Any Danger From Vodka?

[Tribal]

I guess what I'm asking is whether guns and alcohol mix...in cleaning. My roommate left some really cheap plastic-bottle Aristocrat vodka and I was wondering if it'd be useful and safe to use for cleaning (never fear: I have Zubrowka and Skyy if I need decent vodka plus several decent bottles of wine...not to be used near guns, of course!).

I can't see that it'll do anything to stainless steel, even if left overnight. As for paint...I don't know enough to say. I'm hoping it'll work to get all the lubricant off without damaging the metal.

Would bleach OR ammonia (not both!) work better?

 

[Moonclip]

Use it for bbq lighter fluid or for friends after they are already drunk I'd not bother using it for cleaning guns. Try Grey Goose, best I've tried so far, better than the Tito's Handmade vodka I had high hopes for.

 

[Funderb]

No, not really, that alcohol is mostly water, probably more than 50% water. you are better off buying acetone for cheaper, or mineral spirits.


If you want to remove lubricant those solvents are the best, bleach and ammonia will not help you.

 

[Grizfire]

, [vodka] is mostly water, probably more than 50% water.

yep, and the more volatile alcohol will evaporate first, leaving the water behind, and water = rust.

You have the right idea, though, and I don't foresee a problem as long as you quickly dry it, and reapply new oil.

 

[ARTiger]

Millions of Mosin Nagants survived two wars with corrosive ammo. Anyone think Russian conscripts were using their vodka to clean rifles?

 

[JHansenAK47]

Anyone think Russian conscripts were using their vodka to clean rifles?

No, I just can't imagine a scenario where they wouldn't drink it.

 

[Jim Watson]

Vodka will not hurt your gun - except maybe wood finish - but I don't know that it will be a particularly good cleaning solvent, either. I know people who finish up with a wipe of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) which they say brings out the carbon residue the regular solvents left, dry, and oil; so a shot of ethanol ought to do OK.

Household ammonia will require rinsing and drying.

Do NOT put bleach on your gun.

 

[JohnMc]

Most vodka is 80 proof, which means 40% alcohol by volume, so figure 60% water.
As has been said, water = rust.
Stay way, way away from bleach. It's also mostly water but it's corrosive, it'll eat stainless!

 

[PTK]

I used vodka to clean things in a pinch, but I've never used it for firearms purposes. Cheap vodka + a tablespoon or so of freshly crushed black peppercorns + a week then filtering the pepper out = peppered vodka for cooking.

P.S. Stolichnaya vodka is the best.

 

[LawofThirds]

If you ever need to get a smell out of your clothes that laundry detergent just won't remove, throw in a quarter cup of vodka into the washer with the clothes. Smoke, mace, even skunk (use ALOT of vodka) will go away.

 

[grendelbane]

I use hot water and soap all the time to clean my guns. So a little vodka is not going to hurt anything.

It is not going to help a whole lot either, but it sounds like you are looking for a purpose other than drinking.

Go for it.

 

[dispatch]

Common guys- this one's real easy.
Vodka is for drinking, Hoppes #9 is for cleaning firearms. Best policy is to not assume that their roles are not interchangeable.

 

[Cosmoline]

I use rubbing alch. for my black powder rifle. I don't think vodka is a good substitute. It's also not really great for smokeless residue and copper fowling.

 

[Coronach]

Anyone think Russian conscripts were using their vodka to clean rifles?

No, I just can't imagine a scenario where they wouldn't drink it.

Exactly. Issuing vodka for, or discovering vodka can be used for, cleaning rifles sounds like a nice way to ensure that you have dirty rifles and drunk troops.

Mike

 

[AndyC]

Russian troops were drinking de-icing fluid for its alcohol-content in Afghanistan in the 80's - they didn't even need vodka.

 

[DrLaw]

???

I can think of a better use for vodka.

However, not while shooting.

The Doc is out now.

 

[jhco]

the vodka as everyone else has said already with not hurt the metal but you asked about bleach, bleach is corrosive to metal so if you use it dont leave a drop on it or you might be sorry you didnt just gets some hoppies no9

 

[jaydubya]

Why does this thread remind me of a parent telling his kids not to stuff peas up their noses?
Cordially, Jack

 

[thebaldguy]

Drink the vodka; go out and get some real cleaning solvent.

 

[icebones]

it amaizes me the stuff you learn on the web...

the uses of vodka 101

 

[davepool]

Just drink it, the more you drink the prettier your Glocks will get

 

[jdorian]

Use the vodka for mixed drinks, not cleaning. If you needed to disinfect something, that use would likely work too. But don't use it for cleaning metal objects.

Using it for flavor in cooking might also be useful.

 

[Funderb]

hes asking to degrease, not clean, by the way.



but what has been said holds truth here.

 

[AndyC]

Just drink it, the more you drink the prettier your Glocks will get

I don't believe I can drink that much