Smyth Busters: Cleaning Will Wear Out a Barrel?
Cleaning a firearm barrel does not inherently cause wear that shortens its lifespan, debunking a common myth. However, improper techniques or harsh chemicals can damage softer barrels, particularly .22 rimfires. Modern barrels like chrome-lined or nitrided are highly resistant to wear from standard cleaning supplies. Copper fouling and residual ammonia-based solvents pose greater risks to accuracy and barrel integrity than proper cleaning.









