Stainless ROA - is this barrel ok?

[robpark]

Hi,

I've not had the ROA too long, but thoroughly enjoying the experience. I'm using 777 with a lubricated Wonder Wad, and find the cleaning pretty easy and straightforward. However, although I've checked the bore previously and it seemed to be clean and shiny, last time I took it out to shoot I realised that although it appears to be clean, the bore is actually very dark/black. So, is this usual or something I need to deal with? (There are no signs of residue or corrosion anywhere else on the gun)

I normally clean the bore with hot soapy water and a bronze brush, then mop it through with wet patches and then dry ones. I finish off by swiping a lightly oiled patch through before putting it away.

http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/u...psffaa884d.jpg

[tacfoley]

Hi,

I've not had the ROA too long, but thoroughly enjoying the experience. I'm using 777 with a lubricated Wonder Wad, and find the cleaning pretty easy and straightforward. However, although I've checked the bore previously and it seemed to be clean and shiny, last time I took it out to shoot I realised that although it appears to be clean, the bore is actually very dark/black. So, is this usual or something I need to deal with? (There are no signs of residue or corrosion anywhere else on the gun)

I normally clean the bore with hot soapy water and a bronze brush, then mop it through with wet patches and then dry ones. I finish off by swiping a lightly oiled patch through before putting it away.

http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/u...psffaa884d.jpg

My ROA is bright all the way through, but my P-H Musketoon is black. Not sure why that should be so, since both are cleaned most assiduously after shooting - as soo as practical. What I do is to immediately sway out with baby-wipes to get most of the crud off before leaving the firing point.

I'll ax some more knowish folks than me on another forum, and see what answers we get.

tac

[enfield2band]

Stainless can have the surface taken off if someone previously has used acid or something corrosive to clean the bore. Once the stainless "skin" has gone it can react in a similar way to ordinary steel.
A barrel can appear to be black or dull due to the nature of the steel. I have had this with a .303" Lee-Enfield, and I could not get it shiny, but it did not affect the gun.
There is obviously a scientific answer so hopefully tac will come with something, and we all will be a bit wiser.

[Turnup]

My ROA is bright and shiny throughout. Can't imagine what would turn SS dark other than lead, bit not seen significant leading is a BP gun before.

I get dark staining on my Taurus SS, but that is using nitro powder so not sure if this is relevant, however a rub over with Birchwood Casey Lead Remover Cloth brings that up a treat.

[steve medlock]

The frame on mine isn't all that stainless - if I don't clean it immediately after use the residues will stain the surface of the metal. The cylinder and barrel seem better though. you could put it in the dishwasher of course.....

[tacfoley]

Stainless can have the surface taken off if someone previously has used acid or something corrosive to clean the bore. Once the stainless "skin" has gone it can react in a similar way to ordinary steel.
A barrel can appear to be black or dull due to the nature of the steel. I have had this with a .303" Lee-Enfield, and I could not get it shiny, but it did not affect the gun.
There is obviously a scientific answer so hopefully tac will come with something, and we all will be a bit wiser.

Sir, you have said it all.

Blackened bores are only black, not shot out. As you note, it's a chamical thang. Thanks for posting.

tac

[robpark]

Thanks for the comments

....I'll happily accept "it's a chamical thang" and continue with routine cleaning

[tacfoley]

Thanks for the comments

....I'll happily accept "it's a chamical thang" and continue with routine cleaning

You are very kind. As they say, 'À la fin, tout sont noirs..'.

tac