Cleaning STI TiN Compensated Barrel

[mikbay]

Really could use some definitive help here. Crazy, I know, but have spent more time reading posts and trying to clean than shooting.

 

I really want to keep the inside of these chambers like new. Was thinking they would clean like the rest of the barrel but no way. Even after less than a mag they are not spraying or wiping clean.

Really would appreciate the ideal method for cleaning after each shoot and having it look new.

Any possibility someone keeps one clean without damaging the outside finish?

[taxil343]

Using an oil like Militec, that actually penetrates the surface of the metal, is the only way this might be possible.  When I was brand new to open I used to wipe the chambers of comps with and oiled q-tip before shooting.  This helps but carbon fouling is inevitable.  If you shoot jacketed bullets (not FMJ) the comp will stay cleaner.  I have guns with over 25k on them that you can still see the tooling marks in the bottom of the comp chambers.  They do however have a thin coating of carbon on them so the titanium color has been replaced with a dull gray/black. 

[Descartian]

You might be getting a little anal about keeping the comp looking like new. As long as the chambers do not have significant build up you’ll be fine. 

 

That said youd you’d have to do a lot to hurt that TiN finish do clean away. I’ll let others that are more experienced chime in but have you considered a heated ultrasonic cleaner?  

Edited April 14, 2019 by Descartian

[36873687]

I have beed blaster use glass needs. Clean as new. That tin is some tough stuff

[mikbay]

7 hours ago, taxil343 said:

Using an oil like Militec, that actually penetrates the surface of the metal, is the only way this might be possible.  When I was brand new to open I used to wipe the chambers of comps with and oiled q-tip before shooting.  This helps but carbon fouling is inevitable.  If you shoot jacketed bullets (not FMJ) the comp will stay cleaner.  I have guns with over 25k on them that you can still see the tooling marks in the bottom of the comp chambers.  They do however have a thin coating of carbon on them so the titanium color has been replaced with a dull gray/black. 

Thank you. 

[mikbay]

I was wondering how the sonic cleaner would work and was hoping someone would recommend. I was surprised how much built up so quickly and didn't want the chambers filled and then not able to be cleaned.

[mikbay]

6 hours ago, Descartian said:

You might be getting a little anal about keeping the comp looking like new. As long as the chambers do not have significant build up you’ll be fine. 

 

That said youd you’d have to do a lot to hurt that TiN finish do clean away. I’ll let others that are more experienced chime in but have you considered a heated ultrasonic cleaner?  

I was waiting for comments about how nuts I'm being and I know that is more than a little. I just figured there may be some way to keep it clean if I start early.

[zzt]

I sprayed some stuff into the comp that was supposed to prevent fouling.  I ended up with a gooey mess, but it did clean out.  

 

I shoot JHPs over Major Pistol powder.  It burns super clean.  There is some carbon after a match, but it does not build up.  Even after a couple thousand round the thickness is the same.  I can see the machining marks through the carbon.  It will wipe out, right down to bare steel.

[mikbay]

On 4/15/2019 at 7:37 AM, zzt said:

I sprayed some stuff into the comp that was supposed to prevent fouling.  I ended up with a gooey mess, but it did clean out.  

 

I shoot JHPs over Major Pistol powder.  It burns super clean.  There is some carbon after a match, but it does not build up.  Even after a couple thousand round the thickness is the same.  I can see the machining marks through the carbon.  It will wipe out, right down to bare steel.

 

Can you tell me what the product is that you spray to keep the stuff wiping out? Thanks

[bigboy69]

WEAPON SHIELD SOLVENT.  Spray it on and let it soak and go "shoot it out" then recoat after use.

[BadShot]

I mix up a 40/40/20 solution of Kroil/Hoppes #9/Slip 2000 carbon killer in a needle bottle.  I put this in the comp and let it soak over night.  The next day I put some Slip 2000 on one of these big q-tip gun cleaners and  wipe it out.  This will take out about 90%.  Once in a while I use one of these brushes in my Dremel on the lowest speed.  One of the local guys told me about spraying Dillon case lube in the comp before shooting, it  helps too.  I know it doesn't need all of this, but I'm retired and have some free time to tinker....

 

Edited May 17, 2019 by BadShot

[mikbay]

Really appreciate these suggestions guys. Thank you very much. Heard about Slip 2000 but not the Weapon Shield Solvent.

[mikbay]

Really appreciate these suggestions guys. Thank you very much. Heard about Slip 2000 but not the Weapon Shield Solvent.

[Hi-Power Jack]

You didn't mention what bullet you're using - make it a JHP and that should help a great deal.    

[docscoutjr]

Pam 

[NOSHMJ]

50/50 mix apple cider vinegar and peroxide.  let it soak a bit and clean out with a qtip.   Spray a little dillon case lube in the comp after its cleaned and wipe the excess out.  My comp still looks brand new after about 8000 rounds. 

[B_Seehawer]

For comp cleaning this is my go to. I put a longer 1/8” nail or whatever in there and file to a chisel point.

I’ve tried every soaking method out there and this beats all of em, it’s a tiny jackhammer.

[maur]

On 5/13/2020 at 5:45 PM, B_Seehawer said:

For comp cleaning this is my go to. I put a longer 1/8” nail or whatever in there and file to a chisel point.

I’ve tried every soaking method out there and this beats all of em, it’s a tiny jackhammer.

 

 

The steel nail doesn't scratch the TiN does it?

[AverageJoeShooting]

Ultrasonic cleaner. Will clean it so good it will look like it came from the manufacturer