicine (as Doctor Quincy, do you know?) and I'm 63 y.o..
I collect weapons from child (my first Beretta Mod 34 at 9 y.o., my first P.08 at 14 y.o.).
I am glad to be in the Forum because I found many friends.
Dear John cordialissimi saluti from Italia
Giuliano

[Curly1]

I've used keroseane to good effect to clean up gunk also.

[Ardennes]

Once you get it apart I think it should clean-up very nicely. I like Hoppe's also. No better way to bond with a new piece than to give it a little tender, loving care.

[The Virginian]

I recommend Ed's Red home brewed gun cleaner and preservative. Do a google search on it.

[mrerick]

Cory,

Be careful not to do anything that could damage the finish. Your 1936 should have a rust blued finish and fire strawed parts like the trigger and safety lever, etc.

Don't try to remove visible rust or corrosion with anything chemical. A 75 year old Luger will normally display some red oxidation deep in it's rust blued finish.

If you do encounter rusted or pitted areas, post again here and we'll share some advice on this. If you should accidentally cut yourself, get any blood off the surface as soon as possible.

Marc