Gun Cleaning

[slinco]

Just wondering what you guys use to clean your guns. I have semi auto pistols and AR's-I was thinking about buying a small parts washer from Harbor Freight but I'd like to fill it with something a little less smelly than Hoppes #9. Looking for some thoughts and advice.

[gigag04]

Break Free CLP pretty much exclusively.

[USA1]

Break Free CLP pretty much exclusively.

Same here.

Although I do enjoy the fragrance of Hoppes from time to time.

[WildBill]

Break Free CLP pretty much exclusively.

Same here.
Although I do enjoy the fragrance of Hoppes from time to time.

I love the smell of Hoppes in the morning. It smells like "Victory."

[slinco]

Thanks. i don't mind the smell of Hoppes but a couple quarts in a parts washer in the garage might smell all the time. i was looking at some of the biodegradable cleaners that put off no fumes and are not flammable. Maybe I will just stick with the old school method and forget the parts washer idea.

[gigag04]

I hate using Hoppes #9. That bottle is garbage. Over 15 years of cleaning guns and it still leaks out of the bottle...even the one I bought last year. I mean change the design already. The stuff is a pain. That said...I still use it, SUPER SPARINGLY if I have a stubborn bit of grime that wont come off and I need a solvent to remove it.

[Big Ben]

+1 on the Break Free with alittle bit of Rem Oil. I have also heard good things about Blue Wonder. Thinking about picking some up next time I shoot and giving it a try. I will let you know how it works out.

[cougartex]

Breakfree CLP or Eezox.

[MoJo]

For a non-toxic and non-stinky soak cleaner it is hard to beat Simple Green. I use it diluted 1:1 and soak the gun for an hour or so then give it a good rinse with hot water followed by a dip in some alcohol and a drying blow off with the air hose. If you do this be sure to dry the metal parts thoroughly and apply both lube and rust protectant since Simple Green is a very aggressive degreaser. Be sure to rinse the Simple Green off thoroughly on any aluminum parts because it will corrode aluminum if left. I'm told the Air Force and Navy use Simple Green on their aircraft guns.

[Mastodon]

Breakfree CLP. A bit of RemOil here and there.

[AEA]

I had the same thoughts as the OP.

I did in fact buy the Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner and I put 32 ounces of Gunzilla in it. The Gunzilla cost almost as much as the ultrasonic cleaner itself!

But, I am quite happy. It does a good job loosing the carbon in the barrel and slide of my 1911's. I use it for that and I just do the frame by hand as I do not want to have to take off grip panels every time I clean a pistol. Additionally, my new EMP has a alloy frame and that cannot go into an ultrasonic cleaner.

So, I would recommend the Gunzilla and it will last a long time before having to clean it out. My plan is to use it until the crud builds up in the bottom below the level of the plastic basket and then pour it all out into a bucket while straining it thru a cloth and then put it back into the cleaner unit. Oh, it smells good too and after wiping down it leaves a dry lubrication on the parts!

[ghostrider]

non-toxic cleaner from Brownells and Hoppes #9

for lube:
FP-10 and Slide Glide when grease is required.

I've heard there are liver toxicity concerns with Break Free, so I no longer use it:
http://www.stormingmedia.us/47/4746/A474614.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=16942723" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[texjames]

i think a parts washer is getting a little overkill. I usually use Hoppes but i go outside and clean with it.The Shooters Choice i use sometimes is not to bad for inside.
Pro Shot is not too bad either, great copper fouling remover..I use CLP also, sometimes thats all i will use if not much copper fouling.

[OldCannon]

non-toxic cleaner from Brownells and Hoppes #9

for lube:
FP-10 and Slide Glide when grease is required.

I've heard there are liver toxicity concerns with Break Free, so I no longer use it:
http://www.stormingmedia.us/47/4746/A474614.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=16942723" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting links, but I'm obligated to point out that you are more likely to have problems from the powder/lead residue. Gun cleaning should _always_ involve gloves, a mask, and eye protection. You can get nitrile gloves and simple dust masks for cheap at a local department or hardware store.

[Rex B]

I have cleaned guns in my parts washer, filled with kerosene, naptha, and sometimes diesel.
It floods all the gunk out, scrubing with a toothbrush. I follow that with brake parts cleaner, then appropriate lubes.

I have considered using Simple Green or Purple Cleaner, and probably will set up a 2nd tank with it for a degreaser.
Be aware that these solvents don't get along with aluminum, though a short period won't hurt it.

I'll probably try a ultrasonic cleaner soon. My range trip yesterday taught me that I need to clean my carry gun more often if I intend to rely on it.