Using Break Cleaner

[JDY]

Does using break cleaner to remove copper cleaner residue from the inside of the barrel harm the barrel in any way?
THANKS
JDY

 

[SHERMY]

Well, chlorinated solvents, like some cleaners, used on stainless steel may cause a problem.
Chlorine can react with SS in high temperature/pressure conditions causing a condition termed intergranular stress corrosion cracking. Will it happen in a barrel, I don't know but I stay away from them just in case.
Mike

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Not only that, but most brake cleaners are also available in non-chlorinated versions, if that's what's got you worried

 

[jwv2001]

As a final barrel cleaner try alcohol. Not rubbing alcohol, too much water, but straight alcohol that you can buy at most hardware paint dept's. A wet patch of acetone would work also but might be more harmful to finishes. Either would evaporate quickly and leave no residue.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Another alternative to use for neutralizing bore cleaners is Ronsonol Lighter Fuel. It's just naptha, which is a good and safe cleaner-degreaser. Especially handy to put on a patch because it comes in a plastic squirt bottle. It's obviously flammable, but much less so than the acetone or lacquer thinner that I used to use and I don't believe that it's a known carcinogen.. Easy to find it at the tobacco counter at Wallys.

ETA - Lighter fluid is what Jewell recommends to clean their triggers. A true dual purpose product for the shooter

 

[SHERMY]

Hey, I'm not worried about a damn thing! I'm just relating my 35+ years experience.
Yes, I know brake cleaner is available non-chlorinated.
Acetone is a good cleaner/degreaser for SS, health hazards aside.
BTW every time the rifle is fired high pressure and temperature are produced.
Mike

 

[Twud]

Need to buy a gun boot to protect the combs on my stocks from bore cleaner. Sinclair has one but it's stitched all the way through, which could possibly allow the solvent to seep through.
Any suggestions?

 

[jwv2001]

Need to buy a gun boot to protect the combs on my stocks from bore cleaner. Sinclair has one but it's stitched all the way through, which could possibly allow the solvent to seep through.
Any suggestions?

This is my solution. I had my wife sew a stock boot out of some spare naugahyde that I had laying around. No seams on top and velcro fasteners on the side. Works great. When she found out that I could've bought one from Sinclair so cheap she was a little miffed until I convinced her that her design was superior.

 

[smike308]

Twud--
My Sinclair stock boot is not sewn through. It is stitched on the outside but the stitching does not go through the vinyl liner. FWIW, mine is about 20 years old so I can't speak to the current versions. A quick call to Sinclair should clarify any questions you have about it.