cleaning questions

C

Clay

New member
2 basic questions here. First, I typically wrap my brush with a patch, put some solvent on it then run it thru the barrel several times. I never use the "plunger". I would assume that's ok? I find it gets all the gunk out with such a tight fit. I've always worried about the bristles scratching and wearing away the metal though. Should I be at all concerned?

Last, should I oil the inside of the barrel when finished?
 
Oh boy! The dreaded "cleaning thread."

Assuming you are using a bronze bristled bore brush your method will work just fine, and you will not remove any metal from your bore.

Assuming a stainless steel brush, you may be damaging your firearm.

The "jag" or "plunger" is useful in your method for the last wipe to assure that all firing residue has been properly patched out.

Most folks recommend very light oil more as a preservative or rust preventative measure. Some recommend running a dry patch down the bore before firing to remove the oil.

I have often found that "clean" firearms when oiled and left to rest for a couple of days display some additional residue when the dry patch is applied just before firing. I believe that perhaps the oil wicks some additional smutz from the pores of the barrel.

Be prepared for a deluge of opinions here. :rolleyes:
 
Hmmm, I would think there would be a general "scientific" consensus on this subject. I didn't know I was throwing out another "45 vs 9mm" type argument. LOL

My brush isn't steel, it's "copper" colored, in which case I thought it was copper.
 
My brush isn't steel, it's "copper" colored, in which case I thought it was copper.
Click to expand...

Might be copper, might be bronze, both metals are far softer than steel, so you're at no risk of damaging your bore.

As far as cleaning goes, most modern firearms are constructed from high enough quality materials and designed well enough reliability-wise that in most cases little to no cleaning is actually REQUIRED, but remains a wise practice nonetheless.

What all this means is that peoples' definitions of "clean enough" can vary, which is why there's no "scientific consensus". If your methods work to keep your firearms clean to your satisfaction with no long-term corrosion and negative reliability, who am I (or anyone else) to tell you my method is "right" and yours is "wrong".
 
Hmmm, ok, so my brush is ok. I guess that really just leaves the simple question of oiling the barrel. My thoughts are two fold. On one side you're keeping the barrel free from rust. But I'm wondering if firing through an oiled barrel would lead to it getting "nasty" more quickly. I work on motorcycle engines alot and hate how anything that's even remotely greasy collects every kind of dirt. I was hoping there would be a general consensus one way or the other. Looks like I might have been mistaken. LOL
 
Clay,
Oil the barrel till it squeals if you're inclined. BUT- run a dry, clean, non-oiled patch through the barrel before you put it up. Enough oil will be left on the metal to prevent rust. Too much oil in the bbl does nothing to help and it constitutes a barrel obstruction and can damage both you and the firearm. Unless you live somewhere soggier (more humid) than the tropics or Elbonia (Dilbert) then the above info is fine and dandy. Don't believe me yet? Go to a museum that has at least one firearm. Is is dripping and oozing with oil? Nope, and it isn't any rustier than it was when it showed up there. Still don't believe me? Get a military weapons manual and look at the cleaning section.

So what kinda firearm do ya have? How do you like it? How often do you get a chance to break away from the daily grind to go shoot and enjoy it? How long have you had it? And, did you get a good deal on it? Oh, and what will be your next foreseeable firearm purchase?
 
my dad tells me how in Vietnam they just had a big barrel of degreaser and a big barrel of oil. Give the gun a couple dunks, wipe it down, and your ready to go. Those guns were really worn and loose.
 
LOL, well, that's all good for me.

Hmmm, I feel like this is a date and I'm being asked to explain myself.

I have a few different guns, but my newest is a Glock 33, with a Lonewolf 9mm conversion barrel. I shoot at least twice a week, usually with my 11yo son. Had it about 2 weeks. Good deal? Guess that's subjective. It was 520, the barrel retail at 109. I could have gotten it a few dollars cheaper, but this is my local gun shop just 5 miles down the road and I prefer to support him. My next firearm? A 22 handgun for the son (Christmas present), next a 12ga semi auto, and then in the next year or two, a DPMS LR-308. I'm a Leo, I like long walks on the beach by the moonlight and I have a GREAT personality. :D LOL
 
Man, that's really cool you get quality range time with your son- that's Grade-A, Top Notch! Cherish that.

Believe it or not, but you shoot more than most peace-time Military and Police folks. So, no need to get too carried away with rust proofing (it don't sit still long enough to rust!:D )
 
My son and I are pretty close. This is just one more hobby that we share together. We just walk out in the back yard and shoot. Hopefully within a year I'll be able to reload as well. We go through a hundred rounds in 40 minutes...this stuff gets expensive.

I was just wanting to make sure I keep the guns "healthy".
 
Yeah- that many rounds would get pricey.
I reload mostly for rifle calibers, but now that primers and components are coming available again I'm going to take stock of what all I have that will/might/should do well with lead ball. That ought to cut costs more. Ya'll will get a kick out of reloading.
 
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