Copper solvent bore cleaners

[jamullinstx]

I've run into a recent problem from using copper solvent bore cleaners on both my handguns and rifles. I use the copper solvent cleaners because almost all of my handgun practice is with copper-jacketed FMJ ammunition and I use solid copper Barnes bullets in my hunting rifles. I recently noticed some serious copper corrosion of the most commonly used Tipton jags in my cleaning set. Am I being too cautious using copper solvent for my cleaning needs, or should I keep up the routine and just switch to nickel-plated jags?

[joe817]

ja, I wish I could help you. I don't know about the copper solvent bore cleaners. Since about 1960 I've used nothing but Hoppe's #9 and have never noticed any problems. Now if that stuff is copper solvent bore cleaner, then I REALLY can't help you. If it's not, I'd suggest that.

Sowwy, but that's the best I can do.

[HighVelocity]

I don't put any chemicals in the bore of any firearm, ever. Nothing but bullets and an occasional pass with mobil one 5w20 on a bore snake.
Chemical errosion and or scratches from tools will have a much greater effect on accuracy than any copper or lead build up.

Here's a quick read on the subject. http://www.schuemann.com/LinkClick.aspx ... 67&mid=445" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Liberty]

I don't put any chemicals in the bore of any firearm, ever. Nothing but bullets and an occasional pass with mobil one 5w20 on a bore snake.
Chemical errosion and or scratches from tools will have a much greater effect on accuracy than any copper or lead build up.

Here's a quick read on the subject. http://www.schuemann.com/LinkClick.aspx ... 67&mid=445" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wow! I gotta rethink this. Could it be my drill Sargent was wrong? I wonder why no one bothered to correct him.

[HighVelocity]

I'm sensing some sarcasm, Liberty.

In the article I linked, take note that the damage described is not being viewed with the naked eye. A bore scope is being used.

I put a lot of pistol rounds downrange yearly (15,000+) and since I quit using bore cleaning solvents, barrels have lasted longer. The barrel that's currently in my favorite 1911 has about 40k rounds down the pipe and is going strong. The previous barrel was shot out in less than 20k. Both were/are Nowlin match barrels.

As for rifle, I don't put that volume of bullets downrange. Probably less than 5000 per year but I still do not use solvents in the bores.

A lot of competitive shooters that I know personally and that WIN on a regular basis, agree. Nothing but bullets down the bore.

I believe that your drill sargent was more concerned about "bright and shiny" than he was about accuracy or the lifespan of the barrel. Gear procurement was not in his job description.
Correct the Drill Sargent? If he said the sun was made out of orange juice, would you argue?

note: I do love the smell of Hoppe's #9. I would consider it one of the milder cleaners on the market. It's great for a lot of things but it's a lot more powerful than you may think. It can even wreck a a nickel or chrome plated gun if any gets underneath the plating. Lifts it right off. Consider this when putting it down your chrome lined AR15 barrel.

[Liberty]

I'm sensing some sarcasm, Liberty.

.

No, really. I learned something today, and am rethinking this thing. Your reputation as a shooter isn't unnoticed.
I like stainless guns, and the article you posted got me to wondering and thinking.
Life has proven that the drill sargents were wrong about a few things.

[TexasVet]

HV,

Good food for thought. Few questions ? How do you get all the junk out that comes from shooting Monarch type ammo, my patches always come out solid black.
would a cleaner/oil still be bad ? such as CLP, EEzox, RemOIl ?
How about .22 rifles/pistols with the considerable lead fouling and no real FMJ round to shoot through to push the junk out ? I can, even without the bore scope see the deposits between the riflings on the guns I shoot several hundred rounds through in one session, does that not affect accuracy and life span ?
How would what you feel about barrel cleaning go along with Bob Dunalps (AGI gunsmith) method of just spraying parts down with simple Green (I believe it's just a degreaser), letting it sit, washing it away with water and when dried (compressed air, heat or time) hose down with CLP gun oil, wipe off excess..
I am really not trying to be sarcastic, just trying to learn, because in all the gun cleaning videos, books etc. master gunsmiths tell you to use this brush and that cleaner.. etc.
Thanks

[Abraham]

HighVelocity,

"Brake Free" OK as a barrel cleaner or avoid cleaning the barrel or what?

