Model 94 torn down - need advice

[retread]

Picked up a pre 64 model 94. Not bad shape but action is really dirty. Good news is the bore it bright and shiny, no pitting or any signs of corrosion. I was told the best way to clean is by soaking in Brownell's d'solve. Sounded great until I looked up the price. Just under $50 a gallon (which makes 5 gallons). If I were 30 instead of 68 I could see possibly using it in the future but that is not the case. Is there a cheaper alternative that is equally effective?

[bob208]

open action clean with carb. cleaner. then blow out with air. oil and use.

[RickinTN]

A toothbrush and Hoppes #9 would probably do a good job. Apply the Hoppes and maybe let it soak a while before using the toothbrush.
Rick

[ElDorado]

Try kerosene, or mix up some Ed's Red.

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=9

[MGD]

Second the Ed's Red, would lube with Ballistol so no more dried or gummy oil

[beezapilot]

Check with local mechanics to see who has an ultrasonic cleaner.

[yooper]

If you simply Google "Winchester Model 94 disassembly" you'll find a ton of YouTube videos and PDF's on how to take your new jewel down to the very last screw. AND get it put together again. A simple hint - make sure you have screwdrivers that fit the screw-heads and punches that fit the pins or you'll end up with lots of scratches and buggered screws. Don't ask how I know.
yooper

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

Second on the carb cleaner.

[TXGunNut]

I like Hornady's One Shot spray cleaner & dry lube. I generally avoid tearing down 94's but would do so very carefully for repairs. Have a friend that enjoys tearing down and working on all his 1873's, 1894's and 1892's but I haven't seen the need...yet.

[pietro]

.

I've been using common, inexpensive ($4/gal) kerosene (available @ Hess gas stations and/or hardware stores) for the past 40 years to clean my firearms, w/o any issues.

A plus, from using kero to flush/clean a firearm, is that after the exterior's wiped down with an oily rag as a finisher, the kero leaves an oily residue on internal aprts, in those hard-to-reach places.

Win-win.


.

[Randy C]

.

I second, inexpensive ($4/gal) kerosene (available @ Hess gas stations and/or hardware stores) for the past 40 years to clean my firearms, w/o any issues.

A plus, from using kero to flush/clean a firearm, is that after the exterior's wiped down with an oily rag as a finisher, the kero leaves an oily residue on internal aprts, in those hard-to-reach places.

Win-win.


.

[retread]

Well I have it back together after a thorough cleaning with mineral spirits and hoppe's (what I had on hand). Cleaned up really well. The only part of the reassembly that was a chore was getting the screw for the cartridge gate started. My fingers or too big for the space. Other than that the job went without a hitch. The action works smoothly and feeds great. Now to slug the barrel. Now that it is back together I realize I should have slugged it while I had good access to both ends of the barrel. Once that is done I will be loading some cast for it and head to the range when the rain quits. Thanks for everyone's input.

Jay

[TXGunNut]

Good Job! Looking forward to the range report.

[OverMax]

Good to read you got the job done with no mishaps. I know a fellow doing the same and used something harsh as a cleaner and ruined his stocks original staining.