Did I mess something up?

T

ttdub

New member
Hey guys... I was trying to learn how to clean a pistol without ever doing it before (I know, it's really stupid). I used a bore (metal bristles) without putting solvent on it. I put it less than a half inch in and decided to pull it out. I'm wondering, did I damage the barrel or anything? I later read all about how to do it, but I feel like an idiot for doing that, and it looks like it might be a little scratched or something.
 
If it was a bronze brush (which it probably was) it is softer than steel... though repeated or excessive use might eventually cause problems, maybe.
 
If that's all it took to mess up a gun there wouldn't be the millions and millions of old used guns out there still shooting up a storm.

You're fine and if that's the worst mistake you ever make (firearm wise) you'll be a very very lucky person!
 
You can change directions, just don't change directions mid-stroke - that can bend/damage the metal bristles, and it digs the sharp ends of the bristles into the interior wall of the barrel.
 
Unless the pistol is a high end, target grade one, and you are also a high end, target grade shootist, there's not much any kind of cleaning can do to mess things up.
What do you think happens when a projectile comes screaming down that barrel at high velocity, followed by white hot gases and powder?
So, don't sweat it.
 
:rolleyes:

Don't bother spending money on a class on something relatively simple. A few minutes searching YouTube will turn up a plethora of video with everything you need to know about how to safely fieldstrip and clean your weapon.
 
I learned most of what I know about cleaning a pistol from the owners manual and the back of a bottle of Hoppe's#9. My handguns all still work.

I'd be more concerned about safety training. Have you been to any classes?

(BTW, anyone ever wonder what happened to Hoppe's #1 through #8? Did they all melt the gun? :p)
 
He is correct, you clean or brush the barrel from the breach out the muzzle end, the same travel as the bullet.
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And in the case of a semiautomatic like the Remington 740 or the Ruger 10/22? Not to mention any of my revolvers.

Breach to muzzle isn't always possible. And I've never noticed any problems cleaning from the muzzle.
 
Breach to muzzle isn't always possible. And I've never noticed any problems cleaning from the muzzle.
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If possible, it's a good practice. If not, just be very careful not to scratch or nick the muzzle crown.
 
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