Tips & Techniques: Rough Cleaning

by
posted on July 2, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rough.jpg

Shooting 10,000 rounds through a .45 automatic (SIG P220) in a single day was, to say the least, an educational experience. Although the gun was cleaned after each thousand rounds, we ended up with a streak of copper virtually plated to the steel of each groove in the barrel. Conventional brushing was only slightly effective, even with a variety of solvents. I finally got the gun clean using a product recommended by an old-time gunsmith. It looks like a pot scrubbing pad from a clean kitchen. The loops and curls of the pad are silver in color. A couple of strips clipped off and wound into a bristle brush are enough. Using one of the currently popular pull-through devices might work, but might also take a little longer. Properly used, this product will have your barrel spotlessly clean more quickly than anything else I know of. (800) 342-1548; big45metalcleaner.com

Latest

Result Gp104
Result Gp104

Washington's Gunpowder Shortage: The Issue That Almost Ended the Revolution

Today, the United States is facing a shortage of ammunition. But this situation is nothing new, and a similar sort of circumstance faced our Founding Fathers at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Standing Guard | Be Thankful Your NRA Is Here

In any struggle, but particularly in one for human freedom, we should stop and look back now and then, as a backward glance can remind us of our true course.

The 92G Elite Combat LTT: A Beretta & Langdon Tactical Collaboration

Beretta continues refining and updating the 92 design, and its latest collaboration with Langdon Tactical Technologies resulted in the 92G Elite Combat LTT, a handgun designed for both competition and duty use.

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch CC9

The Heckler & Koch CC9 isn't merely just another micro-compact. It's the result of a significant amount of work on the part of the company's US subsidiary to create the first truly American-made HK.

The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Political Report | Braced Pistols’ Status Unresolved

The U.S. Supreme Court has characterized handguns as the “quintessential” Second Amendment arm. Pistol braces increase accuracy and ease of operation for large-format handguns, especially for users suffering from physical disabilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.