Removing Barrel "Crud"

[AlReiter]

The M1917 that I recently purchased appears to have a build-up of "crud" in the barrel, probably from years of firing blanks for veterans ceremonials (funerals, etc.). Assuming that I'm correct (swabs come out black and not brownish red like rust would be) about the type of "crud" in the barrel, what the best way to clean this barrel? Other than the "crud" in the barrel, this rifle appears to be in very good condition.

Information

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[jjroth]

for the chamber.
and fill the barrel with fresh bore cleaner (some advise using Krano-oil or kerosene) and let sit over night. You can filter the cleaner before reusing.
Use on-piece rod (Dewey) and new bore brush (when done toss it). and scrub slowly full length and back about twenty times, then patch.
May need to resoak for an extra night or two.
Did this with mine, results was a clean sharp bore.

Then go to range and fire ten-twenty round and clean as normal.

Then fire for group.

[AlReiter]

Thanks!!
Any suggestions on where to get a rubber stopper for the chamber? Do you know what size I should get? What bore cleaner did you use?
Thanks again!!

[EDip]

Al - I've been using a cork stopper. You can get them at Wal-Mart type stores or hdw stores. They come in packages of various tapered diameters. Insert at chamber end and keep adding solvent over night at the muzzle as it evaporates. I use Hoppe's Bench Rest. Caution: some solvents can permanently damage your bore. Insert a Q-Tip at the muzzle when done, a brite light as a flashlite will reflect light to see your progress. Any gilding metal will stand out like polished gold.

Good Luck, Gene

[AlReiter]

Gene, thanks for the suggestions. I was at Lowe's this afternoon and found some rubber stoppers that fit. Which solvents should I avoid? I assume all bore cleaners (Outers, Hoppe's, etc.) are safe.

[jamie5070]

Warm soapy water will soften blackpowder fouling.
john

[Dan Shapiro]

I"ve used both Hoppes and krol at different times. The idea is to let it SIT and do the work for you in softening up the crud. Don't get into a rush, you'll only spend extra time and several bore bushes trying to speed up the process. If the rifle was used by the VA, don't be surprised if you find the barrel badly pitted. The blanks back then used corrosive primers, and after a funeral, the shooters repaired to the bar, not the armory for cleaning and maintenance.

[AlReiter]

Dan, nothing would surprise me about a 90+ year old rifle, but to find one with what appears to be the original barrel (Eddystone barrel with a 2-18 date and a serial number that falls into the April 1918 range) and a MW of 2 definitely got my attention!!

[AlReiter]

Soaked it for 24 hours in Shooter's Choice bore cleaner (what I had on hand yesterday) and cleaned it with a brush followed by swabs this morning. It looks like I have a bit more work to do. Picked up some Hoppe's yesterday afternoon and started another 24 hour soaking after this morning's cleaning. After tomorrow mornings brushing and swabbing I should know more about the condition of the barrel. I'm expecting that I'll have pitting, but hope it's not bad enough to prevent me from shooting it.