Gap space, and that dirty little corner

Carbon

I first heard about carbon build up in1965 during Army basic training. The rifle we used was the M-14 combat rifle. The Military experts called it Carbon and explained to us trainee's that carbon deposits needed to be periodically cleaned from the Gas cylinders in the M-14 rifle. We spent countless hours disassembling and cleaning the M-14. After basic training,we were issued the M-16. The Military experts again explained that the Carbon deposits needed to be routinely removed from the gas cylinders in the M-16 for proper function. We were issued a small rifle cleaning kit that contained cleaning solvent and an assortment of tools for cleaning your rifle. The cleaning solvent came in a small metal can ,painted army green, It smelled and looked exactly like Hoppes#9 solvent. When used as instructed,it removed carbon deposits.

The next time I heard about Carbon was in 1969. The US Government firearm experts called the "baked on" sooty looking stuff on Pistol Revolver cylinders,"Carbon". The firearms instructors recommended the use of Hoppes#9 and a wire brush for cleaning these stubborn deposits. Today,there are special tools and a variety of chemicals available that quickly remove what's still described as "Carbon" in firearm cleaning. I still use Hoppes#9 and a wire brush, It worked in 1965 and it works today. It just takes a little longer.

I've been using a cleaning regimen recommended by a veteran Benchrest shooter(Hall Of Fame) for the past 12 years. For some reason, his recommendations did not include addressing carbon buildup in the chamber.

This is an interesting topic.



Glenn
 
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