Should I clean or leave as found 1940 K98k

[Blk]

this K98k literally can out of the closet. The soldier brought it back from in 1945 and it sat in a closet since .
my question is should I clean it and to what extent. this is my first K98k so not an expert.
it looks to be completely matching see photos for condition
thanks in advance for your help

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

Hello, just look up « ballistol », « bronze wool » or « patina » in the forum search engine and you will find many threads.
What you may do is remove excess rust by wiping metal parts with Ballistol on a cloth, a step further is using bronze wool. And that’s it.
Your rifle still has a nice blueing, you will ruin it with steel wool.
About the stock, if you find it greasy, smelly or dark, that’s patina. It’s normal.

 

[Blk]

Thank you.

 

[Remfan]

I would just wipe the stock down with a damp soft cloth and leave it. Am sure the bore could use a cleaning.

 

[THunter]

Carefully disassemble. Soak parts in Kroil for 48 hours. Use bronze wool to remove the surface rust. It should clean up very nicely. Leave the stock alone or lightly wipe it down with balistol or howards feed n wax if you must

 

[Bob in OHIO]

Another thought to consider....

Please read

 

[Humbarger]

I saturate the steel with oil then while the steel is still very oily use OOOO steel wool to get rid of the surface rust.

 

[Peter S]

I saturate the steel with oil then while the steel is still very oily use OOOO steel wool to get rid of the surface rust.

That is the worst advice you could have given. You might as well have said "use scoitch brite on the tough stuff". DO NOT EVER USE STEEL WOOL! It will hurt the finish. Bronze or brass wool is the only thing you should use.

 

[Mike2994]

+1 to Bob. Leave it alone, it’s gone so long without oil it’ll be fine for a little longer in a humidity & temperature controlled environment. Oil the metal and leave it alone, there are less and less untouched 98s every day in peoples attempt to “improve” them.

 

[RavenOps]

Bronze or brass wool is the only thing you should use.

Are there grades to bronze or brass wool similar to 0000 steel wool? What would be the grade to use on appropriate metal finishes? Thanks

 

[Blk]

+1 to Bob. Leave it alone, it’s gone so long without oil it’ll be fine for a little longer in a humidity & temperature controlled environment. Oil the metal and leave it alone, there are less and less untouched 98s every day in peoples attempt to “improve” them.

When you say oil the metal. Do you mean disassemble to oil or?

 

[Winchester Cowboy]

I wouldn’t do anything to it. I like them untouched with the dirt and grit still on it as found.


You risk damaging it if you have never worked on them before.

 

[Mike2994]

When you say oil the metal. Do you mean disassemble to oil or?

I personally wouldn’t disassemble it (atleast until you get proficient at disassembling 98s as I bet the bands will be on there very tight due to wood swelling and could cause damage to the wood by removing the rear band).

I would recommend putting a little Ballistol on a rag and putting a little oil on the surface metal. Since it looks untouched since 1945 it will still have the original grease/sealant on the metal under the wood line and IMHO it’s a disservice to remove that by oiling the underside.

 

[nirvana]

If you have to ask “should I clean it,” the answer is “no.” Wipe the metal with some oil, leave it alone. It’s lasted 80 years so far.

 

[moconfed]

One of my bnz45 rifles is in a condition that makes yours look like a new standard model. It's spent time since the war in a couple garages. It'll stay just like it is. Preserve your rifle just like it is!

 

[yellowkid]

Leave it alone it’s only original once

 

[Peter S]

Are there grades to bronze or brass wool similar to 0000 steel wool? What would be the grade to use on appropriate metal finishes? Thanks

When I bought mine many years ago, there were 3 different grades available. I bought the finest grade.

This place has coarse or fine. https://lustersheenonline.com/shop/lustersheen-brass-wool/

 

[grimlin13]

Do not take it apart. Especially if you do not know what you are doing, you can damage it. Once anything is done to it, it cannot be undone.
For God`s sake never use steel wool, a wire brush, sandpaper or any abrasive on any part of it, period!
If you have to do something because you are worried about rust, apply oil to metal, wipe with clean cloth. Turn cloth to clean part as you go, rust will adhere to cloth and become abrasive and damage blue and/or metal. Only use bronze/brass wool if you have to to get rid of stubborn rust or corrosion. Go easy, even bronze/brass wool can remove blue or patina if you rub too hard or in one place over and over. Patina looks a heck of a lot better on these old rifles than shiny, bare metal.
In the end it is your rifle to do with as you may. You have to decide what to do or not do. Remember it is a part of history and history should be preserved.

 

[Blk]

Thanks you all for your input . I will leave as found and keep it in my safe that has moisture control .
what is the value as is?If that’s an inappropriate question please disregard

 

[Mike2994]

Thanks you all for your input . I will leave as found and keep it in my safe that has moisture control .
what is the value as is?If that’s an inappropriate question please disregard

Glad to hear you will keep it as-is! For insurance I'd value it at $2,000-$2,500.