Is CLP all I need to clean my M44?

[bill larry]

Just wondering...I recently got a Mosin M44, and two large cases of Czech ammo for it. I broke the entire rifle down and removed all the arsenal grease and then generously lubed with break free clp.

Then I went to the range and popped off 80 rounds. Came home and cleaned repeatedly with break free again until bore came clean, cleaned everything else as normal.

Is this all I need to do? I havent detected any rust yet, so I'm wondering if I'm good as far as preventing corrosion goes. I've had this nagging feeling like I should have done more!

 

[jrfoxx]

Most people recommend using something containing ammonia to rinse/clean the gun after firing corrosive ammo, as the ammonia apparently neutralizes the corrosive salts.Others simply reccomend hot water to dissolve/flush out the salts.I dont know if CLP contains ammonia or not, or even if theres any truth to the ammonia statement anyway.Personally, I just clean really well after I get home from shooting, just like I do with any gun or ammo, and haven't had any problems.If your not going to clean the same day after shooting, I personally would rinse with something containing ammonia or really hot water just to be safe, but I think regular cleaning ASAP is the best way to go.

 

[270Win]

Although no one seems totally 100% certain whether it's the water or the ammonia, "accepted practice" - if there is such a thing - on these milsurps with corrosive ammo is to liberally spray down the bore, the chamber and the boltface with something like Windex right after shooting.

There is a page somewhere on www.surplusrifle.com that shows the anti-corrosive effects of various normal cleaning products. I can't remember how CLP did, but some of the Big Names did surprisingly poorly, not preventing rust at all.

 

[JA]

CLP doesn't neutralize the corrosive primer residue but does disolve the residue so it can be removed from the barrel.
All my firearms even the ones with corrosive ammo shot in them are all cleaned the same way. They are broken down and all the metal parts are sprayed with CLP. I allow them to soak for 15 minutes then use a bore brush on the barrel and a tooth brush on the receiver and all the parts. Once every thing is scrubbed down I rinse all the CLP off the metal parts with a spray can of brake parts cleaner. I spray it into the chamber and when the liquid runs out of the end of the barrel clear it is squeaky clean. The brake parts cleaner removes everything,dries very quickly,and leaves no residue. Then all I have to do is wipe the parts down with CLP and the barrel with a patch wet with CLP. Reassemble the firearm and it is protected from rust for years.

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Ammonia does not really neutralize the salts (the "salts" in this case are potassium chloride formed from the potassium perchlorate used in the primer, with the chloride ion being the corrosive part--and boy is it corrosive); however, the ammonia will neutralize any associated acidity (and ammonium chloride formed is soluble, so it does provide a good cation to associate with the chloride anion--although both are disassociated in solution).
The ammonia will also help to remove any copper fouling.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Ammonia is not necessary to remove the salts. Water is good. Soapy water maybe better, followed by a rinse with plain water.

I use windshield washer fluid, because it doesn't freeze, at least at the temperatures that I'll shoot in. I use it at the range before the barrel cools off.

 

[bill larry]

thanks for the info guys...I think ill buy a can of break parts cleaner to supplement my gun kit!

 

[Andrew S]

In my experience CLP just doesn't clean as good as a solvent. Hoppes #9 gets all the crud out and takes less time to do it. If you are going to store the weapon or live in an area where it might rust you can do a whipe down with CLP afterwards.

 

[boerseun]

Windex or warm, soapy water. Had to soak both my M44 and .50 Muzzle Loader for about 30 minutes after last weeks' shoot. Found out something interesting after removing my .50 ML barrel. A 7.62x54R case with 2 patches wrapped around it, makes a dang near perfect barrel plug to keep the soapy water inside.


I usually just spray the barrels and actions down with Windex when I leave the range...I like the Hiss it makes after a few rounds