styrofoam in the barrel

[semaj281]

Hi all,
I recently picked up an SKS that I bought online and I just finished cleaning it.
But I ran into a problem while cleaning. The gun was shipped with "popcorn" (styrofoam peanuts) in the box, and there was a piece stuck inside the barrel. The piece got pushed further in the barrel when I was trying to get it out.
Is there a way to push it out from the other end? This is my first rifle and I have no idea how the gas system works. Would it be safe to just chamber a round and shoot the styrofoam out?

Also, is CLP/Break-free a good lubricant? I've heard of folks using Hoppes and moly (MMO anyone?

). But I'm under the impression that using oil will just attract dirt and cause jams/abrasions. What are your thoughts?

 

[semaj281]

edit: I guess all I'd have to do is buy a cleaning rod that's at least 20" long and push it into the bolt/carrier.

 

[robshelton]

Styrofoam "Melts" when in contact with many petroleum based solvents so maybe a shot of carb cleaner or brake cleaner will do the job. Or maybe even Kroil. IIRC it's good for firearm use.

 

[robshelton]

EDIT: Kroil won't melt it - I just tried. However a little shot of carb cleaner melted some styrofoam easily. You should get a rod long enough to clean the whole barrel anyway. Clean her often especially if you use any corrosive ammo! Congrats on the SKS!

 

[xxch4osxx]

The cleaning rod the gun comes with under the barrel should do the trick.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: semaj281
Would it be safe to just chamber a round and shoot the styrofoam out?



NEVER SHOOT A GUN WITH SOMETHING/ANYTHING OBSTRUCTING THE BARREL! I don't care what it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pablo]

Don't "melt" it out. The resulting goo is not good.

Don't try to shoot it out either.

Just field strip the gun and push it out. You'll need to learn how to do it after you shoot it anyway. So buy the cleaning gear and proper rifle rod (I like Tipton carbon fiber, but aluminum will do), patch holder, brush and cleaner of your choice. I would try to push it out gently with just the patch holder on the rod or maybe a small lubed patch.

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: semaj281
Would it be safe to just chamber a round and shoot the styrofoam out?



NEVER SHOOT A GUN WITH SOMETHING/ANYTHING OBSTRUCTING THE BARREL! I don't care what it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's what I was thinking. Thanks guys.

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Don't "melt" it out. The resulting goo is not good.

Don't try to shoot it out either.

Just field strip the gun and push it out. You'll need to learn how to do it after you shoot it anyway. So buy the cleaning gear and proper rifle rod (I like Tipton carbon fiber, but aluminum will do), patch holder, brush and cleaner of your choice. I would try to push it out gently with just the patch holder on the rod or maybe a small lubed patch.


Wise words.