[Adam Helmer]

popplecop,

I agree, the younger generation inheiriting WWII arms need to be made aware of the dangers of shooting corrosive ammo. Back about 1998, or so, a neighbor lad inheirited a Luger dated 1917 with matching magazines and holster that was his grandfather's WWI war trophy. Unfortunately, both magazines were full of WWI Ball ammo. The lad shot off both magazines and put the Luger away on a shelf. About a year later he brought it by to ask for an appraisal.

As I pulled on the toggle, a red dust appeared and dribbled out. The exterior was still nice, but the bore looked like the inside of my truck's tailpipe. I scrubbed the bore with a brush and hot soapy water, but the pits remained inside the bore. I told the lad he had a $300 parts gun rather than a $2,500-$3,000 gem.

About a year later, another fellow inheirited a M1903A3 and two bandoleers of Denver 1942 ball ammo. Again, the lad shot at chucks, targets, etc., and put the rifle in a closet. At a picnic a year later he was eager for me to see his rifle. Again, upon opening the bolt, a red dust fell onto the bolt face of the verticle rifle. We water cleaned the bore to little avail. Far too much corrosive ammo is still being sold at gun shows that will, sadly, ruin many bores.

Adam