Removing lead buildup from barrel compensator

[fred cook]

I use a screw on comp on a Ruger 22/45 pistol. Over a couple of years, the lead deposits finally built up to the point the openings were nearly clogged. What is/are the best ways to remove such deposits?

[Jim Bremner]

What about a #1 drill bit twisted in by hand?

[id10t]

Unscrew comp from barrel and replace?

Anything you do to work on getting the lead out will just be exposing you to more and more of the stuff.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by fred cook

I use a screw on comp on a Ruger 22/45 pistol. Over a couple of years, the lead deposits finally built up to the point the openings were nearly clogged. What is/are the best ways to remove such deposits?

Got a sonic bath?

[svandamme]

if you can get it, blob of mercury will dissolve any lead.
So ideal to restore a high end rimfire match barrel
or that compensator

just be careful to recover it since both lead and mercury are toxic.

[fred cook]

Good thoughts, all! Thanks. I wound up using a small diamond bit in a Dremel tool to remove the lead. To minimize exposure to the lead dust I wore a mask and worked over a dampened paper towel to catch and hold debris. This worked quite well and had the offending deposits removed in short order. I will be more observant in the future and not let the deposits build up!