40 Oberndorf (42) and 43 BNZ

[ugafx4]

Well I picked up my first two matching rifles today. I have dabbled in RC and restorations but I finally took the plunge. I was really only interested in the 42 but he wanted to sell both so I got a package deal.

That being said, they display a little rust but are all entirely matching. Stocks and hand guards included.

So before I do anything with them I would like to share pictures with everyone to figure out the best way to clean them. I have CLP and Ballistol on hand and I should have Kroil Monday. I have searched and read as much as I could on the site, but I would like help in coming up with a plan of action specifically for them.

Thank you,

I will be happy to provide anything else that you may require!

Here are a few random pictures:

 

[a j s]

You have done well [depending on what you payed ] the 1940 has a Walnut stock.
To clean them I wet the metal with Hoppies no 9 [Krol is not available in NZ ] for a few days first, then use the fine Bronze wool from Brownals,soaked in Hoppies and gently rub
This should improve them,although they may never be perfect.
Alister.

 

[ugafx4]

I personally like the fact that they show some wear so it does not bother me they are not perfect. I enjoy the history behind them. If you give me a value, and if I did not over pay too bad I will let you know what I got them for.

I just want to confirm that a cut up TSHIRT and some ballistol is not going to backfire on me.

One interesting thing is that the rear sight of the BNZ is stamped 4452 when the serial is 4462. A messup perhaps?

Thank you for your comments!

 

[MIKEMC]

Very Nice, You are going to enjoy Cleaning them. I would spend hours cleaning those. They are going to look great and have that preserved Glow after. You will know every nook and cranny about them. Just take your time and only tread lightly on the metal with oils. You don't want to remove any Bluing. Do not want to produce any fine scratches or sanding marks. Do a Photo documentation of every part. The Firing pin is also numbered. Cant wait to see the pics. I am going to guess you got a deal at 2k......

 

[endurokarter]

Both are treasures in my book. Cheers on the find.

Walnut examples are always lookers. Looks like they are in good hands. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ugafx4]

Right on the number Mike. What would you value them above that? Not that it matters I love them for the history, but I am considering adding them on a rider to my insurance if they are of significant value over what I paid.

I spent hours cleaning them. Every single piece. took an old bronze penny to the rust and that worked wonders. They are to the point that I am happy with them now. They are old bringbacks and look like old bringbacks. I had a moment pulling the bolt apart thinking that the last person that probably did this was fighting a war in Germany. Crazy to think that.

Can you use ballistol and then add a coat of CLP over it?

Enduro, It is a great honor that you called them treasure. I truly believe they are.

Got my little collection out today and took some pictures. Got a lead on another, so hopefully I can add a 5th next week.

 

[armenjs]

Very nice. I would just soak the metal with oil and clean off and use some RIG afterwards. Clean the bore with some hot water and soap and then regular routine. I would not touch any thing else.

 

[mattakinbimwalker]

Rust

I WOULD NOT USE WATER AND SOAP! Just get a bronze brush with kroil or ballistol and brush the bore and run clean patches through it with a one piece rod.

What rust I saw is minimal. I would only use ballistol and bronze wool on the metal. GO SLOW GO SLOW GO SLOW. Some of the metal on your rifles are already into the white. Would you rather have inactive rust and patina or no finish? I think you should do very minimal things to the metal. Always go slow and leave patina. If you do too much the gun is screwed.

The wood is great....don't touch it. lol. Do little to the metal except make the rust inactive and you are golden.

 

[ugafx4]

Don't worry, BAllistol has been the only product that has touched the metal. Aerosol spray and a wipe down of all the parts. Nothing harsh at all.

The Oberndorfs bore is a mirror the other has minor pitting. There was really only 2 spots of rust of noticeable size on the receiver. How do I make sure the rust is inactive? I got most of it off but there is still some smaller spots (in the waffenamts for example) , I didn't want to go under the surface at all.

I have been very gentle to the finish. I think the patina looks good personally.

 

[mattakinbimwalker]

Rust

Hambone (Craig) is another great source about rust removal. Bob in Ohio also did a very good job on a byf (if memory serves me correct) using kroil.

If you use some oil to penetrate the rust and lightly go over it with some bronze wool...it should be inactive. I bought the medium and the fine grade off Brownells. The tricky part is to make sure to not take the rust down too far because under the rust is white metal. I had a CE43 and a dou43 that I had to remove a lot of rust from. I tried to get the rust to where it was a dark brown (if it wouldn't remove). Your spots don't look too bad. That one spot on the floor plate....maybe you could let it soak in kroil for a few days. That should penetrate the rust and then you can try the fine bronze wool.

Hit up Craig and Bob also....super knowledgeable people.

 

[MIKEMC]

I WOULD NOT USE WATER AND SOAP! Just get a bronze brush with kroil or ballistol and brush the bore and run clean patches through it with a one piece rod.

What rust I saw is minimal. I would only use ballistol and bronze wool on the metal. GO SLOW GO SLOW GO SLOW. Some of the metal on your rifles are already into the white. Would you rather have inactive rust and patina or no finish? I think you should do very minimal things to the metal. Always go slow and leave patina. If you do too much the gun is screwed.

The wood is great....don't touch it. lol. Do little to the metal except make the rust inactive and you are golden.

Water and soap are a Must if the last rounds down the barrel were corrosive. The only way to neutralize the salts from corrosive primers is with water. After every outing with my 98,s I remove the barrel pour some Dawn dish detergent down the barrel run the brushes threw then rinse with hot water. Then with high pressure air I blow everything off fast. Most water evaporates from the hot barrel quickly before I even hit the air. Then I oil everything up.
Oil does not neutralize the salts!!!!

 

[MIKEMC]

Right on the number Mike. What would you value them above that? Not that it matters I love them for the history, but I am considering adding them on a rider to my insurance if they are of significant value over what I paid.

I spent hours cleaning them. Every single piece. took an old bronze penny to the rust and that worked wonders. They are to the point that I am happy with them now. They are old bringbacks and look like old bringbacks. I had a moment pulling the bolt apart thinking that the last person that probably did this was fighting a war in Germany. Crazy to think that.

Can you use ballistol and then add a coat of CLP over it?

Enduro, It is a great honor that you called them treasure. I truly believe they are.

Got my little collection out today and took some pictures. Got a lead on another, so hopefully I can add a 5th next week.

View attachment 71079
View attachment 71080

FYI, Your front sling bands are on backwards. The opening in the band for the sling goes on the opposite side of the bolt handle...

 

[ugafx4]

Yea after putting the sling on the top one I noticed that. I did not feel like taking apart the metal again so they will stay like that until their next cleaning. Whoops!