Is "Ed's Red" really any good or is it just an old wives' tale?

I made up a batch minus the lanolin, it works well, but it does kind of stink . I also have ound that automatic trans fluid mixed with acetone is a good penetrating oil

I don't remember which version of the recipe I used but I used clear Erlenmeyer flasks to store it in and noticed after a while a white precipitate formed and made a layer on the bottom. I figure it was the additives in the atf. Threw it out in an environmentally safe manner and wondered why I was trying to save a few bucks on gun cleaner/oil.

I bought Hoppes #9 quart at Cabelas on sale for $10 about a year ago. Haven't seen it that low since but that was a rare visit since Bass Pro is 20 miles closer.

I've made it and used it in the past; it works. I just generally find it easier to buy commercial stuff.

That having been said: I do keep the recipe around, printed out in a binder of other useful stuff. Just in case the day comes when it's no longer easy or possible to buy commercial gun supplies.

I think it works well.

My variation on it is 1/3 ATF, 1/3 heavy mineral oil, 1/4 Kerosene.

I think the increased kerosene content dissolves the carbon better, but that's just my opinion.