The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

This conversation came up a few days ago and I must admit I am not aware of anyone doing these days however worth asking, is anyone using mercury to remove lead fouling in barrels?

Is it not a controlled substance now and anyone using it would need to be licensed to do so?

There are far more cheaper and less poisonous alternatives available, anyway how do you get leading?

Although I've not needed to used it for a while I do have a small bottle of mercury for just that job. I inherited it from my Dad who used it regularly. I've used it on leaded up revolvers round the forcing cone, and the odd lever action.

It works really well but just need to be aware of health hazards. It's recommended that a full HAZMAT suit is worn, and working in a negative pressure environment is advised.

Degrease the barrel, bronze brush to remove lead oxide (watch the dust) block up the barrel with a patch at the appropriate place, tip in the mercury, leave for a couple of hours, tip out. Repeat if necessary.

can you reuse the mercury, or does it become contaminated with the lead?

There is a lot of rubbish talked about mercury. When I was a teenager, there was a vary large glass dish full of mercury in the school chemistry lab. We would cast objects like hammers and freeze them. Mercury is harmless, but it is very reactive and the salts and oxides are lethal---a bit like lead in fact. In the revolver days, I often bought classics with the forcing cones lead plated. Mercury was good at removing this and I still have a supply. Never heard of it being a controlled substance though----next thing, we will need a licence to own a thermometer!
Fred

Just don't get it on aluminium - http://tinyurl.com/hc8jhv3

bradaz11 wrote:can you reuse the mercury, or does it become contaminated with the lead?

Yes, I know the same few ounces I have in a bottle has been used for this purpose for at least 50 years.

link to MSDS
Not very nice stuff

http://www.brannan.co.uk/material-safet ... ERCURY.pdf

Mercury as the previous guy says is no longer used for very good reasons.

Surely these substances need to be used with respect and common sense, not demonised.
Dentistry fillings were, up until recently, 50% mercury.

Trying to legislate to make things idiot proof has lead to oven cleaner that won't clean ovens, weed killer that won't kill weeds etc. Industrial strength products are often available but not available to ordinary folk who just can't be trusted.

Lead free solder is absolute rubbish to use, how long before "the government" decide that casting lead is "dangerous"