How do I "decontaminate" my gun?

I reload with copper plated bullets - cleaner gun and no lead exposure (from my own guns at least). I don't reload my shot shells though..

I am more worried about processed foods and pharmacutical drugs than lead from my gun.
 
freeflier said:
As a new shooter I was completely unaware that shooting exposes one to significantly toxic levels of lead. This is unacceptable to me but unfortunately I'm hooked.
I'm thinking that if I attend my local outdoor range during non peak hours I can avoid exposure from other shooters and, by using Win Clean or American Eagle TMJ, I can reduce my own exposure. My first problem is how do I clean my Gen 4 Glock 17 so that I'm not contaminating my living room every time I practice dry firing (one can carry enough lead from the gun range on skin and clothing to put family members at risk) . Can anyone give me some informed advice on how to do this effectively (respectfully I'm not interested in speculation and "opinion" on this. I'd like to know how to do it properly and scientifically).
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Laugh2

Wear coveralls, a surgical mask and nitrile gloves when shooting, cleaning or handling firearms. Remove when finished.
 
4n2t0 said:
It's not paranoia but it seems to consume the OP thoughts. See his other thread on the subject.

Again, you should be more worried about instant death at a gun range!

Take precautions, move on with your life.

P.S. I solder a LOT at work. Should I wear a hazmat suit? Of course not. I get my blood tested and I take the necessary precautions. (Wash my hands often and no food at the work bench)
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Hadn't seen the other thread... but I think the point is, if needed, take precautions like you do at work.
I figure my exposure is enough for me to take heed, so I guess I got flier's message, overworried or not.
gonna wash my hands after.
no biggie:p
 
Wow.
You think you got it bad? Handle some bulk .177 or .22 airgun pellets. Talk about lead residue.
Suck it up Sally. There's a lot more serious things to worry about.
 
Sigh. Lead does leave the body, lessening exposure will itself see a reduction in the lead levels in your body. Again reference the other thread.
Briggz said:
Well... just did a bit o' research and there have been cases of long time shooters having toxic levels of lead build up in the bloodstream. This ain't paranoia people. A lot has to do with your level of exposure. I dunno about you guys, but I shoot A LOT--- 350 rounds last sunday and that's a normal sunday. The lead accumulates slowly in the body over time and doesn't go away, so this could mess you up years down the road. I'm not TOO worried but I think I'm gonna start at least washin my hands after long sessions. Don't think I wanna goof around with possible heavy metal poisoning.

Apparently IT SUCKS B#LLS.




Thanks for the heads up flier
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djmay71 said:
Wow.
You think you got it bad? Handle some bulk .177 or .22 airgun pellets. Talk about lead residue.
Suck it up Sally. There's a lot more serious things to worry about.
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yea i handled thousands of lead pellets when i was a kid and half the time i was camping so washing my hands before eating wasnt really on my to do list

only shooters who would ever get lead poisoning would be ones that shoot alot of dirty rounds in a poorly ventilated indoor range
 
As for the original question, I don't think anything special is necessary, I think you are making a massive mountain out of molehill. Dryfiring at home will not spread lead throughout your house. wiping your gun down with standard solvents, and then rubbing alcohol to remove that residue if you are really worried about it. Washing your hands and face after handling your gun and before doing anything else.
Lead free ammo is nice and all, but it's not necessary unless you are shooting thousands of rounds a day. Or exposed to similar amounts. Observe the airflow pattern at the next S&D, you will notice the smoke and residue in the air very quickly leaving your shooting position and being vented outside.
 
freeflier said:
Can anyone give me some informed advice on how to do this effectively (respectfully I'm not interested in speculation and "opinion" on this. I'd like to know how to do it properly and scientifically).
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Absolutely.

Dishwasher-ratings.jpg
 
350 pistol rounds is a lot? Not in this neck of the woods:cool:
BTW :sucks:
Briggz said:
Well... just did a bit o' research and there have been cases of long time shooters having toxic levels of lead build up in the bloodstream. This ain't paranoia people. A lot has to do with your level of exposure. I dunno about you guys, but I shoot A LOT--- 350 rounds last sunday and that's a normal sunday. The lead accumulates slowly in the body over time and doesn't go away, so this could mess you up years down the road. I'm not TOO worried but I think I'm gonna start at least washin my hands after long sessions. Don't think I wanna goof around with possible heavy metal poisoning.

Apparently IT SUCKS B#LLS.




Thanks for the heads up flier
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Its a mystery to me why some people have such an unreasoning fear of lead. Its not depleted uranium! The normal exposure that you have to lead as a handloader, shooter, or hunter has no effect on your well being provided normal hygiene is followed. Simply wash you hands after touching the stuff. If you swallow a pellet or two after shooting that rabbit with #6s, all things will pass.
 
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