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.
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.
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!
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.
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