I took an old Ruger Mini-30 out of the safe for the first time in years the other day, and found the action was frozen: I couldn't pull the charging handle back - it was stuck in place.

I was going to try spraying WD-40 in the receiver area and trying again, possible with a rubber mallet, but I'm sure this isn't the first time this has happened.

What's the best way to get the action open?

thx

Hunter 308

One of the main causes of a Mini to freeze up in storage is not the action (bolt), but the gas piston rusting to the opt. rod. Carbon build up in this area can also cause it to stick. Remove the stock and see if you can get a little penatrating oil between the gas block piston and the opt. rod. Place the rifle with the muzzle up for a while then see if you can't knock it lose.

Kroil or Liquid Wrench.

Yep, what Steve said. I've found Kroil to be better than Liquid Wrench but use whatever you have. Lime or lemon juice will also disolve rust. Nate