.22 LR Bullet Question

[skorpx1]

My friend recently got a gun from a relative that had been sitting in a leather holster for about 20-25 years. Along with that was some ammo and over time the bullets started to tarnish and leave a green residue in the holster/on the bullets themselves. The question I have is how would one go about removing the tarnish, and are those bullets even going to fire after sitting for that long? The bullets are made out of brass and most of them are birdshot.


As far as I know they probably wont fire and they most likely will be a PITA to clean up.

[homersipes]

the bullets should still fire, its just oxidation (I think) that is on them.  As long as its not pitted or anything I would shoot them   But not seeing them I dont want to tell ya to shoot them.  I had som 22 lr that was almost 23 years old that I shot last year.  hows the gun itself? rusty, pitted?

[skorpx1]

The gun is perfectly fine, no issues with it whatsoever other than the fact that the safety doesn't always work. I'll see if I can get a picture of the bullets. From what I know they're not rusting/pitted.

[Triton28]

They should be fine.  You would only have to fool with cleaning them up with the residue on them prevents them from being chambered. 

[SmokinLoon]

I suggest firing the ammo out of a bolt gun and not an auto loading pistol or even a revolver. Odds are there isn't any issue.  I found some very old, as in 1950's vintage .22 shorts in an ammo can that belonged to my grandfather.  I put them in to the bolt action .22 rimfire and fired them all off without a hitch.

I advise using a bolt gun for the strength.  If there are elevated pressures for whatever reason the bolt action will handle the stress where as an auto-loader may not.  Either way.... just fire the ammo.  Just make sure someone holds your beer while you do it.  ok?   

[skorpx1]

I suggest firing the ammo out of a bolt gun and not an auto loading pistol or even a revolver. Odds are there isn't any issue.  I found some very old, as in 1950's vintage .22 shorts in an ammo can that belonged to my grandfather.  I put them in to the bolt action .22 rimfire and fired them all off without a hitch.

I advise using a bolt gun for the strength.  If there are elevated pressures for whatever reason the bolt action will handle the stress where as an auto-loader may not.  Either way.... just fire the ammo.  Just make sure someone holds your beer while you do it.  ok?   

Neither of us have a bolt gun but there is a semi-auto .22 rifle that I have. Would that be just as good or bolt rifle only for this?

[eagl]

If they're badly corroded the case could split.  Getting a split case out of the bore is a pain in the butt.  And sometimes they might spit debris as the case comes apart, and the slug might get stuck in the barrel if it is a slow fire or misfire.  You'll need to check the barrel after any shot that doesn't sound or look right.

[SmokinLoon]

Neither of us have a bolt gun but there is a semi-auto .22 rifle that I have. Would that be just as good or bolt rifle only for this?

IT shouldn't hurt it, regardless.  You almost can hold that .22 in your hand and have it go 'boom and not get an injury. If you do that, again be sure someone holds your beer and you say "here, watch this".

Seriously, though, just put the rounds in the rifle, auto loader or not, and just fire them.  If you hear the "click" and no "bang", then wait 30 seconds and then unload the cartridge.  It wouldn't be a bad idea to fire 1 round at a time, too.  If it were me, I'd fire it and if I didn't see an impact from the fired round I'd check the bore.  Otherwise, just go shootin'.

[FLS]

The gun is perfectly fine, no issues with it whatsoever other than the fact that the safety doesn't always work. I'll see if I can get a picture of the bullets. From what I know they're not rusting/pitted.

Safety fails?  What is the model?

[skorpx1]

Safety fails?  What is the model?

I have no clue and neither does my friend. I have some pics of it. I looked at the only markings on the gun (which are in the pics) and couldn't find a model/brand name of any kind.


I took another look at the gun and couldn't even find a single serial number marking.



Gun.


Gun.


Ammo.

[SmokinLoon]

The ammo is bird shot.  Very low pressure.  Shoot it at pop cans from about 5 yards away and enjoy!  

btw... forget about any "safety" on that rifle.  Just use the 10 basic rules and you'll be fine.

1. Always Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction
2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not Actually In Use
3. Don't Rely On Your Gun's "Safety"
4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Beyond It
5. Use Correct Ammunition
6. If Your Gun Fails To Fire When The Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care!
7. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
8. Be Sure The Barrel Is Clear Of Obstructions Before Shooting
9. Don't Alter Or Modify Your Gun, And Have Guns Serviced Regularly
10. Learn The Mechanical And Handling Characteristics Of The Firearm You Are Using

Common sense rules the day.

If it were me, I'd shelve that ammo and go get some typical .22 LR ammo and use that.  The bird shot is for rats and black birds "up close", and really isn't wort a hoot for much else.  Heck, I'd be tempted to toss it in the trash, really.

EDIT: a quick search shows that firearm, a "Mod. Tex .22 LR", to be worth $30 to $100, probably made in Germany and imported via Miami, FL.  The company is long defunct.
 

[FLS]

I don't see the action but from the barrel it's a copy of a SSA "cowboy" pistol. They generally don't have a safety other than a notch for the hammer and/or a transfer bar ignition. There should be a half cock position for loading. I'm still concerned about your safety comment. Those pistols were generally "safed" with an empty chamber.

Btw it's the .22 Tex model from FIE as listed on the barrel. The serial number is on the frame somewhere.

[rpm]

Yep, rat shot. It may be perfectly fine, but you don't know anything about it. Personally I'd throw it away and get fresh ammo. It's not that expensive. Your friend probably should take a gun safety course, too. Neither of you sound like a Gunner's Mate.

[SmokinLoon]

Yep, rat shot. It may be perfectly fine, but you don't know anything about it. Personally I'd throw it away and get fresh ammo. It's not that expensive. Your friend probably should take a gun safety course, too. Neither of you sound like a Gunner's Mate.

Agreed.  Or at least get to a reputable gun shop (buy some ammo), and ask a few questions.  Be wary of the former Navy SEAL trying to sell you jerkey of some sort.  Get out of that gun shop and go somewhere else.

[skorpx1]

Yep, rat shot. It may be perfectly fine, but you don't know anything about it. Personally I'd throw it away and get fresh ammo. It's not that expensive. Your friend probably should take a gun safety course, too. Neither of you sound like a Gunner's Mate.

He's never really been one to own a gun, and neither have I, but he got it from a relative that passed away so he couldn't just say "no" and leave it in a house for someone else to find. Iv'e taken my hunter safety course for both gun and bow hunting but for some reason the markings on this gun just confused me. I didn't know if the Mod Tex .22LR was just the ammo required or the actual make of the gun.

I honestly have only shot a real gun 3 times in the course of 5 years. I simply just don't have the experience to know about the ammo and if it's useful or not. My friend said he won't be using the bird shot but the other standard rounds will be going through my .22 rifle. If nothing happens and they don't work, then so be it.