[oscar615]

What is the proper way to clean an AK mag? I just got some from SG and they are covered in grease. I think it is on the inside too. I sprayed them down with brake cleaner and it seemed to do a good job of getting it off the outside. Although one of them came up with some flash rust real quick. What is the proper way to take them apart, so I can clean inside? And should I lube them in some way? Or paint them inside and out to stop the rusting? Any thoughts?

 

[GoodOlFroathyOne]

What is the proper way to clean an AK mag? I just got some from SG and they are covered in grease. I think it is on the inside too. I sprayed them down with brake cleaner and it seemed to do a good job of getting it off the outside. Although one of them came up with some flash rust real quick. What is the proper way to take them apart, so I can clean inside? And should I lube them in some way? Or paint them inside and out to stop the rusting? Any thoughts?

Look at the bottom of the mag. In the middle of the floor plate there is a hole, stick a punch or small screw driver and push in the little tit that is sticking out. With it depressed you cna slide the floor plate to the front of the mag. KEEP YOUR THUMB ON THE FLOOR PLATE AND BECAREFUL! Once the floor plate is off the spring will come flopping out, and you can injure yourself if you are not careful.

Pull the spring out, the follower will come with it, it is attached to the spring.

Spray the inside out with brake cleaner/carb cleaner/gun scrubber/any degreaser will work just fine.

You "can" lube the inside but I would advise against doing so as it will collect dirt and be more trouble in the long run, painting may cause you follower to stick as well. You are best to leave the inside alone. You can use Hopps 9 on the inside to clean out any rust but degrease after you are done cleaning it.

Painting the outside is fine and may even make them fit better

 

[Wolfe]

Look at the bottom of the mag. In the middle of the floor plate there is a hole, stick a punch or small screw driver and push in the little tit that is sticking out. With it depressed you cna slide the floor plate to the front of the mag. KEEP YOUR THUMB ON THE FLOOR PLATE AND BECAREFUL! Once the floor plate is off the spring will come flopping out, and you can injure yourself if you are not careful.

Pull the spring out, the follower will come with it, it is attached to the spring.

Yeah good tip. Be very careful when disassembling a mag, it´s pretty strongly spring loaded. I always disassemble mags this way (my polymer bulgarian ak mags):

1. Take the bottom plate off but keep your hand on the bottom of the magazine.

2. Lay the magazine flat on the ground (take off your shoe and put your foot on it softly to keep it still) and let the spring get out bit by bit (using two hands).

3. When there isn't much strain left you can let the spring come out.

I would just clean the mag with a clean piece of cloth, take away most of the grease. No need to use any other chemicals.

 

[kahn]

Drop it in kerosene overnight then spray down with "gun blast" cleaner and lightly oil. Don't worry about taking it apart.

 

[hopnchop]

I cleaned mine with brake cleaner (one of the best degreasers there is) and dishsoap. Use the BC liberally (god, did I just use that word?) and let them soak it up. Then use the dishsoap to clean off the BC. Works great.:thumb: