The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

Greetings,

So I've purchased a P64 and got one that looks, as with most people who have gotten them from J and G, like it has never been fired. Its a 1976. I took it out to the range and fired a few FMJ off with 0 issues. That said it needs a good stiff cleaning and likely a feed ramp polish. In addition I have purchased new springs to adjust the DA pull and the recoil issues.

The questions I have are regarding removing the cosmoline gunk. What should I use? Boiling watter then strip it and dry it? Is that even viable? Any other methods? I'm ready to strip it down swap the springs and ensure everything is oiled up properly. This brings me to my second question; should I use oil as the only lubrication? What about grease? What are the differences and where should each of them be used (if different)?

Thanks for your time

nistule

I take the grips off and slide and soak in paint thinner , diesel fuel, all night wipe it down the next day ,spay it with WD-40 wipe down grease the rails, then oil it

NORM

Excellent. Sounds good. Thanks for the tip.

Nistule,

Welcome aboard, what Norm told you works, and it has for a few years now as many have found out after trying it their way, field stripping is not the answer, a complete cleaning is necessary if you want your new P-64 to perform correctly. I have owned 5 at one time but today only have two, but they do grow in the dark if you have more than two...... , good luck and good shooting.


Papabear

I used "Cleaner/Lube for Firearms" recipe I found on Makarov.com, http://www.makarov.com/tech.html (toward the bottom of the page) It is basically the same thing that Norm uses only I used kerosene and mineral spirits(paint thinner) I set mine out in the sun, I think a little heat helps, use a toothbrush where you can reach, compressed air where you can't. I use wheel bearing grease on the rails when I'm finished cleaning, I thought it made a world of difference.

norm, I want to make sure I understand your directions. as I understand, I should first separate the slide from the receiver, then soak both in the solution? thanks, mike

lagavulin62

yes
and take off grips too if you take the recoil spring off remember the small end of the spring goes on the barrel first
NORM

thanks for the clarification norm. I'm gonna try to get to the hammer spring this weekend, shoot it afterwards, then sometime in the future do the deep cleaning part along with my mak.

Norm, I used to help co-workers clean their Garands, M1 carbines, SKS rifles and German Makarovs that they got from Century Int'l Arms up in Vermont. The kerosene/diesel fuel and paint thinner soak really removes the cosmoline. As for shooting the corrosive 9mm mak ammo, we used to soak our patch rags in windex or ammonia to clean out the barrels and parts that get powder residue on them. Sgt P.