How to Clean Chrome-Lined Barrels

Providing a surface that is twice as hard as steel, chrome is used to line the barrels of firearms to increase longevity and prevent barrel erosion. While chrome barrels typically last longer, the surface is potentially compromised without proper cleaning and care. Excessive shooting with a hot chrome barrel also causes the lining to wear. Keeping the chrome surface clean not only preserves the integrity of the lining, but it also helps maintain accuracy. The slick surface of the chrome also resists copper and lead fouling from ammunition, making it easier to clean.

Things You'll Need

  • Caliber-specific bore guide (optional)
  • Gun cleaning cloths
  • Caliber-specific jag or patch holder
  • Ammonia-free cleaning solvent
  • Caliber-specific nylon gun brush
  • Gun oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the firearm before cleaning. Chrome-lined barrels are more common in rifles and shotguns than in handguns. No matter what type of firearm, however, always double-check for rounds in the chamber. Remove the magazine if the firearm has one and visually inspect the chamber, or ensure all chambers are empty if cleaning a revolver.

    • 2

      Inspect the barrel for rust, blockages or other damage. If any of these conditions exist, the firearm requires more than just a cleaning; it should receive professional attention. Damaged, peeling or flaking chrome lining is a costly repair and is preventable with regular cleaning.

    • 3

      Insert the bore guide into the breech end of the barrel, if the firearm allows such access. The bore guide is a precautionary measure to protect the barrel from damage by keeping the cleaning rod straight and preventing scratches and gouges. Chrome-lined barrels are more resilient than other materials, but if new to the process of cleaning, it's an extra safety measure. Regardless if a bore guide is used, cleaning from the breech end prevents scratches to the muzzle.

    • 4

      Saturate a cleaning cloth with solvent and affix it to the jag, with the cloth slightly off center. Ammonia eats chrome, so ensure the solvent is labeled as ammonia-free. Run the wet cloth slowly through the barrel to loosen residue and lubricate the surface before brushing to prevent scratches.

    • 5

      Wet the cleaning brush and firmly yet gently pass it through the barrel one time for each round fired before cleaning. Specifically designed for heavy use, chrome-lined barrels are easier to clean than non-chrome barrels and require little force. Over cleaning is a common cause of barrel damage. Jim Borden of Springville, Pennsylvania-based Borden Rifles recommends using a one-piece stainless cleaning rod, as screw-together rods have a tendency to bend or come apart.

    • 6

      Rinse the barrel with one or two rounds of wet patches. Let the firearm rest for 15 minutes before running one or two rounds of dry patches through to remove any remaining residue.

    • 7

      Add a sparse amount of gun oil to a clean patch -- a single drop is often enough -- and run the patch through the bore to protect and lubricate it. Chrome-lined barrels are self-lubricating and don't need a heavy coating of oil. If the oil is visible, too much was used. Run another dry patch through the barrel to remove the excess.