Cleaning a 50 year old Marlin.

[@Ktchnking]

This Marlin/ Glenfield model 65 "Golden 50" belongs to my brother in law.

It was handed down to him by his father, who was handed the gun by his father.

The gun itself was in ugly condition. It was rusty, scratched up, and the action felt "crusty."

Since the rifle has some sentimental value and I decided to clean it up.

This rifle had NEVER been cleaned. Not once.

 

[@Ktchnking]

The magazine tube was stuck. Real stuck.
I used a piece of scrap leather and a pair of pliers to get it to turn.

After some side english, and some colorful language I got it out.

Take a look at 50 years of grime.

 

[@Ktchnking]

The dissasembly is nearly identical to a marlin model 60 but with screws in places a pin would work.

Check out the nasty.

 

[@Ktchnking]

I got to scrubbing with some solvent and soaked all the pieces in vinegar while I worked on getting all the crud knocked loose.

I made a concoction of vinegar, salt, and lemon juice to soak the brass magazine tube.

 

[@Ktchnking]

While the parts and pieces sat I sanded the stock down starting with 600 grit and working up to 1000.

The majority of the scratches, dings, and dents were fairly shallow and buffed out. Some of the more aggressive damage will make for a good conversation I suppose.

 

[@Ktchnking]

I used two light coats of red oak stain to try to get as close to the original color as I could.

Overall I am happy with how it came out.

While the stain cured I dumped the vinegar soak and scrubbed everything. It took some work, and a little 000 steel wool to get all of the rust removed from the barrel.

 

[@Ktchnking]

My lemon, salt, vinegar mix worked pretty well on the brass. It came clean but was dull.

A little brasso later and it's looking good!

The stock got a coat of spar urethane, wet sanded with 1500 grit, and coated again.

I painted the barrel with high temp paint and reassembled the gun.

It looks much better. The action is smooth.
Now my nephew has a gun that can be handed down to him.

The paint finish may not hold up well. If not I may send it for cerakote by Guardian Custom Coatings. Scott does great work.

If you have old family heirlooms that are looking rough don't be afraid to spit shine them! I used what I had on hand. The only cost to this project was a little time and elbow grease.

As a disclaimer- know what you have. This is a $100 rifle in new condition. If this was a valuable rifle I wouldn't have done anything except clean it. Removing the finish on antiques can destroy their value.

 

[WRM]

I've got the M60, that was my first "real" gun. Pretty decent little 22s from some of Marlin's golden years.

Some Corrosion Block likely would be of benefit to you on that one. Good luck--I'm sure it'll appreciate the spa day.

 

[WRM]

Hope your nephew enjoys! Nice present for him. Good on ya.

 

[@Ktchnking]

I've got the M60, that was my first "real" gun. Pretty decent little 22s from some of Marlin's golden years.

Some Corrosion Block likely would be of benefit to you on that one. Good luck--I'm sure it'll appreciate the spa day.

I'm looking forward to shooting it.

Do you have a product you recommend? I got her clean and put a layer of oil on everything.

 

[WRM]

Yes--Corrosion Block. Only local source I know is West Marine. Can get in spray or grease tub. Works wonders.

 

[WRM]

 

[WRM]

Pricey, but worth it, IMO. A little goes a long way. You can get a better deal on Amazon with the non aerosol version.

 

[@Ktchnking]

I ordered a can. Good looking out.

 

[WRM]

I ordered a can. Good looking out.

You'll find a lot of uses for it. I discovered it 20 some odd years ago. Good stuff.

 

[indy1919a4]

Nice photos, I like that you took the time to take the early Grime photos, Sometimes its hard to take time when you start the fight. Nice cleaning.

 

[J pace]

The early model 60s had screws instead of pens they were identical to that action also the model 99 and a few others