Question on pitting

[Fletchette]

I shot my rifle a few months back while some guests were visiting. I finally "got around" to cleaning it and was surprised and disturbed at what appears to be pitting in the barrel! I used new-production ammo, and I do not live in a particularly wet environment. In fact, I have a big can of desicant in my safe. How can I tell if this is really pitting or some other problem like copper residue? The barrel is chromed so I really did not expect this.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

a hardcore brushing didn't make any change??

 

[Fletchette]

a hardcore brushing didn't make any change??

I used a copper wire brush ~ 5 passes, and about a dozen cotton swabs with Shooters Choice. The copper brush is old and worn - I should try a new one.

I am also wondering if I should get one of those dreaded steel brushes...I know they can be damaging if used too much. I'll try a new copper brush first.

Has anyone tried a drop cord style cleaning brush? I think that may be on my shopping list as well...

 

[dfariswheel]

NO STEEL BRUSHES.

Buy some new bronze brushes, wet one with new bore solvent and push the brush all the way through the barrel.

Do this about 15 to 20 passes.

Then run two soaking patches down the bore, and allow it to set for a few hours.

Then wet a clean patch and run it all the way through the bore and out the end.
Look for blue or green stains on the patch which indicate copper fouling.
If you find some, allow to soak for an hour or so, and run another patch through.
Continue until there's no staining.

Dry the bore and take a good close look.

Probably what you saw is copper fouling, and chrome bores do clean up easier than uncoated steel.

BUT, even chrome lined bores can rust and pit.
If you care about your guns, clean them before putting them away.

Hopefully, you just have a dirty bore.

 

[Jim K]

Not a direct answer, but forget about the drop cord and any other pull through type that can conceivably break and leave a patch stuck in the bore. If it can break, it will, guaranteed.

Use a steel rod (plastic coated if you prefer) and clean from the breech if possible.

Jim

 

[redneck2]

From my extremely limited experience...

not trying to dispute Mr Keenan and his knowledge

I used a bore snake for the first time a few week-ends ago on a .22 that I got way cheap. It had set in a closet for over 20 years, and the inside of the bore was nearly totally plugged with dust, lint, etc.

I used a brush and patches. Slow going. One pass with the bore snake and it shines like new.

I suppose anything's possible, but the chances of rust seem slim. Another alternative would be something like Flitz or Bore Paste (used sparingly)

You didn't mention the caliber, but some ammo is labeled as non-corrosive but has corrosive primers

 

[critter]

If you can at all, go to the range along with your cleaning stuff. Run about 10 rounds through her rapid fire. Clean while hot. The 'crud' will come out MUCH more easily when hot and you can then tell if pitting remains.

Good luck-hope you can save her!