Easy Compensator Cleaning

[GMM50]

Hi:

Just finished the CT state ICORE match. Lots of FUN.

My question is how can I easily clean my compensator. I have a S&W 627 in 38 Super. The comp is removable.

In preparing for the match I noticed lead was building up in the comp. I don't think it affects performance (all those C's were my fault) but I would like to ask if anyone knows of and easy way to clean out the lead. But I do not want to affect the finish in any way.

Thanks

George

[Toolguy]

Take it off, put it in a 50/50 solution of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. The lead will fall out. To keep it clean spray Dillon case lube in the comp every 200 rounds or so.

[Stlhead]

Another thing to consider is shooting only JHP's or CMJ's. The lead build up does not seem to form if you don't have any exposed lead bases on the bullets you shoot.

[GMM50]

Another thing to consider is shooting only JHP's or CMJ's. The lead build up does not seem to form if you don't have any exposed lead bases on the bullets you shoot.

For me I've switched to lead on this pistol. I found a load that's sweet.

Thanks

George

Edited September 6, 2010 by GMM50

[RevolverJockey]

I have used Kano Silikroil with good results. It is a penetrating oil I used to use in the Navy. I have soaked barrels overnight and lead came out in ribbons. Available in automotive stores up here.

Lee

[Pin Shooter]

What toolguy said has worked well for me

[Northern Xtreme]

Just bang a few rounds of major power factor jacketed ammo through and it should blast most of it out.

[GMM50]

Well...............

This could have been a wild goose chase. A prank on a new member. Soak the comp in Vinegar and Peroxide. Good Joke!!!

I'm happy to report this stuff is magic. The comp starts to fizz like beer or soda bubbles. After an hour or so the fluid has turned black. After about 2 hours the black is starting to fall to the bottom of the cup.

Wonderful suggestion!!!!

George

[revoman]

Be careful as this is a type of acid and will ruin some finishes. Leave in soultion as minimal as possible 15 to 30 minutes at a time and if needed re-pete process every 15 minutes rinse off and soak again.

[Toolguy]

GMM50-

Glad to help. I only do pranks on a few personal friends that know me really well. Everyone else gets the no BS straight story. Best Regards - Warren

[GrumpyOne]

Just bang a few rounds of major power factor jacketed ammo through and it should blast most of it out.

That will clean the lead outta the barrel, but not the comp.

[AzShooter]

Toolguy's solution is correct. Been using it for years. Another solution is Ed's Red, you can mix up a batch and use it to clean you gun. Make it by the gallon and it will be the cheapest cleaning fluid you can get.

CONTENTS: Ed's Red Bore Cleaner

1 part Dexron II, IIe or III ATF, GM Spec. D-20265 or later.

1 part Kerosene - deodorized, K1

1 part Aliphatic Mineral Spirits, Fed. Spec. TT-T-2981F, CAS

#64741-49-9, or may substitute "Stoddard Solvent", CAS #8052-41-3, or

equivalent, (aka "Varsol")

1 part Acetone, CAS #67-64-1.

(Optional up to 1 lb. of Lanolin, Anhydrous, USP per gallon, OK to

substitute Lanolin, Modified, Topical Lubricant, from the drug store)

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS FOR "ER" BORE CLEANER:

Mix outdoors, in good ventilation. Use a clean 1 gallon metal,

chemical-resistant, heavy gage PET or PVC plastic container. NFPA

approved plastic gasoline storage containers are also OK. Do NOT use

HDPE, which is permeable, because the acetone will eventually evaporate.

The acetone in ER will also attack HDPE, causing the container to

collapse, making a heck of a mess!

Add the ATF first. Use the empty container to measure the other

components, so that it is thoroughly rinsed. If you incorporate the

lanolin into the mixture, melt this carefully in a double boiler, taking

precautions against fire. Pour the melted lanolin it into a larger

container, rinsing the lanolin container with the bore cleaner mix, and

stirring until it is all dissolved.

I recommend diverting a small quantity, up to 4 ozs. per quart of the

50-50 ATF/kerosene mix for optional use as an "ER-compatible" gun oil.

This can be done without impairing the effectiveness of the remaining

mix.

From Ed Harris's web site.

[GMM50]

Been using Ed's Red for years.....

We leave out the Acetone as it's so volatile it probably just vaporizes away rapidly anyway. I've been told the Acetone is great for removing the the plastic left behind in shotguns. Wouldn't know much about that. I've got some guns with fiber front sights and I bet the Acetone would not be great for them.

Another point is that this solution is so inexpensive I tend to clean more frequently and so it's easier to clean.

gm