Different Approach To Gun Cleaning?

[2@low8]

I’ve been reading about how some rifle shooters say they are getting better accuracy by not removing the copper that has filled the crannies in their barrels. Instead they are only removing the carbon, powder residue and the copper above the metal surfaces on the inside of their barrels, primarily by using one of several non-embedding compounds like J&B bore cleaner.

I am NOT advocating this procedure, but I want to try it myself and make my own judgment. So, please share your experiences and specifically tell us what products you are using to remove the carbon and powder residues.

Thanks…..Frankie

 

[MattShlock]

Hoppe's #9. Brushes, jags, slotted-tips, patches... Maybe a Bore Snake on 12 and 20 guage shotguns, as well as broken in .22's and .30's.
for a quickie.

The only time I use (Hoppe's) Copper Solvent is on new OLD cartridge guns after a thorough cleaning and wiping dry, then I let them sit overnight. One bottle of Copper Solvent should last you a lifetime so, as expensive as it is, look at its as a bargain someone even makes the stuff!

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I used JB Bore Cleaner for extra nasty barrels and for one shotgun whose barrel was red with rust. 20 minutes and brass brush followed by some T shirt patches and it was shinning like a new copper penny.

But I had the same container since the late 1980's.

 

[brickeyee]

The problem with leaving copper (especially) in a barrel s that galvanic corrosion occurs between the copper and the barrel steel.
A coat of il might slow it down to a negligable level.
You need something to act as an electrolyte for galvanic corocion to get going, so blocking moisture should help.

Just keep in mind how fast and easy corrosive primers can wreck a barrel.
I have never seen a claim that a coat of oil would stop this, though chemically it makes sense it should slow it down.

If the chloride cannot collect water from humidity in the air under a layer of oil things should slow down.

 

[mr.trooper]

I don't clean my guns at all, until I notice the buildup having an effect on accuracy.

Guess what? All my bores look just fine. The only special steps I take is what I know for a fact I've been shooting corrosive surplus - and then all I do is pour boiling water down the bore to dissolve the salts, and then follow with an oily patch - takes 5 minutes at most, and I've never seen any corrosion afterwards.

IMO, people do more damage "cleaning" their guns every 5 rounds with harsh chemicals and abrasive compounds than if they just left them alone.

 

[adelbridge]

i use Lilja barrels and they recommend a copper solvent every 200 rounds. Brake cleaner and a bore snake get all the carbon out in about 30 seconds with no risk to the bore.