Brand new Kimber .38 Super with one range trip. Upon running patches thru the bore I'm getting a green residue out of the bbl on every patch (Hoppe"s #9)
The last time I got something like this was an old Swedish Mauser whose bbl showed some rust and inactivity for a number of years.
That is Nomal Copper Fouling,from jacketed bullets ..Copper starts turning green when exposed to chemicals and moisture..
Rich
Correct.
More specifically, it oxidizes. Just like when a penny sits in water for a length of time. Or, better yet, look at the Statue of Liberty... originally, she was a shiny 'bronzish' copper due to the copper in the outside panels, but the "petina" that formed over time was green from the copper oxide.
The chemicals just "help the oxidation along" a little faster than normal. Plus, copper fouling is left in your barrel to oxidize while it is stored and will come out green for the lifetime of the barrel. Nothing to be worried about.
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Try cleaning a 60 year old Mosin Nagant Rifle some time and you will discover shades of green that the crayola people can only dream of.
If you think you really have your weapon clean, try switching to a black powder solvent. Then go back to your standard cleaning solvent. You might even want to try running some patches with oil on them through it. We have found that switching solvents several times while cleaning seems to help cut though the copper build up quicker than using just one standard cleaner.
Billy
I noticed the cleaning agent that you are using. Vinegar and ammonia. You are probably thinking that vinegar cleans and ammonia cleans then they should do great together. Vinegar is an acid and ammonia is a base. They react with one another immediatly and you end up with salt water. Maybe salt water works but I doubt it is what is desired. I have no desire to soak my 70 year old mosin in salt water.
I think I will stick with the tried and true cleaning methods.
Mosins really are the real thing. Bayonet, Healthy kick lots of velocity of a heavy bullet. I havent chrono'ed mine but they will cut through 3/8" mild steel with surplus ammo. My wife is pretty small and loves shooting hers. Rumor has it that our neighbors hate us.
and next time be more careful of what you put it in....i mean put IN it!
