I have one of those. They're good for holding odd shaped things. Obviously the jaws are wood but can easily be replaced with plastic or wood jaws routed or drilled for holding barrels. I dont think its strong enough for removing/installing barrels. Since my gun working falls into the "tinkering" category, its perfect for me.
Why ATF? I'm an equipment operator and heavy equipment is all hydraulics. ATF is a hydraulic oil. Stable at most temperature and pressure ranges with rust inhibitors and anti oxidants. I store my stuff in an unheated garage in a part of the country that can get very cold. If I want to take something out in winter, the ATF just runs off with an easy clean up. Motor oil tends to get like molasses. It is relatively inexpensive. And somewhere I read that it was developed as a substitute for whale oil. Dunno about that.
A mix of ATF and Marvel is even thinner.
I dont think it matters whether its Mercon or Dextron.
The Spec's idea is a good one using less oil.
My barrels & barrelled recievers are in pvc filled with ATF. My recievers are in plastic tubs from Kmart in ATF. the tubs are just the right size for a single reciever.
As far as I know the discussion was not with me, however I have a similar problem with a Midway Fajen stock. Its a thumbhole laminate and its all gap. I am presuming that is to glass bed?
Is there a Weaver side mount that will work on a #4? They dont list any in their chart, but with the selection of detach side mounts they have, I would think there is one that will adapt to a flat sided #4.
There are plans for electronic bore cleaners over at surplusrifle forums, Metal Care & Cleaning threads. Some of those guys use old cell phone chargers.
Try....bpgunsmith.com. I think my buddy paid something in the range of 110.00 for his and it wasnt a short one. He said that this guy has Wilson barrels.