Cleaning the nooks & crannies of my revolver -help please

[MaxS]

I like to give my guns a thorough cleaning after shooting, but I haven't been able to get into all the little nooks and crannies to get the hardened powder out. (see photo) I tried a little 0000 steel wool and just succeeded in removing the finish. I tried a tooth brush but it didn't give enough resistance to loosen the powder.

I use BreakFree for cleaning.

Can anyone make a suggestion?
thanks!

 

[Dutchguy]

MaxS, i would suggest using a empty messing shel after flattening the front end with a hammer and then using it as a scraper. Greethings The Dutch Guy

 

[bemisgt]

I use lead away cloth (Kleenbore). Works like magic.

 

[Bat99]

Try using a generous amount of Ballistol and let it sit for several minutes then go over it with your toothbrush (a cooper bristled one would be good). Time is your friend on spots like this.

 

[ErnieDeBord]

One my stainless firearms I use Flitz, a teethbrush, and lots of tv time. Regards Ernie

 

[ginzo]

For me, a nylon brush and Hoppes #9. Works on stainless Steel and aluminum. I even have used a brass brush "lightly". Then touch with a lead free cloth. More caution is needed on a blued gun. No ill effects so far.



Even removes rings on front of cylinder.

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Soak that area in whatever cleaner you think works best, use a nylon brush to scrub and then get an old t-shirt, stretch it tight and slide it in working it back an forth. You may need an extra set of hands or put it in a gun vise.

James

 

[madmikeb]

I use Shooters Choice bore solvent, put it on, let it soak for a few minutes, then brush it with an old toothbrush. If this method doesn't remove it I don't worry about it. It'll just get dirty again next time I shoot it!

 

[shawn mccarver]

I like to give my guns a thorough cleaning after shooting, but I haven't been able to get into all the little nooks and crannies to get the hardened powder out. (see photo) I tried a little 0000 steel wool and just succeeded in removing the finish. I tried a tooth brush but it didn't give enough resistance to loosen the powder.

I use BreakFree for cleaning.

Can anyone make a suggestion?
thanks!

I will be happy to make a suggestion. What you are doing with the steel wool is actually harming the revolver. The area you point to never comes clean, nor does it matter.

Use a tooth brush, some solvent and go over the surfaces which have burned powder and ash. You can remove any "gunk," but you will never remove all of the discoloration. Same for the cylinder face.

 

[pew222]

I tried the 0000 steel wool on the front of the cylinder and the area shown and wont ever use it again. It fell apart and left a mess. Just use hoppes 9, let it sit for a few mins and then use a brush. Get the last bit off with a lead away cloth.

 

[GtownGeorge]

NO STEEL WOOL !!!!!!!!!!! That spot being dirty gives your gun character just like a turn ring.

 

[old bear]

If it's carbon/powder fowling try a Lead A Way cloth. If it caked on gunk, carefully use a dental pick to scrape the gunk off.

 

[MaxS]

Thanks everyone.

I'll pick up a Lead A Way cloth and let the BreaK Free soak on it a bit, see how that works. Luckily I didn't use the steel wool anywhere but in that area. I could kick myself for using it. This is my favorite carry gun (638)

 

[SteveFi]

a .22 cal bronze bore brush can often get into places like that. also the GI style double-ended "toothbrushes" have one end with short stiff bristles that also work good for areas like that. see if you can get an actual mil-surplus one or double check the ones at the store - some are just cheap

 

[45doubletap]

Dental picks and scrape it off

 

[R*E]

MaxS, i would suggest using a empty messing shel after flattening the front end with a hammer and then using it as a scraper. Greethings The Dutch Guy

I also use spent brass for this except I flattened it with a pair of pliers. Makes for a great scraper.

 

[MichiganScott]

I use a brass toothbrush with solvent around the forcing cone and a rubber eraser on the front of the cylinder. I started using the eraser years ago when I was cleaning a revolver on one end of the table and my daughter was doing homework on the other. I was frustrated trying to get the fouling off the cylinder and grabbed her eraser. It worked so well that I ended up buying both of us new ones.

 

[chaparrito]

I like the eraser idea. Ima try it next time. Especially on the front of my 629 cylinder. That darkening bugs me no end.

 

[Aircrewman]

Ya know, this cleaning thing has always been a "problem." And, I think, rather over-rated, at least in-so-far that one has a gun for use, mostly. So, cleaning it, while very important, should be done so as to make sure it is clean enough for reliable function. Other than that, stressing over the black stain on a stainless gun is just fretting for nothing. It gets that way from shooting. Be glad. Shooting is fun. The gun gets dirty..

Maybe I am just not as dedicated anymore, although my guns are cleaned after every range session. But, at one time of my life, I HAD to make sure my gun was as clean as I could get it. Or at least cleaner than the next guy in the platoon! When I was in the LASO Academy years ago, one did not want to get the WHITE gloves at the end of the inspection!!! So, I went at it. But that was it. Maybe all that furious cleaning made me more lackadaisical over time but I just think that cleaning is important for function. Very important for function but spotless.... No. Just too much stress for something that is just going to get dirty again after the next shooting session.

'course that's just my opinion, I could be wrong...

 

[H Richard]

If you are too concerned about getting every last bit of residue out you would be better off leaving them in the safe and not shooting them. You shoot them they get dirty. Keep clean enough for good reliable functioning, but don't agonize over things that aren't necessary.