Thanks

I was on my way today to buy some Hoppe's No. 9 - maybe I don't need it?

[HighVelocity]

Ok, guys. I am not a gun cleaning guru and have not personally tested everything that's available.

I don't use a lot of monarch or any other factory ammo but I have heard the Monarch and wolf are pretty dirty. I would just use a bore snake and the oil of your choice. I can honestly say that I've seen no evidence that lead or copper build up in a pistol barrel has any effect on accuracy or reliability. In fact, my previously mentioned favorite 1911 has visible lead build up in the first inch of rifling but I can still get 5 shots touching at 25 yards off hand. That exceeds my expectations for a semi auto pistol.

On the simple green... I have not tried it but black powder shooters swear by it. I've also seen it used by Cowboy action shooters to clean shotgun barrels. Other than that, I have no opinion on it.
Ask 10 gunsmiths what they recommend to clean guns and you'll probably get 10 different answers.

Following Schuman's recommendation to not put anything but bullets down the bore has worked for me. My guns run, accuracy is good and I'm not using the barrel as a drinking straw.

[DoubleJ]

Ask 10 gunsmiths what they recommend to clean guns and you'll probably get 10 different answers.

I believe I mentioned this in that other thread!

thanks for the perspective on the bore, I've heard a few other folks say something similar, and I believe this solidifies that perspective.

[Beiruty]

I am so picky about the barrel getting so "shinny" like a mirror. I read and follow the instructions of HK. My P30 will enjoy a detailed bath after each range session.
I used, Rem Bore cleaner and Hoppee #9 solvent alternatively.

[The Annoyed Man]

On the simple green... I have not tried it but black powder shooters swear by it. I've also seen it used by Cowboy action shooters to clean shotgun barrels. Other than that, I have no opinion on it.

I used to clean my motorcycles with Simple Green until I learned a few things about it. It will strip chain lube off the back wheel in a New York minute. I even tried cleaning my drive chain with it once. Only once. It also destroys rubber O-rings. It will ALSO strip the oils right out of tire rubber, plastics (such as polymers for instance), vinyl, and just about anything else that could be construed as a petroleum based product. It also tends to "bleach out" the black color in rubber or plastic parts.

If your gun has rubber or plastic grips, I would remove them before cleaning with Simple Green. If your gun has a polymer frame, I would not expose it to Simple Green. Period. If your gun has any plastic internal parts, I would not expose them to Simple Green.

But that's just me.

I mostly use the Slip 2000 line of products to clean my guns. I've found that, after using them for a while, built up carbon tends not to stick to the metal in the first place, wiping right off with great ease.

[MoJo]

To clean or not to clean, that is the question. Some barrel makers recommend a thorough cleaning after each range session some are not so strict. A rifle barrel with fouling will not shoot to it's full potential handgun barrels seem to be more forgiving. A copper solvent is not necessary each time the gun is shot unless you are a precision bench rest shooter. What is necessary is to remove the powder fouling to do this there are many good products on the market some are: Hoppes #9, CLP, Gunslick, etc. Simple Green is another good product to use for gun cleaning be aware it strips all oils from the metal and can be corrosive to aluminum. Thorough rinsing with hot water to remove all traces of Simple Green and application of oil both to lubricate and protect is required.

I like the home brew "Ed's Red." The recipe is available online. There is an excellent article on Fr. Frog's website concerning this question along with the formula for ER. http://www.frfrogspad.com/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check it out!

[gmckinl]

There is an excellent article on Fr. Frog's website concerning this question along with the formula for ER. http://www.frfrogspad.com/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check it out!

One of my favorite sites. Glad to see I'm not alone. Best essay of self-defense and the Christian church I've read.