I have been given two .22 rifles that are coated with some sort of sticky goo! They seem to have been put away oiled, and the dirt of time has clung to them.

What is the best way to go about giving them a thorough cleaning?

The finish appears to be fine where I can see it clearly!

Thanks one and all! :D

The solvent LEAST likely to help you set yourself on fire is proably mineral spirits (can usually pick up a quart can at a paint supply house...can buy it by the gallon as well).

Want to work on metal without wood...break it down so that you are not soaking the stock.

Soak...scrub with stiff bristled nylon brush (old tooth brush will serve)...rub with rough cloth, burlap is about ideal....but a set of ruined panty hose does a pretty good job (it's really a kind of tight woven mesh). For the worst spots, may want to let it soak for a few hours (easy way is to put a dripping wet colth on the bad spot, then wrap it in plastic wrap so it won't evaporate).

I'd try a very mild solvent like WD-40 first. It's not a great gun oil by any means, but may dissolve the gunk. Remove the wood first, of course.

If WD-40 won't hack it, then get a can of brake cleaner from the auto-parts store. Wear gloves and stay upwind!

Sounds like cosmoline. Do a search for Military rifles, Mosin Nagant, Enfield or some others and join a forum. I have used break free but it really just takes time and elbow grease and perserverance. I think Beartooth has a millitary section too.

Pull the stocks, then use Gun Scrubber, or cheaper carbourator cleaner/brake cleaner. Dissolves all the gunk, and you can wash/scrub it away.

I've cleaned up several Marlin Model 60s that way.

I second using "Gun Scrubber" by BC. I also have had good results using BreakFree's Powder Blast. Its pretty much the same thing as "Gun Scrubber" just leave a citrus sent which I like.

I would try WD-40 first, removes a lot of preservatives and dirt without harming anything, then if that doesn't work go on to some of the other suggestions.