Noticed after shooting (Shield) that there is some slight lead build-up on the crown. After doing some research, suggestions were made to use Chore Boy to remove the lead. Works great BTW.

However, I have noticed some slight discoloration where I have had to use the Chore Boy to remove the lead. Color appears to be fading from black to well......copper.

Will using these do any damage to the finish, and is that what is causing the color to fade?

I am new to this whole process, so any advice will be appreciated.

There's probably a bunch of ways to do it, but I've had good results from Hoppe's Bench Rest 9 Copper Gun Bore Cleaner.

Hoppe's 9 - The Gun Care People

I'm not sure when you say crown if you mean the interior end of the barrel (muzzle) or the machined outside of the end of the barrel that is blued. This is what is actually the crown.

It is not usual to get lead build up at the crown. It usually gets dirty or discolored more from exiting gases, although you can get a little lead and/copper residue here.

I believe the Chore Boy method of removing leading is for inside a barrel rather than at the crown. You will remove the barrel finish if you use the aggressive Chore Boy on the crown.

However, there are lead removal products that rely on chemistry rather than abrasion to remove lead buildup in your barrel. They are less damaging to your barrel--and crown.

The amount of dirt and fouling on your crown should be easily removed with a good bore solvent without damaging your finish or perhaps even the interface of the crown and muzzle itself, which should be sharply machined. I think twisting an abrasive Chore Boy in this area is for Chubby Checker ("Let's Do the Twist" 1960) not a gun owner cleaning his crown. 👑

I don't like using any material harder than is necessary to remove lead from a bore. I soak a badly leaded semi-auto pistol barrel in Hoppe's No. 9, then follow up with a green Scotch Brite pad in areas I can reach. I cut a pad into smaller pieces and push it through the bore. You would be surprised at how much lead comes out of the bore.

If I had a barrel that absolutely would not clean using this technique, Chore Boy would be the next step for cleaning the bore. I would not use Chore Boy on the muzzle crown.

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Train to win

how many rounds through the pistol? were you shooting lead re-loads? usually for my cleaning needs I use Hoppe's #9. But, I only shoot brass through my pistols.

Hoppe's and CLP that's what I use.

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M&P 9, Shield9.

I have about 300 rounds through. No lead re-loads, only brass.

maybe too late, but I would be curious to see a picture of this lead build-up as you claim.

I don't clean my pistols religiously, but I have never really had any issues with any type of "metallic" build up in the barrel or otherwise. Some people talk of copper fouling in the barrel; I have never experienced that.

I apologize if I did not make sense earlier. I have cleaned the muzzle already, using the Chore Boy. I was just concerned that by doing this I am removing the finish from the muzzle, or doing further damage by cleaning that area.

I am new to all of this, so I plead ignorance when it comes to gun knowledge. Everyone has been very helpful so far, and it is truly appreciated.

I found a picture of what the muzzle looked like prior - this is not my picture but one that was posted on this site a few years ago - credit given to M&P_313.

Attached Images

IMG_20130724_200018_zps83a875af.jpg (35.8 KB, 115 views)

If your concern is removing the finish by using that product, that's nothing to worry about other than the cosmetic point of view. Me personally polished the whole barrel, and it looks fantastic, not to mention that it feels a lot smoother.


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M&P 9, Shield9.

i have gold crowns in my back molars....colgate and a soft bristled brush keeps em clean.....

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There's nowt so queer as folk

reminds me...I need to floss more!

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S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm

Watch the ChoreBoy, make sure it is true copper and not copper coated steel. The coated will damage the finish, I stay away from it myself...

+1 for soaking in Hoppes 9 and then I use a Tornado brush followed by a bore brush with a cotton patch wrapped around soaked in Hoppes 9. Usually works well for me, if the lead is still there I use a copper bristle brush.