Cleaning "Unissued" Bulgarian Makarov ???

G

Guyon

New member
I just ordered one of the "unissued" Bulgarian Maks from Gregory at Jersey City Armory. My understanding is that these guns have been stored in packing grease and wax wrap for over 30 years. When the gun gets here, I'd like a better idea of the best way to clean it.

Any tips from those of you who've gotten the "unissued" military versions?

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Guyon
NRA & GOA Member
Vote for your rights!!!
 
I cleaned and shot mine 4 times before it came out. I swear it seemed to sweat the grease back out of the pores each time I went to the range.
 
Thanks Owen. Gregory mentioned that a lot of people have soaked theirs overnight in kerosene--something I didn't see on your thread. My only worry is that some of these "cleaners" like mineral spirits, kerosene, lantern fuel, etc. might hurt the finish in some way.

I see your experience with mineral spirits turned out okay.



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Guyon
NRA & GOA Member
Vote for your rights!!!
 
Hi Guyon,

While I don't think that kerosene will hurt the finish, I can't stand the smell of the stuff so I didn't use it. I'm sure it'd work just as well as mineral spirits.

And also, I no longer use that RemOil spray/lube, I picked up a package of Tetra Gun spray, oil, and grease and I like it a lot.

I got it from Brownell's,
www.brownells.com

Expensive - around 30 bucks including shipping - but it's good stuff. Dunno if it's any better than other high-quality similar products but I like it.

BTW, last weekend I picked up some 9x18 ammo at the local gun show for 6 bucks a box, the 'white box' stuff made in Russia by Tula. I've also bought some S&B which works like a charm.

Enjoy your Bulgie....it's a nifty little piece.

Owen
 
Check out AGI's video on the care and service of Mak's. Based on their advice, I cleaned both of my Mak's with Simple Green (yes, the stuff that mom bought at the supermarket). Spray, soak, scrub, wash off, dry, and re-lubricate.
 
I bought an East German Mak a little while ago that had been packed in grease for almost forty years. It was really a simple matter to completely disassemble it and soak all the individual parts in solvent. I used Crud Buster. I think most any degreaser would work.

It cleaned right up. After re-lubing it, I found that the action was much smoother--I think the packing grease is good for rust prevention, not lubrication.

Disassembly instuctions can be found at makarov.com.
 
As others have said most any degreaser will work. Remove the grips, lock and firing pin and take apart the mags too as they've also got cosmoline inside. Clean well with an old toothbrush and a bunch of cotton swabs. Once it's completely clean leave to dry. After that use some CLP to lube very lightly. When re-assmebling make sure you place the recoil spring on the barrel so it take effor to get it on, if it goes on easy you've got it backward. When installing the grips don't overtighten the screw or it will drag on the mags. After pistol is assmebled work the slide several times and you're set. Make sure to wear eye protection (as you should always) when firing because some cosmoline will still fly out during firing.

Bulgie Maks are reliable, tough and alot of fun. You did right by getting one while they're still available.

Make sure to visit http://makarov.com Lots of great info and Mak accessories.

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"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."

[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited September 09, 2000).]
 
I also recently ordered a Bulgarian "unissued" from JC Armory. Should be to my FFl in a few days. I was planning on removing the grips, field stripping etc. and using Gunscrubber on it.....
 
You'll get the same results with brake cleaner and it costs much less than GunScrubber. Whatever you use, make absolutely sure you work in a cool ventilated area (outdoors works best). Also please dispose of the chemicals properly.

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"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
 
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