Picked up a cheap ($150) Model 67 that's the dirtiest I've ever seen.
Heavy carbon/lead buildup around the forcing cone area and inside the frame. IOSSO, my usual scrub, wouldn't touch it. I don't like scratching on guns with metal scrapers, so decided to try soaking.
Right now, its sitting in Ed's Red with the muzzle out of the soup as I don't know what that stuff might do to the insert.
Figured to let is sit a couple of days and try again.
Unless, that is, someone has a better idea/suggestion?

thanks,

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

It's baked on....bronze brush?

I don't think soaking will hurt a thing, better dry it out well and lube everything before storage.

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NRA Benefactor Member

I have been really happy using brake parts cleaner purchased at auto parts stores, comes in aerosol cans.

If I have a tough customer like what you are describing I usually soak patches and place them where they need to be and let them sit for a while then use a small brass pick for the ornery spots followed by a soaked toothbrush ( don't let your wife know you used HER toothbrush ).

Around 3 dollars a can here, I think you will like it...

After soaking in Ed's Red for several days, I have found a bronze brush to work well at removing deposits.

I recently got a M-17 that had lead completely bridging to gap between the top of the barrel and the top strap of the frame. I worked and worked on it, but it wouldn't budge. Finally I took a dental scraper that would fit between the top strap and the barrel without touching either, and dug out the lead. No scratches and I wouldn't normally recommend it, but I really had no choice. Key was a thin enough tip to avoid either surface. I routinely use a brass scraper rod to remove deposits and it works just fine without leaving any brass on the blued surfaces.

X-IT CARBON REMOVER & CLEANER from Aircraft Spruce

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NRA Benefactor

Ed's Red and a bronze brush has always worked well for me. Sounds like you are on the right track. Yes, ER will dissolve plastic bits, I've seen in eat Anschutz sight inserts that were soaked overnight.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Try Ed's Red without the acetone. Just K1 kerosene, mineral spirits and Dexron II. That should keep your sight insert etc safe.