Marvel Mystery Oil

sheepherder · 01-24-2018, 12:24 PM

I've noticed many threads/posts asking what is best to clean/store Lugers. This is what the Marine Corps used back in 1969-70.

Boot Camp, Perris Island. Graduation, after 10-12 weeks of basic training. The day before Final Inspection, we spent the morning detail cleaning our M-14's. In the afternoon, the DI's had a 55 gal drum (cut in half lengthwise and mounted on steel legs) half filled with a 50/50 mix of Marvel Mystery Oil and gasoline. We dipped our rifles (minus stock) in the mix and swirled it around and then hung it up to drip-dry. The gasoline would evaporate leaving a thin layer of the Marvel Oil behind. The next day we would dress up for Final Inspection with our rifles. The inspecting officers would ask questions about what we had learned.

(It was my bad luck to get inspected by Colonel Perrich, CO of the Recruit Training Battalion. When he got to me, I was supposed to come to Present Arms and he would take my rifle and inspect it while asking questions. When he came to me, my sweaty hand slipped. I din't drop the rifle, but it didn't come up either. Col Perrich looked me in the eye and said "You want to try that again, son?". I said, "Yes, Sir!" and managed to get it up to Present Arms. He snatched it away, twirled it around and looked at every part while asking "What's your second General Order?" I replied, "Sir, my second General Order is: To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight and hearing, Sir!".

Some things you never forget).

The Marvel Mystery Oil was great. The inspecting officers wore white cotton gloves, and my memory is that none were stained during our inspection.

I was in my local hardware store (a real one) and noticed that it is still made. I got a bottle, as I have been using 3in1 Oil for my firearms. 3in1 works great too, but is heavier than Marvel, so I picked up a bottle. A lot of my handguns are stored for years without being shot, and only cleaned occasionally. I'll be cleaning and dipping my handguns in the 50/50 Marvel mix and then placing them back in my safe.

Just thought I'd post this for general information. Everyone has their own favorite preservatives for their Lugers. Marvel will be mine.

Second pic shows Col Perrich and my SDI, SSGT Willis, inspecting one of the guys in my platoon.

01-24-2018, 12:24 PM	#1
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,195 Thanks: 1,411 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	Marvel Mystery Oil I've noticed many threads/posts asking what is best to clean/store Lugers. This is what the Marine Corps used back in 1969-70. Boot Camp, Perris Island. Graduation, after 10-12 weeks of basic training. The day before Final Inspection, we spent the morning detail cleaning our M-14's. In the afternoon, the DI's had a 55 gal drum (cut in half lengthwise and mounted on steel legs) half filled with a 50/50 mix of Marvel Mystery Oil and gasoline. We dipped our rifles (minus stock) in the mix and swirled it around and then hung it up to drip-dry. The gasoline would evaporate leaving a thin layer of the Marvel Oil behind. The next day we would dress up for Final Inspection with our rifles. The inspecting officers would ask questions about what we had learned. (It was my bad luck to get inspected by Colonel Perrich, CO of the Recruit Training Battalion. When he got to me, I was supposed to come to Present Arms and he would take my rifle and inspect it while asking questions. When he came to me, my sweaty hand slipped. I din't drop the rifle, but it didn't come up either. Col Perrich looked me in the eye and said "You want to try that again, son?". I said, "Yes, Sir!" and managed to get it up to Present Arms. He snatched it away, twirled it around and looked at every part while asking "What's your second General Order?" I replied, "Sir, my second General Order is: To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight and hearing, Sir!". Some things you never forget). The Marvel Mystery Oil was great. The inspecting officers wore white cotton gloves, and my memory is that none were stained during our inspection. I was in my local hardware store (a real one) and noticed that it is still made. I got a bottle, as I have been using 3in1 Oil for my firearms. 3in1 works great too, but is heavier than Marvel, so I picked up a bottle. A lot of my handguns are stored for years without being shot, and only cleaned occasionally. I'll be cleaning and dipping my handguns in the 50/50 Marvel mix and then placing them back in my safe. Just thought I'd post this for general information. Everyone has their own favorite preservatives for their Lugers. Marvel will be mine. Second pic shows Col Perrich and my SDI, SSGT Willis, inspecting one of the guys in my platoon. Attached Thumbnails __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...