gewehr 43

[Garet]

I found this gewehr 43 yesterday near malbergwiech Germany. What's the best way toclean it? I was thinking electrolysis, but I don't want it to disintegrate.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[coinman123]

Really cool piece of WWII History. I don't think that electrolysis would hurt it.

Any close-ups?

 

[I-DIG-IT]

Welcome to T-net. I would use electrolysis, just watch how long you do it and it should not disintegrate, Good luck what ever you do, I hope you show an after pic's. And that's a great find. congrats.

 

[Prairie Prowler]

Welcome &Nice find ..I would try what IDIGIT said....ever find any K98 s ?

 

[Garet]

No k98's, but a few unexploded k98 rifle grenades .

 

[huntsman53]

Welcome to Treasure Net! The Gewehr 43 is in pretty bad shape, so Electrolysis is really the only way to find out if anything is really left. Once removed from the Electrolysis, dry it as quickly as possible and then submerge in oil. Old used motor oil should work well instead of investing in brand new oil to submerge it in. Good luck!


Frank

 

[Garet]

Here's some up close pics

 

[CMDiamonddawg]

Thanks for sharing WW II battle finds , Proud to Say " many family members served in ETO " !

 

[Westfront]

It's in bad shape, especially pressed sheetmetal parts of the K43 don't like laying on top. Too bad. A K43 is a great find.... I would hit the barrel with a hammer to remove loose rust and try electrolysis then. You will loose the gas cylinder, but most of whats now left will be ok.

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

My advise is to leave it as is. No amount of electrolysis is going to make it look better in my opinion, in fact it may make it look worse.

 

[Garet]

How long should it be in the electrolysis?

 

[Westfront]

With all loose rust removed, start with 8 hrs. Nothing you can hurt on it. It will come out pretty much like this here. It's been outside since...

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Hitlers Garand... Nice find! I had one years ago that had been "sporterized" after the war, it took forever to find all the parts to restore it, but it was a really nice rifle when I got it done. Hope it cleans up well for you