The best products to clean guns?

[InnerVision]

So far I've been doing a lot of research and this is what I've come up with.

I've decided that I don't want an "all in one" magical cleaner/lube/protector..

-As far as cleaning barrels I've decided that Hoppes #9 or Outers is the way to go.

-As far as lubricants I've decided that I'm going to start using Mobile 1 Synthetic Lightweight..


However, as a general CLEANER I've been reading about Ballistol, BF CLP, CorrosionX, Eezox...

In your experience, which everyday cleaner will do best against PROTECTION from corrosion? As in normal field stripping and spraying the insides/outside of the slide/frame and wiping them clean??

Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=...inic-Knowing-the-Limits-of-Rust-Preventatives

I use Hoppies #9 to clean, Rem-Oil for oil, and R.I.G. for rust protection.
It has worked perfectly for me for many years on a 50+ gun collection.


rc

 

[mortablunt]

Mobil 1 and Windex for cheapskates.

 

[HoosierQ]

I was surprised to see WD-40 do so well in that test RC. Lot of hate for that stuff here and I must say I have propagated some myself...due to some gumming in applications other than firearms. Never noted rust protection one way or another.

Interesting link.

I use EEZOX on things other than guns (and guns too) and it works well in wet environs.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

Wipeout to clean bores. Eezox for longterm storage and to clean after the copper is removed. CLP or Hoppes after a range visit if the round count after Wipeouting is low.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Wet dog works well on most of the crud your gun would pick up in the field.

Don't tell PETA.

 

[hoghunting]

Wipeout to clean bores.

Completely agree as Wipe-Out is the easiest to use and clean copper and carbon. Just spray it in, let it set overnight - does not contain ammonia - and patch it out the next day. I don't use brushes anymore, except for lead.

 

[mingansr]

rcmodel is to be listened to, for sure, but IMHO i use Gibbs Brand Lubricant (.com if you're interested) and nothing else on my xd40. there is no oil in it, and it not only gets barrel fouling out, but otherwise cleans, and protects. it leaves a microns-thick coating to prevent rust. is not a magnet for dirt and dust. the guy selling it at a Wi gun show said you should let barrel be lubed and allowed to penetrate for 15 mins before removing. he also claims you can clean weapon and put it in the safe for up to 5 years and it'll protect against rust. it leaves residual protection without the oil that most other products have. i love it. dealer also mentioned its water repellency. oil attracts dirt. no oil, less dirt.

in a video at the website, showing it's protection for various and sundry parts of a motorcycle (Gibbs was invented by a Harley Davidson employee many years ago), it touts its application in protecting electronics, too. not just for guns.

 

[Diggers]

InnerVision,

Personally I feel things tend to get over done in the area of gun cleaning.

When I clean my M&P .40 after a couple hundred rounds, at least 95% of the grime comes off with a dry rag. I then put some CLP on the gun and wipe the rest of the grime off and bore snake it. Done.

Some people like spending a lot of time and using multiple products to clean their guns, that's fine if its something that is enjoyed. Perhaps their guns are cleaner than mine too, but I've never had any rust or function issues.

I think the only time I would use multiple products is if I needed to get lead or copper out of a barrel.

 

[ol' scratch]

I have found that there isn't just one product that does everything. I use the trifecta of Butches Bore Shine, followed by Shooter's Choice copper remover and then followed by Gunzilla. The Gunzilla helps neutralize the copper solvent and leaves a thin film in the bore. I DON'T use a brush. I should also mention that I do this for breaking in the bore on a rifle. After it is broken in, I clean much less. Typically I wait until a few hundred rounds or accuracy falls off.

 

[SWIll]

I have found brake cleaner to be effective at times. Also use Hoppe's #9 and CLP.

 

[1911Jeeper]

A brand name bore cleaner.
A brand name CLP oil
A brand name gun scrubber aerosol spray.

The exact brand name really doesn't matter.

Hoppes #9 and Birchwood Casey works, Break-Free CLP works, Birchwood Casey spray works. I am sure other stuff also works.

WD-40 is neither a very effective cleaner, nor a very effective or lasting lubricant.



.

 

[rcmodel]

WD-40 is neither a very effective cleaner

I have to disagree with that.
I use it in the shop all the time for blasting dried grease & oil out of old guns I am working on.

It cut's old grease as well as anything, and better then most, plus the fumes won't give your kids web feet.

rc

 

[brnmuenchow]

A little carb. cleaner will do what the $17.00 Birchwood Casey gun scrubber will do. I don't typically use it on anything that has a glossy wood finish just to be safe. As far as a lubricant I have found that the Lucas Oil "Gun Oil" works great.
Check it out: #10006C - LUCAS GUN LUBE, CASE (18 x 2 OZ.) - GUN LUBE, CASE (18 x 2 OZ.): $43.99
It's on the "B. B. BENTER DISTRIBUTING" website for online shopping.
It usually goes for about $2.50 a bottle if I remember correctly.

 

[HoosierQ]

I too am quite partial to WD-40 to clean things with. I also use it in "my other life" to condition my bench strops for knife sharpening. My routine for tools is to clean them with WD-40 to get the water off and then wipe them down with CLP.

I have not been fond of it as a lubricant and seldom use it as such.