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

Trend Compact Widens
Trend Compact Widens

Inside Today's Super-Short Riflescopes: What You Gain & What You Lose

Several new "super-short" riflescopes have hit the market recently, and they've become popular. But what are you giving up in these compact dimensions...and what are you gaining?

Pro Shop: 5 Must-Have Accessories For Your Silencers

Suppressors are hot—in more than one sense of the word. Here are five extra accessories that will make silenced shooting a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

Storm on the Horizon: US Palm's Storm Cat4 Rifles & Pistols

Known primarily for its line of AK-platform accessories, this year, US Palm branched out with a full line of AR-style rifles and pistols, all of which have a unique feature set.

Review: Axil XCor Pro Hearing Protection

These do-it-all earbuds from Axil actually do it all.

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.