Author Topic: Polygonal barrel care and feeding? (Read 1386 times)

ScottB · « **on:** January 12, 2003, 07:43:11 PM »

I just got a polygonal barrel in 41 for my witness. I understand why soft lead is bad, but for regular cleaning, is there anything you do special? I am now officially hooked on bore snakes, would you recommend a larger than caliber size? The 10mm is probably too small, and I am hesitant to buy a 44 snake before trying it.

I'm asking here because I understand you dark-siders use these barrels. Are they slightly oversized for their caliber (regarding cleaning, not shooting)? And do you find any specific chemical better for these barrels? Not new to reloading and shoting, just new to this barrel design.

Savage · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2003, 03:25:38 AM »

Scott,
Not that's a switch. When ever I buy a gun with a polygonal barrel if I am going to shoot it in matches I order a cut rifiled barrel. I shoot a lot and for a poor boy that means lead reloads. To answer your question, I find the polygonal barrels very easy to clean using convential solvents and methods. Bore Snakes are great for field use. I have one for every bore size. They really come in handy for extended range sessions. Nothing special about cleaning the polygonals.
Stay Safe

ScottB · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2003, 08:20:12 AM »

Well, it was $60 for a NIB hi-cap mag and a barrel, hows that for poor-boy?

It won't get a whole lot of use. The 41AE is a great cartridge, but brass and ammo are so expensive, it is just one of those neat things to have, nothing else.

So I assume you don't try and use a slightly oversized cleaning rig for the polygonal barrel? 41AE is just like 41 mag, .410 diameter. The 40 bore snake is for 40 and 41 calibers, so its already on the loose end of things.

Savage · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2003, 09:08:18 AM »

Scott,

Forgot to mention that I use a 50 brass bore brush to clean my .45s and a .40 for my nines. I find that the brass brushes colapse with a few uses and an oversize is about right. I use the same brushes on the polygonal barrels as well. I find the polygonal barrels easier to clean than the land and groove. Of course one reason for that might be the lead I shoot.
When I shoot the polygonals in matches I reload using the cooper plated bullets from Berrys. At the velocoties I shoot, there is very little fouling.
Sounds like you got a heck of a deal on the barrel AND Hi-cap!!
Savage

Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2003, 09:10:55 AM »

Scott,
By the way, the .44 bore snake will do just fine. On occasion my shooting buddy has used my .45 snake on his .40.

Savage

ScottB · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2003, 05:59:10 AM »

Thanks savage! I'll get the 44-45 snake.