Surplus parts
 

I found a Kar98k with matching numbers and a very dark bore for almost nothing at a local gun shop. I ordered two replacement military barrels and they arrived the other day. Both were supposed to be in excellent condition; one was like-new while the other was a real clunker. The clunker was returned for a refund. I have found that it pays to order more parts than are required and return any that are unsatisfactory. I called the company and they apologized for the clunker barrel. From now on I will go to the parts dealer and see what they have for sale.

In the meantime, some serious cleaning revealed that the '98 rifle cleaned up to just about excellent. This is the first coal mine bore that ever cleaned up for me. All the best...
Gil

So what is "some serious cleaning " to a avid gun collector like yourself mean?
Any tricks of the "trade " to share?

justwannano
 

The serious cleaning involved repeated applications of G.I. bore cleaner, Shooters Choice, Remington Bore Cleaner and J.B. Bore Cleaner and some aggressive brushing. These cleaning processes were repeated daily for three or four days. Light began to appear in the bore, then the lands showed up followed by the grooves. This was one serious case that I did not believe would clean up. The final application of gun oil finished the ordeal. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

Gil,

What does a 98k replacement barrel go for these days? From whom? Now that you do not need that other barrel, what are you going to do with it?

For really serious barrel cleanup, I begin with a coffee can of boiling hot soapy water. I put the muzzle into the hot water, run a brush 50 or 60 times up and down the bore, drop off the brush, run a patch up and down the bore, with the muzzle in the hot water, to wash it out, remove the muzzle from the water, run a few dry patches and then run an oil patch up and down the bore.

I then go to the chemical cleaners after all the crud has been boiled out of the bores.

Adam

Maybe its because I bought my brushes at Wal Mart but no brush I've ever had would stand up to 50 or 60 time up and down a barrel.
So. Whadda think?
Just bad brushes or do you guys do something different or am I doing something wrong?

It depends
 

Adam,
A '98K barrel in excellent condition runs about $60.00 delivered to the door. The dealer shall remain nameless. I may use the mint 8x57mm barrel on the 1909 sporterized rifle that I picked up recently. Remember that is the one rechambered to .30-06 with a 7.65mm original barrel.

Justwannano,
I get more life out of a bore brush by starting out with a slightly larger brush. In the 8mm bores, I use a .35 caliber brush and get 100 or more passes through the barrel. Then I warp a piece of cloth around the brush and use Remington Bore Cleaner. That stuff really does a job! All the best...
Gil

justwannano,

TAKE LONGER STROKES!

I get many brushes at Wal-Mart, but be sure to send the brush ALL THE WAY through the bore before you reverse back.

Good strokin'.

Adam