Best way to clean a cruddy milsurp bore

[zipty6]

I have recently acquired a 1940 K98. It's in rough shape, but the price was right (free.) The view down the bore looks almost furry. I can see rifling, but I think the crud has been untouched for decades. I know what I find under the crud may not be much prettier than the gunk itself, but I've gotta know.

I've tried Kroil and Hoppes #9. it looks like either of these would work, after about a month of scrubbing. I'm hoping to find a quicker or easier method, if possible. I have found several methods online but I don't know what works best.

I figure that other milsurp collectors would know best, so I am seeking your advise. What has worked best for you in the past?

 

[gfercaks33]

Maybe a candidate for electrolysis?

 

[zipty6]

I've been considering electrolysis. It seems to have the potential to be pretty messy, but I haven't ruled it out. I'm also considering picking up some foaming bore cleaner on the way home from work.

 

[Toney]

Shoot it until it gets hot then clean.

 

[zipty6]

Shoot it until it gets hot then clean.

I wasn't sure how safe that would be. The buildup in the barrel is thick enough that I can barely see the rifling. This definitely sounds like the most enjoyable solution.

 

[Nighthawk]

Ballistol

 

[aviator41]

I think I might spend some quality time with a bronze bore brush and some Eds Red to get through all the easy stuff and down to the actual metal. A quick inspection will then reveal whether you have a shooter or a wall hangar.

Load up some nice light loads for it and run 20 rds or so through it, see what the bore looks like. you might be pleasantly surprised!

 

[zipty6]

Ballistol

I've been keeping my eyes open for Ballistol locally but I haven't spotted it. It'll probably go on my next online order.

 

[zipty6]

I think I might spend some quality time with a bronze bore brush and some Eds Red to get through all the easy stuff and down to the actual metal. A quick inspection will then reveal whether you have a shooter or a wall hangar.

Load up some nice light loads for it and run 20 rds or so through it, see what the bore looks like. you might be pleasantly surprised!

I figured the day would come that i'd actually mix up a batch. Do you use the recipe most commonly found online?

1 part Dexron II, IIe or III Automatic Transmission Fluid - GM Spec D20265 or later
1 part K1 Kerosene
1 part Aliphatic Mineral Spirits federal spec TT-T-2981F (CAS# 64741-49-9) or Stodard Solvent/Varsol
(CAS#8052-41-1)
1 part Acetone (CAS#67-64-1)

 

[dlbleak]

i have found many times that a 'furry' bore is the result of an oiled gun sitting on the butt collecting dust. you might get lucky and end up with a shiny,sharp bore