Old Barrel Cleaning System

[nmkid]

Seems I remember a bore-cleaning system from days past that included a metal(?) rod that was inserted into the barrel (along with some type of solvent) and then plugged into a wall outlet. I was just wondering what it was called and if it worked. My limited Internet skills are of no use in trying to do a search. Thanks.

 

[rlporter507]

this will get you started

https://www.reddit.com/r/xccpu

 

[jk80]

If memory serves correctly outers made the Unit. Barrel was plugged, chemicals were poured in and a rod was inserted. Current was induced and it did its work by electrolysis. Think it was powered by d cell batteries. Edit: link went to a dead end.

 

[Longmire]

Yes, it was called an Outers Foul-Out. I was intrigued by it, but never owned one though, so not sure how well they worked.

 

[Krogen]

I used one back in the day. It worked very well. Different solutions for lead and for copper fouling. It would literally plate the rod with fouling from the bore. At some point the unit and the solutions vanished from the market. I still have the unit, but no juice. My >guess< is there is something hazardous about the solutions or the process. But, that's just a guess. Homebrew solution recipes exist, but I'm wary of what I don't know about the system.

 

[kelbro]

Outers foul out was the name. They also had chemicals called (i think) Lead out. You can make one of the systems yourself with a brazing rod. I used them for lead removal, never tried copper removal. They worked quite well but the by-products were not environmentally friendly.

 

[chop house]

Yeah, this system came up in conversation no more than a few months back. I believe I have a can of 'the juice' stashed in the bunker. I will see if the ingredients are listed on it. Or maybe a msds number....

 

[chop house]

Homebrew solution recipes exist, but I'm wary of what I don't know about the system.

Well guys here cast bullets without a vent hood or respirator, so.....

It is just a low voltage electroplating (think in reverse) system. I am not advocating it's use, use at your own risk....

 

[1911nut]

When I shot 45 in bulleye, 200g SWC I used the Foul out. It was miraculous in removing lead, reverse plating on a stainless rod in 15 minutes.

I shot Lazercast bullets which were the best in not leading. After several hundred rounds there are streaks of lead.

 

[charlie b]

I would suspect the copper out was copper sulphate. Easy to get since it is used to kill tree roots.

The lead version is probably the best way to remove leading from barrels. AI says a solution of 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, and 1 part household ammonia.

 

[kelbro]

I would suspect the copper out was copper sulphate. Easy to get since it is used to kill tree roots.

The lead version is probably the best way to remove leading from barrels. AI says a solution of 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, and 1 part household ammonia.

That sounds like the solution that we used for lead.

 

[gary0529]

I still have one of the Foul Out units
Also the chemicals and the “recipe “ to make it
They use either copper acetate or lead acetate depending on what you want to remove
I believe that I bought both online years ago

Yes you need to handle the fluids carefully but not a big deal
Works well-I believe i used a 9. Volt battery out of a transistor radio-that’s how long ago I bought it
Not sure if I could even find the direction or recipe now

Might have to give it a look see just to test my memory

 

[TA17rem]

I have one also. The way it works you could also get by with putting a cleaning solvent for copper in the barrel, this will loosen copper and then it will stick to the rod. when finished you use stee wool to clean rod back up.

 

[hpshooter]

Still have one in the original packaging. May have to dig it out and try it in an old barrel.

 

[Syncrowave]

It's just a system for removing fouling by using the principles of galvanic corrosion. There are various similar ways to remove (or re-constitute) rust on steel using various ionic solutions and a battery charger.

With the Outers system, you're basically turning your rifle barrel into an electroytic cell where the barrel is the anode, and the metal rod you put into it is the cathode. The material that gets removed from the anode (copper and lead fouling) gets deposited onto the cathode. (Same principles are why batteries work.)

 

[1lessdog]

People think I'm crazy, but the best way of cleaning a barrel for me is. Prime your case and I use 8 to 10 grains of Red Dot powder in case, fill the remainder of the case with Cream Of Wheat and push the case into a bar of soap to keep everything in the case. After 7 to 10 shots check out your barrel. It's unreal how clean the barrel gets. And no solvents or oil to mess with.

 

[kelbro]

People think I'm crazy, but the best way of cleaning a barrel for me is. Prime your case and I use 8 to 10 grains of Red Dot powder in case, fill the remainder of the case with Cream Of Wheat and push the case into a bar of soap to keep everything in the case. After 7 to 10 shots check out your barrel. It's unreal how clean the barrel gets. And no solvents or oil to mess with.

I wish I could find some Red Dot....

 

[tom catman]

Surplus rifle.com has the spiel. And how to make the system.works very good.

 

[1lessdog]

I wish I could find some Red Dot....

You can also use blue dot or most shotgun powder.

 

[old_heli_logger]

I wish someone would invent an ultrasonic rod...plug your barrel, fill with solvent of your choice, insert UltraRod turn on for 10 minutes and swab out your clean barrel. You're welcome, please give me one of your prototypes for testing