1) Is it ok that I cannot run the brushes fully though the barrel or should I definitely find a shorter brushes so I can run them fully through the barrel?
2) Is that metal brush ok to use for cleaning (it goes though with quite a push)?
3) Can my toothbrush damage crown or chambers when I use it to brush of all around the gun?
4) Can I use ballistol to clean my rubber grips?
5) Could it be that there was a glue on the perimeter of the grip inner surfaces so that both halves of the grips stick together?
Here are few pictures - what can you say about the barrel - is it ok?
I'm going to basically say the same things TfflHndn and entropy said.
1) Get a shorter brass brush. It shouldn't hurt it but Id use the nylon brush until you get a shorter brass one.
2) Its normal to need a bit of force. The brass is softer than the barrel so it doesn't harm it. Stainless steel cleaning brushes are much more rough on the barrel and you shouldn't need those except in a few extreme cases so stay away from them.
3) Tooth brush is fine... unless you use one with steel bristles.
4) I've never used ballistol so I cant really comment on it but soap and water should work good for the grips.
5) I don't think Ive ever heard of glue on the drips like you described.
So as I understand the barrel looks ok (those little scratches are from normal use) and I shouldn't worry about it?
If that is a pit in the barrel is it really serious or will serve me just fine (when I test fired those 5 rounds I fired a handgun for the first time in my life and the two first rounds from 10 yards where pretty close to the center of target, so I think the accuracy will suffice)?
So how should I clean my barrel and chambers - with that brass brush followed by nylon brush or maybe with the brass brush alone?
Also, entropy - do you think I should get and use Hoppes #9 solvent for cleaning and leave Ballistol for lubrication? Isn't the Hoppes #9 really toxic or something?
Barrel should be fine unless you see accuracy get a lot worse. Its fine in my opinion.
Use which ever brush gets it clean. This isn't magic and doesn't require a very specialized process. Some times you use a wash cloth on your dished and some times you use a little scrubber pad or something. Don't over think it.
I don't know if any one has mentioned it or not. When cleaning down the barrel, try not to rub the rod on the side of barrel. That can cause some uneven wear on the muzzle crown over long period of time. The make coated rods because of that. Ive never bought one... just letting you know.
I prefer my cleaners to clean and lube to lube. I generally stay away from the 'all in one' type products. That's just my preference but others will say that they are the best thing since sliced bread.
Hoppes 9 isn't super toxic. Realistically, its probably no more harmful than anything else that is similar. Just don't take a bath in it or feed it to baby dolphins.
