[Kent S.]

Greetings--new guy here...

I just obtained from my father-in-law a very old Winchester 04 single-shot 22 cal rifle--and it's in very poor condition. I'm having the stock redone, but wondered if anyone has some advise on the best way to clean the barrel and hardware. The barrel has some very pitted spots. I've only done simple cleaning of a gun after shooting, never something intense like this old-timer needs. Thanks for your help!


Kent in Iowa

Also, does anyone know if there's a way to identify it's age. I found out that the 04 was made between 1904 and 1931. I don't think they used serial numbers, did they?

[Bravo]

For a good cleaning, I'd say soak all parts in warm soapy water, then spray WD-40 through it, then run cleaning rods and patches through it, then soak in water again, run patches through to dry completely, and oil any moving parts.

Some may disagree on the WD-40, but I find it to work very well when it comes to removing build up. and have never had any problems with it.

If the barrel is severe pitting, I'm not sure what to do. But, I'm sure someone around here will have a good answer.

By the way, Welcome to G&G

[Triggerjerk]

You are as close as you will get with a gun that has no serial #, as far as age goes. I do not have a cure for the pitting. I have used Birchwood Casey gun blue kits with pretty good results. The only problem that you may have is that the stock may really outclass the metal, now. I re-do lots of old .22's and generally try to keep the "look" balanced between the stock and metal. If you have not sent the stock out...do it yourself. There are kits for that, too.

[toolman]

For rust removal, try to locate a product called RB-17 and use it with a piece of 0000 steel wool. It will remove the rust without messing up the remaining bluing. If you can't find RB-17, try some automatic transmission fluid with the still wool. The RB-17 is one of the best bore cleaners I've ever seen, but you will have to oil it afterwards, as it will take the bore down to bare metal and leave no rust protection whatsoever. Welcome to G&G!

[Triggerjerk]

By the way...these old single shots are fine shooters.

[Johnnycat]

I agree with Bravo, but would substitute Kroil for the WD-40.

Nothing you can do about severe pitting, and unless you're a master with a grinder I wouldn't even try to smooth anything out.

[Kent S.]

Thanks everyone for the information! I appreciate it very much!

Kent