How much time do you guys spend on metal fouling. In your average cleaning session, do you guys consider metal fouling to be important or not. Recently I did some reading about copper and lead fouling and I started inspecting my barrel more carefully, and have found a good bit of discoloration, as in copper/lead. I have always thought I did a very good job of cleaning on all my guns, and took pride in my work, but I think I have been overlooking metal fouling. I was more concerned about powder residue,and lubrication/protection in the past, and just curious, as to what you guys do. I purchased some copper remover, and it is improving the situation but was not sure if I should add this chemical to my normal cleaning job, or just clean for metal less often. Thanks

How much time do you guys spend on metal fouling. In your average cleaning session, do you guys consider metal fouling to be important or not. Recently I did some reading about copper and lead fouling and I started inspecting my barrel more carefully, and have found a good bit of discoloration, as in copper/lead. I have always thought I did a very good job of cleaning on all my guns, and took pride in my work, but I think I have been overlooking metal fouling. I was more concerned about powder residue,and lubrication/protection in the past, and just curious, as to what you guys do. I purchased some copper remover, and it is improving the situation but was not sure if I should add this chemical to my normal cleaning job, or just clean for metal less often. Thanks

Raycat
In the grand scheme of things copper fouling in a handgun of normal configuration (read revolver/autoloader) will probably not effect accuracy to the point it would be noticeable. It is way more of an issue with precision target rifles.
Leading on the other hand CAN make accuracy go out the window if it builds up to a degree which will be noticeable depending on the gun.
I know I turned you on to the copper solvent, but personally I dont concern myself with copper fouling in my handguns. Over time, as the barrel is broken in, the fouling will become less and less due to the natural burnishing of lots of bullets.
I shoot mostly lead bullets in my guns and there is a whole science to this in itself. Most copper solvents will also aid in loosening lead fouling, and you can even further speed up the cleaning process if after you shoot your practice with the cast bullets run a coupla of jacketed ones through the gun which will get most of the lead out (no pun intended).
All in all I guess it depends on how anal you are on cleanliness.

Shooters Choice will remove heavy lead build up in almost any barrel just be careful on how long you let it work

Another trick for leading is to buy some solid copper pot scrubbers (make sure you get COPPER and not copper-plated steel), like a Chore Boy or similar. Cut it into small pieces, wrap it around a worn bore brush and scrub. You will be amazed how much lead comes out in small chunks.

Bub

The copper pot scrubber or Lewis Lead Removal tool are great for lead. For copper removal there are several bore foams out there you can let sit for a half hour or so. My grandfather just corked the barrel and filled with ammonia.

I'm still shooting some of those same guns. The rifling still looks pristine.

As far as following a session of shooting lead with some copper jacketed, I wouldn't. The jacketed can iron the lead deeper into the grooves and further down the barrel. I used to think it worked until I tried it, then followed up with the Lewis Lead remover...lots of lead was still in the grooves.

As always,thank you one, and all. This is a great place to get educated. One more quick question, what about one of these electronic cleaning processes. A local gunrange in my area is advertising that they have a state of the art electronic cleaning machines. Is this a good idea, or not. Are these things designed to clean powder residue, or will they remove metal. Thanks again.

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