Did you find your grandpa’s old rifle while rooting around in the attic? It might have been a hunting workhorse back in the day, but it’s been in storage for years, unused and largely forgotten. Will it still fire correctly? Can you take it to the range or on a hunting trip? Should you break out a gun cleaning kit and hope for the best? With all these questions to be answered, here’s everything you need to know about making old guns new again.
Check with a Gunsmith
Before doing anything, take your old rifle to a gunsmith. A trained gunsmith can evaluate the rifle and see if it is still in shooting condition. If not, they might be able to tell you the steps you need to take to get it working again. They can identify the parts that need replacing if there is too much pitting in the metal and whether cracks need to be repaired or could potentially break open from the stress of firing the gun.
A Deep Clean
No matter what the gunsmith told you, you’ll likely need to start with a deep clean. It’s time to make sure the firearm is unloaded, disassemble it, and break out your rifle cleaning kit. Check for videos online if you don’t know how to disassemble the type of specific rifle. After disassembling, clean carefully. Antique rifles might be harder to disassemble due to a buildup of dirt and grime over the years, so go slow. When you’re finished, be sure to lubricate after cleaning. You will likely need all the tools in your kit to help clean the rifle and polish it back to looking like new.
Replace Parts
While you have the gun disassembled, you can replace any broken parts. Do this after cleaning to ensure you don’t miss any parts due to dirt and grime buildup. Parts for older rifles might be harder to find, though surplus rifles may be easier to find parts for, thanks to mass production. Some older, popular guns have seen modern suppliers create reproduction parts. Once you’ve got all the parts you need, using a gun cleaner CLP can help the gun look better and get it back into shooting shape.
Restore the Finish
After you’ve cleaned the gun and replaced any broken parts, restore the finish on the wood stock. Start by removing the old finish with sandpaper. Leave the areas where the action is fitted untouched. Sanding them could affect fit later. After it’s sanded down, use a finish like boiled linseed to bring the rifle back to life.
Consider Upgrades
Once your firearm is looking great, it’s time to consider upgrades. Especially for older rifles, these simple additions can make all the difference. Modern scopes can help make an older rifle worth taking to the range or on a hunting trip for more than nostalgia purposes. You can even modify older rifles for sporting use, though this often decreases the value.
Blue the Metal
What if the metal of the firearm was blued but has lost the bluing? You can cold blue it. Cold bluing mostly restores the look. The downside is it only provides minor rust resistance. You will probably need to visit a gunsmith for hot bluing, as this involves boiling caustic chemicals. You can skip this step if the gun wasn’t originally blued, and instead, just reassemble the rifle.
Find the Right Ammo
Finally, you’ll need to find ammunition. For older rifles and obsolete calibers, this can be tricky. It may come down to crafting custom ammo or paying a premium if you can’t find manufacturers creating the right caliber. Modern ammo may also be too powerful for your rifle, so proceed with caution. That said, finding the right ammo is essential if you want to use the firearm. So, take your time, and enjoy the process. Once your firearm is refurbished, the whole journey will feel worth it.
About Breakthrough Clean Technologies®
If you’re looking for an effective way to clean and maintain your firearms, Breakthrough Clean Technologies® has everything you need. From supplies to compile your own pistol cleaning kit to a ready-to-use rifle cleaning kit, the brand’s cleaning products are sure to become your go-to choice. Breakthrough Clean Technologies® offers non-toxic, eco-friendly, non-hazardous, non-staining, and odorless gun cleaning products that eliminate more contaminants than other leading brands. Maintain your firearm collection with their selection of lubricants, solvents, All-In-One gun cleaner CLP, and so much more. There’s no reason to settle for ineffective products that smell terrible. With Breakthrough Clean Technologies®, The Difference Is Clear™.
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