How to Remove Cosmoline From an SKS

If you purchase a military surplus SKS rifle that has never been fired, chances are it is coated generously with cosmoline. Cosmoline is a liquid preservative into which many military rifles were dipped just after production. Over time, the liquid dries into a waxy coating that protects against rust for decades, but can be difficult to remove once the rifle is ready to be fired. Removing cosmoline is not complicated, but it can be time-consuming.

Things You'll Need

  • Mineral spirits
  • Soft brush
  • 12-inch by 12-inch plastic tray
  • Clean rags
  • Newspaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disassemble the rifle completely and lay the parts out on clean newspaper.

    • 2

      Fill the plastic tray half-way with mineral spirits. Soak each metal part in the mineral spirits for a few minutes, then scrub it gently with a brush to remove the cosmoline. Heavily coated parts may need more time to soak and more scrubbing.

    • 3

      Empty and replace the mineral spirits in the pan as it becomes dirty with cosmoline.

    • 4

      Lay all clean parts out on newspaper to dry.

    • 5

      Dip a rag into clean mineral spirits and scrub the wooden stock. Let the stock dry, then repeat the process until cosmoline stops oozing from the pores of the wood.