Inside barrel DISCOLORATION! HELP!

[wolverine_173]

I bought a HK USP .40 two weeks ago it was made in 94 guy said it probably had 600 rounds threw it. Im pretty new to guns and dont know much about wear so I noticed a slight brass color inside and at the end of the barrel just wondering if this is normal or from solvent or bullets or does it mean my barrel is done? Does your barrel look like that? Just want to know if it is something i should be concerned about. Thanks



73/hkbarrel003.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Kliegl]

Holy Schikies! That's a LOT of copper fouling and I bet a lot more than 600 rounds, but, on the other hand, there doesn't seem to be much finish buffeting around the end of the barrel.

Hit that thing with some copper solvent.

 

[infuriatednoodle]

Looks like you've got some copper fouling there. I had heavy copper fouling in my 30-06 recently, boy it's not fun. Definitely get some copper solvent for that. I clean for copper about once every 2 years (maybe that's even too much). But it's something that happens on most firearms if you are shooting rounds with a copper jacket.

 

[wolverine_173]

Is copper solvent bad for your barrel?

 

[dc.fireman]

Holy Schikies! That's a LOT of copper fouling and I bet a lot more than 600 rounds, but, on the other hand, there doesn't seem to be much finish buffeting around the end of the barrel.

Hit that thing with some copper solvent.

Exactly. A little copper solvent (something which specifically states it will remove copper fouling on the label), and a caliber appropriate bore mop will work well. On a good note - It doesn't look like the crown on the barrel was ever damaged by careless cleaning. Good Luck.

 

[JTHunter]

Wolverine - that appears to be a bit of "copper fouling" that comes off of the jackets of the bullets. There are many good solvents out there that, with a little scrubbing with the brushes, should take care of that. I would suggest that you use either a nylon or stainless steel brush instead of a normal "bronze" brush. It also contains copper that can, given enough exposure to certain of these solvents, become corroded itself.
Good luck.

 

[Nugilum]

wolverine_173, nice detailed pictures! Go with the answers you got, and you'll be fine.

 

[Kliegl]

Let me know if you need a pic of how a USP 40 barrel should look on the inside. I happen to have one right over heeyuh.

 

[wolverine_173]

What is the proper way to clean my pistol without causing more damage to it? I usually spray clp in my barrel use a cheap brush that comes with a cheap cleaning kit and push it out the way the bullet shoots but i just pull it back and forth maybe a dozen times then send cloth threw it until it comes out clean then one more cloth with a bit of oil on it for protection. Am i caring for it correctly?

 

[wolverine_173]

yes please post a pic of how it should look! And i have barnes CR-10 that says its for removing all copper brass and lead fouling will that work? i have not used it on my pistols because i just use CLP.

 

[kingpin008]

Wolverine - there isn't really any damage now. Copper fouling happens, it's part of owning a firearm. As suggested, use a copper solvent - I'm not familiar with the product you mentioned, but if it says it handles copper it should be fine. And no, copper solvent won't harm your steel barrel. Otherwise, your cleaning routine sounds fine.

In either case, take a deep breath and stop worrying. Your pistol is not damaged, and everything is OK. Guns are pretty tough to foul up, unless you're doing something epically stupid, which you're not.

 

[wolverine_173]

....inhale......exhale.....inhale.....exhale.....

my gun is my baby, i love it

 

[Panzercat]

You'll be fine. Mine looked like yours. Hit it with some Breakfree CLP, ran a couple of patches and it's all good.

 

[Bubbles]

SnipersHide Copper Solvent Test - not all solvents are created equal.

Just an FYI - use them outside unless you want your wife mad at you. Most don't smell too good.

 

[wolverine_173]

So i cleaned it with the copper cleaner and here is what it looks like now

 

[kingpin008]

Definetly looks better. Still appears to have a bit of copper residue, but not much. Might be worth another pass or two with the copper solvent, but that's up to you.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

all my bores look like that. i've never used copper solvent in my life. i don't need hair splitting accuracy from my pistols.

 

[W.E.G.]

Completely insignificant.

Shoot, clean, oil, repeat...

 

[infuriatednoodle]

Here's my 30-06 at less than 100 rounds... as you shoot more guns, you'll notice that some foul faster than others (also depends on the ammo used).