Taking Care of Your Traps
Your rifle is the most expensive investment that you have made for this hobby. Treat it well. Use emory paper or steel wool to remove any rust. Apply a coat of oil to all steel parts, including the bayonet. Wipe away any excess oil.
The wood of the stock, depending on the finish should be first rubbed down with a soft rag and then the stock should be inspected for any cracks or splits. Wood left untreated will dry and grow brittle. If you have an oiled finish. linseed oil or tung oil will renew the wood and the finish. If the stock is varnished a coat of liquid furniture polish be used though it may rust any exposed steel parts that it comes into contact with so be careful with any excess polish.
Your leather traps will also dry out and crack if not properly taken care of. Belt, cartridge box, cap pouch, bayonet scabbard and shoes will wear out if not treated with saddle soap or some other leather rejuvenator such as Pecard Oil.
Your brass can be simply cleaned by using a rag and a commercial brass cleaner found in most grocery stores. Canteens should be washed out with very hot water, then left to dry inverted with a paper towel stuck into the spout. The paper towel should be changed frequently until the towel stays dry. Leaving a fresh paper towel in the spout for the entire off season is perfectly OK and will act as a wick for any moisture that forms inside.
Uniforms should be dry cleaned or washed with Woolite.
The wood of the stock, depending on the finish should be first rubbed down with a soft rag and then the stock should be inspected for any cracks or splits. Wood left untreated will dry and grow brittle. If you have an oiled finish. linseed oil or tung oil will renew the wood and the finish. If the stock is varnished a coat of liquid furniture polish be used though it may rust any exposed steel parts that it comes into contact with so be careful with any excess polish.
Your leather traps will also dry out and crack if not properly taken care of. Belt, cartridge box, cap pouch, bayonet scabbard and shoes will wear out if not treated with saddle soap or some other leather rejuvenator such as Pecard Oil.
Your brass can be simply cleaned by using a rag and a commercial brass cleaner found in most grocery stores. Canteens should be washed out with very hot water, then left to dry inverted with a paper towel stuck into the spout. The paper towel should be changed frequently until the towel stays dry. Leaving a fresh paper towel in the spout for the entire off season is perfectly OK and will act as a wick for any moisture that forms inside.
Uniforms should be dry cleaned or washed with Woolite.