Wrecked 1911 barrel?

**DonSmithnotTMD** · February 2nd, 2009, 11:31 AM

I have my dad's 1911. up until about a month ago, it probably hadn't been fired in five or six years.

I've soaked the barrel in Sweet's and cleaned it with Hoppe's and a brush. The patches come out clean, but there's still some kind of gray gunk visible on the lands. It also prints about 4 inches high at 11 o'clock at 20 feet, but I think that's the ammo because FMJ is pretty much on and an inch low

**Xringshooter** · February 2nd, 2009, 02:57 PM

The gray gunk on the lands may be lead. If you have any Kroil, I would soak it in that overnight and try again. If it just won't come out with a regular brush, you might try a Lewis Lead Remover. You should be able to get good sharp lands if it is some type of build up.

It could be the ammo also, some guns like a certain brand/load and you may need to shoot some different stuff to see where they shoot.

And if all else fails you can get a new barrel and have it put in (if the rest of the gun is in good shape). They aren't overly expensive unless you get up into the match grade barrels.

**4XLT** · February 2nd, 2009, 11:03 PM

also try using a barrel brush instead of just patches...

**DonSmithnotTMD** · February 7th, 2009, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Xringshooter

The gray gunk on the lands may be lead. If you have any Kroil, I would soak it in that overnight and try again. If it just won't come out with a regular brush, you might try a Lewis Lead Remover. You should be able to get good sharp lands if it is some type of build up.

It could be the ammo also, some guns like a certain brand/load and you may need to shoot some different stuff to see where they shoot.

And if all else fails you can get a new barrel and have it put in (if the rest of the gun is in good shape). They aren't overly expensive unless you get up into the match grade barrels.

that's what I was thinking. I've never shot lead bullets in it, but he might have. I'll try that because the regular brush, etc. hasn't helped. Thanks guys

**93-2.3** · February 7th, 2009, 04:34 PM

try dicks they sell stainless brushes they work the nuts used one on my mosin got all the crap out that and hopps bench rest solvent

**DonSmithnotTMD** · February 7th, 2009, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by 93-2.3

try dicks they sell stainless brushes they work the nuts used one on my mosin got all the crap out that and hopps bench rest solvent

Thanks I was always leery of those, but I guess they can't hurt steel

**Xringshooter** · February 7th, 2009, 08:51 PM

The SS brushes won't hurt the barrel. In fack, if you can find some that are for larger calibers it fits the bore even tighter and will work better. Look for a brush that is for a 46-50 cal (remember there is now the .460, .480 and .50 in handguns and also for black powder you can find even larger.