Lead Build up

[deadround]

I seem to be getting a bit more lead deposit between the barrel and the top strap on my 686 . Is there an easy way to cleen it or should I take it to a gunsmith to get cheked out.

Any advice to a newbie...

 

[OKFC05]

Copper solvent also works as a lead solvent. Use plastic or brass scraper to avoid digging into the steel.
It does not really hurt anything, just unsightly.

 

[Dan Cash]

Soak it with gum turpentine. Lead will flake off.

 

[dfariswheel]

Years ago, I made up a screwdriver-like scrapper from some 3/16" brass rod.

You can also use sheet brass or what have you, as long as its not steel, which will scratch the frame.
You can also wrap a piece of "lead-away" cloth around the scrapper, but NOT on a blued gun.
Use the lead-away to simply rub the leading off.

 

[flagman1776]

Prevention is a lot easier. Before I shoot, I find running a patch with a bit of BreakFree through bore & chambers as well as wiping down all surfaces (besides grips). You only want to leave a film. Rub it in, wipe it off.
The Dept armorer copied me... the next year he had it in a pump sprayer & gallon jug in his vehicle.
Lead & dirt is all on top of the film, most of it wipes off on a clean cloth.
Russ

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Careful use of dental pick type tools like those sold at Midway, and Brownells for this purpose, will remove the lead quite easily. You have to be sure you don't turn the tip the wrong way though and accidentally scratch the metal. I have been doing this for a while without any trouble what so ever. They make all sorts of picks with different tip angles to reach just about anything that you can imagine. You don't need to scrub anything with them, just pick under one edge of the lead and flip it out.

Just another idea to consider.

 

[pps]

I smash an expended 22lr case and use it (carefully) in the same manner gun 4 fun describes.

 

[deadround]

Thanks for that ill give those all a try and I will Be careful.
Seems Someones always encountered a problem before I have and I bow to experience.

Many Thanks All
Gary.............

 

[kennyb]

i have a brass pick from brownells that does a great job...you can also get a brass bottleneck rifle cartridge,crush the neck and you have a nice scraper

 

[Centenniel]

Pro Shot makes a fine brass tool that works well for removing leading and carbon fouling like you describe. A good tool can also be made from a 223 case or a similar one. Just flatten about one half inch of the case at the case mouth. I use it like a scraper. Being brass, it won't harm your gun. The idea came from my firearms instructor in the police academy years ago. He called it a "Bubba Tool."

 

[duckloads]

I'll add my .02......I took a length of 1/2" hard copper water pipe and fashioned a couple of different sized scrapers. I worked the copper into the sesired shape and then sharpened the edges with a smooth file. After soaking in the desired cleaner the sharp copper scrapes the crud off.

peace.