New M48 Mauser questions

[LightningLink]

Finally received my first C&R purchase. Damn, this C&R is going to get expensive fast A few questions if I may:

1) Can anyone recommend a good book for care and maintenence of this rifle?

2) Cleaning the grease off: Is something like Parts Cleaner okay? What affect would it have on the stock?

3) It came with a cleaning kit, although I'll probably use a traditional kit (Dewey rod, etc). What size chamber brush should I use? Is 8mm comperable to 30.06?

Thanks in advance for any advice,
LL

 

[Poodleshooter]

1.) Sorry, don't know.
2.) Try WD-40. It acts as a solvent for the cosmoline that your rifle was packed in. If it's really tough, try brake cleaner, but only as a last option (BC is basically the same stuff as Birchwood Casey's product "Gunscrubber")
3.) 30/06 is .308" diameter, 8mm is .323". Close, but your brush may be a little loose. You can use the same patches though.

 

[James K]

There was a Yugo Model 48 that is a bit different, but all the ones I have seen lately using that name are rebuilt standard K98k's or Czech VZ24's. In any case, they are plain old 98 Mausers, and there a lot of books on Mausers.

Don't use WD-40 if there is moisture around, as it will mildew and spot the metal or wood. There is a product called G96 Gun Treatment that is better and does not mildew.

Cosmoline can be cleaned using gasoline, but if you do so, be extremely careful - avoid breathing the fumes, keep evaporation to a minimum and, of course, no smoking!

Jim