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Old 01-09-2006, 09:51 AM
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Rocky Raab Rocky Raab is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Ogden, Utah
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The way it's done by the pros is to cast a lead slug in the bore (around the end of a stiff rod). The the slug is partially pulled out - you'll never get it back it if it comes all the way out - and coated with a fine abrasive paste. Then the slug is worked back and forth with smooth, full strokes, staying the bore the whole time.

When the first slug gets loose, the process is repeated by casting another slug and using a finer grade of abrasive. A third slug may even be used to get a mirror-smooth finish.

It's a skilled task. Keeping the slug in the bore both ways is tough, and so is pushing/pulling on the rod while never allowing it to touch the rifling. It also wears out your arm - in a hurry!

I've done it myself. Once. I had a revolver barrel with some light rust pitting, and it leaded up pronto with cast bullets. I got the bright idea to lap it. Brother! What a job.

There are also what are called fire lap kits. You fire abrasive-coated lead bullets at low speed down your bore. While this technique might rescue a really poor or fouled bore, I'd NEVER do it on a new gun. Ever. It's strictly a last chance, last try kind of thing. If fire-lapping doesn't help, you'd throw the barrel away anyway.
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