Bob-

Some of my favorite loads involve 5744 powder and lead bullets. The lube I often use on lead bullets combines with 5744 powder to form a stubborn tar-like substance in even a pristine bore. Some other powder and lube combinations likely have the same result. If this is the case in your new acquisition I simply send a nylon brush with Hoppe’s #9 for ten round trips and patch it out. Then I make ten more round trips with a wet nylon brush and let it set overnight. With your 1892 you’ll want to use a gun vise and secure the rifle with the action open, lever side up, to let excess solvent drip out of the bore and not into the action. If the previous owner used the above powder and lube combo it often takes several days to get a clean bore; brushing, swabbing and soaking every day. I only use metal brushes for metal fouling but YMMV. If you’re not getting lead flakes on your patches you don’t have lead fouling. Copper fouling will produce green or blue coloring on your patches, depending on solvent used. 

Mike

Robert,  I have a suggestion, but one I have not had to use myself.  A friend has this happen with old military arms.  He will use a few passes with Windex to ensure getting the powder and corrosive priming out of the barrels.  DO NOT leave Windex in the barrel!  Patch it only and then dry, then use bore solvent.

Let me know either if it works or doesn’t, please.    Tim

Robert Jambrosic said
I have not seen any green coming out of this rifle, or any lead pieces. I have been trying to make sure that I use a good quality brush with guide on the rod, and kroil on the brush. I can get it to come out with clean patches, but after it setting overnight, the first few patches will be black. I have probably used forty cycles of this routine.

  

Sounds familiar, rather frustrating. I like Tim’s idea and will try it. 

Mike

Robert Jambrosic said
I recently acquired a 1892 winchester rifle chambered in 32 20 serial number 363913. I have been trying to get the bore clean.

I have used hoppes  # 9 solvent, and Kroil, but after repeated cycles of brushing, and swabbing with well fitting patches I am still getting black patches after I let it set over night.

What would cause this, the rifle looks to be in good shape overall.

Thanks Bob.

  

Hello Bob

Could you please post several images of the rifle so that I can add it into my survey of the 1892’s.  Please include the areas of stamped writing on the barrel and the upper tang.

Michael