Milsurp cleaning Q: CLR for deep cleaning?

[Col. Plink]

There's a product out there called CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust) that's marketed to dissolve those substances. Might this be a good candidate for cleaning an old milsurp barrel that may have some rust? Thanks!

 

[dnthmn]

I wouldn't unless someone can verify it won't harm the finishes. That stuff is pretty strong stuff and I wouldn't be surprised if it stripped the bluing and anything on the stock it touches.

If you're talking about external rust, it was recommended to me to use Flitz Metal Paste. I haven't tried it yet myself, but it supposedly will remove the rust without harming the bluing (if you don't over polish) and it has metal protectants in it too. In the barrel, you might try something like J-B Bore Compound.

 

[Col. Plink]

This would be for bore & barrel only, I may give it a go with a conservative amount and be careful of the exterior.

 

[BrocLuno]

I found small stoppers at a glass blowers supply. They are silicone rubber and work well in the muzzle when pouring compounds in from the breech. Maybe there's one near you?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

CLR is acidic. I wouldn't use it on my gun.

If the gun is rusty inside, just patch and brush it with oil. A few shootings/cleanings will take care of any minor surface rust.

 

[glockmon]

I can't find anything spacific on it but, I would stick with what is made for our toys. But it is an old military gun so try it out . Keep in mind though that other chemicals might not react kindly to the CLR so be careful. It doesn't take much sometimes .

 

[shotgunjoel]

CLR is acidic. I wouldn't use it on my gun.

All it is is watered-down hydrochloric acid with green coloring.

 

[benEzra]

All it is is watered-down hydrochloric acid with green coloring.

Calcium oxides/hydroxides don't build up in gun bores, and removing rust by acid etching arguably does more harm than good, IMO. So I don't really think that this product would be ideal for gun bore cleaning.

A good foaming gun bore cleaner left to soak overnight, lots of brushing/patches, and a bore snake will do a better job with less harm to the bore, and with less potential for causing further corrosion.

 

[788Ham]

Hydrochloric acid is sometimes used by plumbers to clean out crap in household drain pipes, is this what you consider your firearm? Etching will occur instantly if applied in the bore, I'd try Hoppes instead!

 

[madcratebuilder]

Check the stickies at the top of the page here.

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewforum.php?f=80

You can build a electrolysis tank out of typical stuff around the house. These take all the rust and corrosion off. They can make the nastiest rifle look good.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

It will remove blueing.

 

[bikerdoc]

An old timer once told me the following;

He shoots corrosive in an old Mosin. He uses amonia to clean the bore followed by agood scrubbing ithe a bore brush with hoppes and oil.

Why amonia? evidendly the science he eplained is that amonia binds to the potassium and removes it.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'm not any old timer, but have owned the same Mosin for over 20 years. It's seen nothing but corrosive ammo in it. I used to shoot it by the crate full back when ammo could be had for ten cents a round...Back then, I didn't know anything but the fact that it had to be cleaned. I cleaned it with whatever cleaning supplies I had. I'd guess the brand solvent I used most then was Outers because it was what the big box stores carried. My Mosin's barrel is still nice and shiny..........I don't think it matters as much what you clean one with as long as you clean it.

 

[Sport45]

Why amonia? evidendly the science he eplained is that amonia binds to the potassium and removes it.

Ammonia made him feel better. Just like Windex for others. The salts left in the barrel from firing corrosive will dissolve in plain ol' water. The hotter, the better.

For removing rust without damaging the firearm I believe electrolysis is the best option.