Small-bore shotguns of the 20 and 28 gauge type, and particularly the 410 gauge, sometimes give trouble with leading, which often persists regardless of whether you use chilled or drop shot. Although leading causes no particular harm in itself, it does make thorough cleaning difficult and is apt to result in a rusted barrel. One thorough honing with a polisher made as detailed will usually stop the leading completely and, if you're careful, will not in any way affect the shooting qualities of the barrel. To make the polisher, get a rod 10 or 12 in. longer than the barrel, and thread one end. Slip a short length of rubber tubing over a threaded length of ¥4-in. brass rod, which is screwed to the end of the cleaning rod. Tightening or loosening two brass nuts on the brass rod adjusts the diameter of the rubber tubing to a snug fit in the bore. The long rod passes through a hardwood plug or guide, in the muzzle end of the barrel, and the breech, or chamber end, is plugged with a cork. The polishing abrasive is made by mixing jewelers’ rouge with light oil to the consistency of heavy cream. A small quantity is poured in the barrel and the polisher and guide are inserted. A few minutes of polishing with full-length strokes will generally cure the trouble.