Cleaning Chrome-lined barrel

[Peakbagger46]

I have a Saiga in 7.62X39. Is it safe to use Butche's Bore Shine or similar copper solvent to clean the barrel with or will I chew up the chrome?

 

[briansmithwins]

Copper solvent is ok on hardchrome.

My question is why you think it's necessary. Hardchrome doesn't foul like carbon steel for starters and you're probably not going to notice increased group size due to copper fouling using a Saiga for many, many rounds.

I clean my AK with soapy water as a bore cleaner (corrosive ammo). Non commie guns get surplus USGI bore cleaner.

BSW

 

[C'Thulhu]

Properly chromed steel will not even notice it. You'll be fine.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Thanks for the replies.

I have been using Hoppes Elite (outstanding for carbon and lead removal), but I know from using it on other rifles that it doesn't take care of copper. I just don't want to get copper build up to the point where it is difficult to remove.

"Properly chromed steel"? Who knows what was done to my fine firearm at its Russian birthplace!

 

[TurtlePhish]

"Properly chromed steel"? Who knows what was done to my fine firearm at its Russian birthplace!

In all likelihood, the chroming was done right. They've been making those things for decades.

 

[TonyAngel]

It won't hurt it, but no need to do it either.

 

[adelbridge]

brushing with a bronze brush and some oil or solvent should be all you need. I use GunSlick foaming bore cleaner on my good guns and hose it out with some brake cleaner. it gets them pretty much spotless and no contact.