alternative cleaning methods

[MarineOne]

When I was at the Depot in San Diego in 1991 we did Dawn and scalding hot water in those big galvanized steel trash cans for the turn-ins for our A2's. They were lightly re-oiled with some CLP and turned them in 2 days later to make sure we didn't have rust.

Seems to me that its been happening a long time that way.

 

[CelticArmory]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr7pBBBXLis

I prefer Simple Green. It's environmentally safe (biodegradable), smells nice and cleans like you wouldn't believe. When I need a deep cleaning I use this and real hot water, as hot as I can stand. I'll use a tooth brush and pipe cleaners to get into all the nooks and crannies. If the gun is real soiled I'll let it soak for a little while. For complicated parts like the receiver and slide, after the rinse I'll blow them out with my air compressor. Then I'll give them a heavy coat of oil and wipe it all off so all that is left is a light film that has penetrated. I use CLP, but I suppose if that wasn't available I'd agree with the synthetic motor oil, but I'd get the CLP as soon as possible. I would never use WD40 as a lube. You can also use a very light coat of bearing grease on surfaces that rub, but again only as a temp solution.

 

[hso]

Lots of creative firearms cleaning tips here - http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=476819

Avoid food source oils and greases for extended use. Mineral oil won't go rancid where food oils might.

Parafin candles can be used in a pinch to help protect against rust and to "lube" rails. Candle shavings dissolved in automatic transmission fluid can work also.