Help: Can't Get Chamber Face Clean?

[TomMcC]

I think I ****ed up. Before I even made this thread I was briefly using a brass pick to try to scrape it off, and towards the very back of the chamber I see two tiny little scratches. Can't get a picture where they show up well. Yes I know using steel dental toothpicks and such are a no-no, but I thought that brass wouldn't be able to scratch the chrome. I'll take my idiot hat now.

You're not an idiot, you're new...we were all new once. I would recommend staying away from any sort of metal picks. Even though brass won't hurt steel, it can hurt anodized aluminum, and I have never found a need to use a metal pick ever on an AR.

[SouthwestAviator]

You're not an idiot, you're new...we were all new once. I would recommend staying away from any sort of metal picks. Even though brass won't hurt steel, it can hurt anodized aluminum, and I have never found a need to use a metal pick ever on an AR.

The embarrassing part is that I'm actually not that new. I've lurked on this site since 2008 and this is not my first AR. I just hope that it didn't scratch into the chrome lining, and if it did, I hope that it won't cause malfunctions in the future as I put more rounds through it.

[MistWolf]

The embarrassing part is that I'm actually not that new. I've lurked on this site since 2008 and this is not my first AR. I just hope that it didn't scratch into the chrome lining, and if it did, I hope that it won't cause malfunctions in the future as I put more rounds through it.

This is why we don't let pilots use any tool more complicated than a screwdriver and only with adult supervision. A brass pick isn't going to scratch the steel or the chrome of your barrel. What you're seeing is a brass mark. Like a pencil mark but it's brass instead of graphite.

Stop worrying about it and don't do it again.

[RHINOWSO]

People wonder why I don't fly SWA...

[SouthwestAviator]

scratch.jpg

Sorry for the crappy photo once more, but this is the best I could do. The scratches are circled in red. Can't tell from the pic but I see what looks like a tiny little bit of scraped chrome bunched at the bottom of the scratch marks. I had tried with a steel toothpick too for about a split second, so I can't completely be sure that these were from the brass.
Yes yes pilots should stay away from the mechanical aspects, I know. I don't fly for Southwest btw, I just fly in the southwest.

[cynical]

scratch.jpg

Sorry for the crappy photo once more, but this is the best I could do. The scratches are circled in red. Can't tell from the pic but I see what looks like a tiny little bit of scraped chrome bunched at the bottom of the scratch marks. I had tried with a steel toothpick too for about a split second, so I can't completely be sure that these were from the brass.
Yes yes pilots should stay away from the mechanical aspects, I know. I don't fly for Southwest btw, I just fly in the southwest.

Damn, now you have carbon AND brass that you'll have to dremel off!

[26 Inf]

That will be fine. And that discoloration isn't going to bother a thing. Get any loose stuff out and you are good to go. You might be interested in something like this:

https://otistec.com/blog/how-to-clea...d-ar10-rifles/

https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Technolo.../dp/B00U507EH2

I've never used one, I use brushes and long handle q-tips (don't buy on amazon, the handles snap) and a cotton mop in conjunction with my bore cleaning endeavor - for which I use a Roger's Squeegee System.

Remember these things were made to used and maintained in austere environments. They routinely have to work when fouled with 300 to 400+ rounds fired between cleanings. Knock off the loose stuff, wipe it down, run a patch down the bore and keep it lubed.

[MistWolf]

Yes yes pilots should stay away from the mechanical aspects, I know. I don't fly for Southwest btw, I just fly in the southwest.

To be clear, I have the greatest respect for and thoroughly enjoy working with pilots.

[markm]

When I clean in that area, the only thing other than an occasional chamber brushing, is q-tips with the flexible shafts to bend for reaching into the barrel extension. Whatever a q-tip can't get, stays.

[ST911]

Keep Your Carbine Running, by Pat Rogers
http://www.slip2000.com/blog/s-w-a-t...rbine-running/

Filthy 14, by Pat Rogers
http://www.slip2000.com/blog/s-w-a-t...ine-filthy-14/