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Thread: Cleaning Solvents & the Chrome Barrel

  1. #1
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    Cleaning Solvents & the Chrome Barrel

    I've been reading alot about cleaning solvents and the chrome lined barrel. I've used "Hoppe's Benchrest #9" for years and before that plain old "#9". I've also used "Butches" which cleans the copper out of a Glock barrel very quickly.

    It appears the above listed solvents can damage the underlayer of copper below the hard chrome if a hairline seperation occures.

    My question is what is the safest cleaning solvent for the chrome lined AR barrel that is still very a effective cleaning solvent??????

  2. #2
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    There is no underlayer of copper in Hard Chrome.

    That is used in flash chroming only.

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    Thanks Heavy Metal,

    Now atleast I know I'm good to go with Butches or Hoppes

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    I've been told, that the ammonia in some solvents, like Sweets7.62 can damage the chrome lining if left to sit to long.

    Can anyone confirm that?

    Bob

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    Yes, that's true. Ammonia does have a catalytic reaction with chromium, so it shouldn't be left to "soak" in a chrome bore.

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    I wonder how many A2 barrels I ruined, whne I thought I knew better.

    Bob

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    Ammonia doesn't help the aluminum parts around the barrel very much, either.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by DRich View Post
    Yes, that's true. Ammonia does have a catalytic reaction with chromium, so it shouldn't be left to "soak" in a chrome bore.
    This is probably the reason why it's not a good idea to let ammonia based solvents soak in a stainless steel barrel. Stainless steel (by definition) has a higher chromium content than non-stainless steel. Generally, it's much higher.

    Joe Mamma
    "Reliability above all else"
    NRA Certified Pistol and Rifle Instructor, Life Member
    Glock Certified Armorer
    Beretta & Sig Sauer Certified Pistol Armorer
    Colt Certified 1911 & AR-15/M16/M4 Law Enforcement Armorer

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    Is there any test data which shows affects from prolonged exposure to SS or chrome-lining? I've read the warnings to limit exposre to 15-20 minutes max, but I've never seen any actual data which shows what affects occur given longer exposure timelines.

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    I don't know of any tests, but I've seen the effects and it's not pretty. One of my buddies picked up a nice Russian SKS a few years ago and decided to clean the bore with Sweets 7.62. He ran a couple of very wet patches through the bore an left it to sit...intending to swab it out in 10-15min. An emergency popped up and he didn't get back to the rifle until Sunday evening. The chrome lining was badly corroded/pitted. Basically ruined that barrel.

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