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

Primary Weapons System UXR
Primary Weapons System UXR

Review: Primary Weapons System UXR

What if you wanted to have more than one caliber in a single rifle? The Primary Weapons System UXR rifle is the answer, and it takes caliber-interchangeability to the next level.

Holosun Rolls Out New 407, 507 Handgun Optics

New for 2026, Holosun is releasing new versions of two of its most popular handgun optics with the 407 Comp, 407C-X3, 507C-X3 and 507-Promax.

The Armed Citizen® March 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.

Nation's Oldest Gun Club Turns 150

The oldest continuously operating rifle club in the United States, the Newport Rifle Club (NRC) near Middletown, R.I., is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026.

Preview: Antimatter Industries Scopeswitch 2.0

This new made-in-USA riflescope mount from Antimatter Industries changes how shooters engage targets.

Tension Destroys Your Shooting Performance. Here's How to Manage It.

Whether you’re managing a lethal-force encounter, running a stage in competition or working a timed drill from concealment, performance shooting reigns king, and one of the most brutal and insidious king-slayers of all time is self-induced tension.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.