Anyone know of a simple way of cleaning the face of a stainless cylinder. I bought a used 686 and the previous owner must no clean his guns. The front of the cylinder is embedded with black stains from firing. Tried the usual brush and CLP, Shooters Choice, & Hoppies. Didn't help much.

Any suggestions?

Go to your LGS and ask for a lead removal cloth. Make sure you don't use it on a blue gun as it will remove the bluing. I use them on my Magnum Carry since it really fouls the front of the cylinder when you shoot full house 357.

i have always used hoppe's nitro solvent and a bronze brush the size of a tooth brush, brownell's has them it will clean it back to new condition.

I use a lead removal cloth by Birchwood Casey every so often. Be careful though because it is a polishing cloth at the same time. In other words, the face of the cylinder after a couple uses is going to shine which may not be desirable if you have a matte finish gun. I was fanatical about taking off the burn rings when I got my first revolver. I've since relaxed and leave my cylinder faces black most of the time.

Also, try Mother's Mag Wheel Polish along with a good stiff toothbrush.

I clean the build up off the front but leave the rings. I’m not trying to open the cylinder gap anymore than they leave it after building it.

I cut about a 1" square out of a new Scotch Brite heavy duty scrub sponge, soak it with hoppe's (any solvent would do) and work it around the front of the cylinder. Gun will look like it has never been fired. As already noted, do do this to blued guns.

Kleenbore Lead Away Cleaning Cloth

A pencil eraser works just fine. So do the lead away cloths. I am a fanatic about cleaning my guns, but that is the one single area I do not get crazy about. On my carry guns, I do clean off all the residue with an eraser, but my Range guns that get shot every week, I just use a nylon toothbrush with what ever solvent I happen to be using that day (usually Rig#2 Oil or Remoil). Standard solvent does not completely remove the build up, but I do not like to remove any more of the metal than necessary, as it will only be right back the next time I fire it. Other than cosmetic, it is harmless. Of course I do not let it build up enough to affect the cylinder rotation.

Chief38

I agree with chief38, don't get crazy and open the B/C gap by removing anything but grunge. Once you get it off as he suggested, keep it off by cleaning that area after shooting enough rounds to get it fouled. I always like to see the machining marks when I'm done there. I just use LSA and a toothbrush and lots of elbow grease.
Peace,
gordon

__________________
better have that checked

Agree with Chief, back in the day we didn't worry about the black, just gently clean all grunge off with toothbrush and about any good solvent and go on about your business. If ever (hopefully not) have to use gun for service use or personal defense the perp will not notice anyway.

Agree with Chief, back in the day we didn't worry about the black, just gently clean all grunge off with toothbrush and about any good solvent and go on about your business. If ever (hopefully not) have to use gun for service use or personal defense the perp will not notice anyway.

On heavy buildups on my .357’s, I use solvent and a Dremel tool with a nylon brush. Set it on low speed or it will fling solvent everywhere. This may not be the best way but it’s quick.