What is the best cleaning solvent?

[Zackmeister]

I know this has probably been asked before, but are y'alls thoughts on the best gun cleaner? I have been using Hoppes no. 9, but it seems like it takes forever to get my .44 mag squeaky clean.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I've been using Breakfree CLP ever since the bottle of whatever came with my KleenBore cleaning kit ran out. Been trying out the MPro7 for the bore, but I still use the CLP on it too, seems to cut through just about everything.

And to clean my stainless stuff, Lead Away Cloth is the closest to a miracle product I have ever seen.

 

[stevelyn]

MPro-7 for cleaning. Break-Free CLP, Militec-1, or FP-10 for lube and corrosion protection.

 

[LeonCarr]

Shooter's Choice for cleaning the bore, Break-Free CLP for the rest of the gun.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Devonai]

For my handguns, I use "Lectro-motive" electrical parts cleaner found at auto parts shops. It doesn't harm plastic or rubber and is very inexpensive.

For my rifles, I use Hoppe's Copper Solvent due to the much higher level of fouling caused by the high-velocity rounds.

 

[10-Ring]

At home, I've got Hoppes, MPro 7 & Bullfrog. Lately tho, the guys at the rane have let me clean my guns using their stuff. It smells like a waterbased cleaner, but everything comes out SOOOOOO clean w/ minimal effort. Which I knew what it was so I could buy some for home use.

 

[Mil Novecientos Once]

Non-Chlorinated BrakleenNon-Chlorinated Brakelen

While looking for CRC site I also found out that they produce a lwhite lithium grease with teflon in an spray can. I'll check it to see if the local Pep Boys has some.http://www.crcindustries.com/productinfo.asp?productno=05037

 

[boofus]

I like Birchwood Casey's Gunscrubber. I've heard it's pretty much the same thing as brake cleaner, but it won't eat things like polymer frames and rubber o-rings. It makes cleaning much less of a chore. Just spray it into the action or barrel and all the gunk washes out, it evaporates and leaves everything bone dry too. After I get everything clean and dry I use Break-free or RemOil to give everything a light coat.

 

[doctorj]

MPro7

Little bit goes a long way, no smell and it doesn't dissolve my brass brushes. Only use it after I've shot the gun. Otherwise every once in a while I'll run a patch with a little CLP down the bore.

 

[Island Beretta]

There are so many good ones out there..Gunscrubber, brake cleaner, kerosene, methylated spirits, WD40, CLP it justs depends on your time, pocket and grime!!

 

[Bob C]

Ballistoil is another good one for handguns. It cleans very well, even getting the stuff from around the forcing cone on revolvers after firing cast bullets.

According to the MSDS, it's non-toxic and very environmentally friendly which is a big deal if you clean your guns inside.

I use it for handguns, and also as a rust preventative in rifle barrels after cleaning them with a copper dissolving solvent.

It's not particulary good for lead removal, and it doesn't do anything for copper jacket fouling in rifle barrels.

 

[Jeeper]

I dont clean barels, since it is bad for them. I use break cleaner on all my autos and flitz on the cylinder of revos.

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

I use WD-40 for general purpose gun cleaning, and Hoppes #9 for the bore.

Birchwood-Casey Gunscrubber is good for a quick clean-up of auto slides.

Break-Free CLP is what the military uses for Cleaning, Lubricating, and Preserving their weapons, and I can highly recommend Break-Free CLP.

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

Has anybody had any experience with this "Blue Wonder" I'm hearing of?
Thanks.

900F

 

[GrandmasterB]

Shooters Choice is still my favorite.

 

[SteelyDan]

For what it's worth, I'll urge y'all to avoid WD-40 for a general purpose cleaner. If you keep your guns squeaky clean, it might be a minimally adequate choice, but, um, no....even then it's really a poor choice.

 

[Kahr carrier]

Hoppes number 9 except Nickel guns.

 

[tiberius]

I dont clean barels, since it is bad for them

Is is a serious comment? Do you only shoot rimfire?

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

Originally posted by SteelyDan:

For what it's worth, I'll urge y'all to avoid WD-40 for a general purpose cleaner. If you keep your guns squeaky clean, it might be a minimally adequate choice, but, um, no....even then it's really a poor choice.

Hello SteelyDan,

What is your reason for avoiding WD-40?

 

[Corelogik]

MPro7 and Gunscrubber for the hard to reach places,... firing pin channels etc;..

 

[Jeeper]

quote:
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I dont clean barels, since it is bad for them
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Is is a serious comment? Do you only shoot rimfire?

It is a serious comment. Chemicals used to clean barrels can damage the barrel. Here is the article from Schuman barrels which is a major barrel maker.

http://www.schuemann.com/clean0.htm


EDIT
This is for certain types of steel and bullets also. The scope of applicability is somewhat narrow.

 

[valnar]

It is a serious comment. Chemicals used to clean barrels can damage the barrel. Here is the article from Schuman barrels which is a major barrel maker.

Interesting read. I wonder how many gunsmiths on this forum agree with that article.

Anyone want to chime in? I'm just looking for a reason not to clean my guns, if the experts say so!

-Robert

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

WD 40 is not much more than kerosene. Let me give you a tip. Don't use it in locks. Don't use graphite either. Howcome? 'Cause when the two of them get together in a lock, they make a real good imitation of black library paste. Actually I shouldn't post this, I make money cleaning or repairing locks that have been lubricated that way. I get to sell a fair number of new locks for that reason also.

900F

 

[denfoote]

Simple Green and hot water!!!

 

[Arkady]

I was just composing a post about how no one else uses Simple Green when i saw Denfoote's...

Simple Green to clean, then i use some CLP before putting everything away.