Ultrasonic cleaners?

[Caliper_Mi]

I'm interested in feedback from anyone who has or has used an ultrasonic cleaner. I'm pondering using one to clean percussion revolver cylinders (most PITA bit of the gun to clean!). Wondering first off, how well they would work for BP guns and secondly if I could avoid spending all the money on expensive cleaning solutions and just use water or water/ballistol mix for this?

 

[drobs]

Hawg on another board recommends Bore mops. I'm still using que-tips and cleaning patches.

I used a bucket of cold water to clean my C&B revolvers last time. Removed the nipples and dropped them and the cylinder in to the bottom of the bucket while I cleaned the rest of the gun. Fished it out and attacked it with que-tips followed by gun oil.

Reminds me, I need to order some Ballistol.

 

[Ironhand54]

I have used one to clean pistols for years. Works great for BP revolvers. I use water and Murphys. Works great. The crud is liquefied and just flows out.

IronHand

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I have used one to clean pistols for years. Works great for BP revolvers. I use water and Murphys. Works great. The crud is liquefied and just flows out.

IronHand

Very cool, thanks! I always dread cleaning all those recesses in the cylinder, especially an older Uberti cylinder with a stepped bore...

What mix of water/murphys do you use?

 

[4v50 Gary]

Nope. For detailed cleaning on guns that are scrubbed out, they're good. However, you don't want to take a fired cap 'n ball and toss it into the Ultrasonic cleaner. You'll foul the cleaning solution.

I'd clean them first (hot soap/water) and afterward ultrasonic clean it for detailed cleaning. Ultrasound is good for loosening the dirt but will still require scraping or q-tips. We used bamboo skewers which could be whittled down for a fresh point.

 

[Ironhand54]

I use approximately 10 to 1 water to Murphys. When I pull the parts out I blow them off with an air gun and go over them with a cloth, inside and out. Removes any residual crud and liquid. Follow with a good oiling and you are done.
IronHand

 

[TTv2]

They work great for the nipples, but the cylinders... they're okay. If you have un-burned powder in the chambers, rinse the cylinder out with water before you put it in the cleaner. Otherwise it the powder clumps together.