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

Henry SPD Hush
Henry SPD Hush

Review: Henry SPD Hush Rifle

The SPD Hush, Henry’s new take on the lever-action rifle, is fit for a wide array of tasks and is an ideal host for a suppressor.

New for 2026: Bergara Platinum Stalker and Cima Pro Rifles

Bergara has two new lightweight rifles to lighten the load in the field.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 2, 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.

Taurus Celebrates 20 Years of the Judge

A custom edition celebrates two decades of Taurus' Judge revolver.

Preview: DefGrip USA Performance Firearm Grips

Holding a firearm consistently and correctly results in more hits than misses on target, and one of the easiest-to-install grip-enhancement products comes from DefGrip USA.

Review: GForce Arms GF9 Rapture

In a market filled with Glock 19 clones, the GForce Arms GF9 Rapture decided to be a Glock 26 clone instead.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.