cleaning mat

[cracker57]

What is everyone using to clean their guns on, looking for both pistol and long gun. looking for something to throw down on the work bench and clean my guns.
I always used a tanned deer hide but looking for something a little more padded and something solvents don't eat.
Thanks

 

[GnarlsR2]

What is everyone using to clean their guns on, looking for both pistol and long gun. looking for something to throw down on the work bench and clean my guns.
I always used a tanned deer hide but looking for something a little more padded and something solvents don't eat.
Thanks

I've used one of these for about 6 years. I put 3 or 4 sheets of white printer paper under my parts when I clean.

https://a.co/d/0hYGrBJj

 

[mckenney99]

Old towels. They get dirty, throw away and reach up on the shelf and grab another one.

 

[H Richard]

I have a stack of Carpet samples. Plenty of padding to rest your firearms on.

 

[Model52guy]

I use oil absorbing pads. Buy from Amazon on a roll. I think they’re about 15” Square.

 

[Rule3]

Newspaper
I do have a official cleaning mat but don't use it. (some fabric with a rubber base)

 

[toad67]

Unless I'm using a bunch of chemicals, I use one of these. I really like the magnetic areas for screws and other small parts that could get lost fairly easily. They also make one for long guns.
https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/products/pistol-cleaning-mat.html

 

[Truckman]

Old towels, dishrags and worn out cotton socks...Use and then into my office shop towel basket...Wash, rinse, repeat......Ben

 

[kev74]

For pistols, I use a fast food type plastic tray with an old dish towel on top. The lip on the tray keeps little stuff from rolling off, and the towel keeps parts from bouncing and protects the gun from rubbing on the plastic.

I bought a couple from IKEA and a couple from a restaurant supply place.

 

[mmande]

H Richard;
I have that same revolver poster hung in my gun work area. Have referred to it many times over the years.

 

[The Norseman]

I want something clean to begin with, to further protect gun finishes, that
doesn’t become abrasive, and
washable.

I use a bath or hand towel.

 

[Ska8erGirl]

Cheap & disposable, absorbent but oils and solvents do not penetrate the backing (at least what I use doesn’t). Enough padding that small parts do not roll away and light color keeps little parts visible. Multiple sizes available.

 

[Nightowl]

This is what I use..


Ransom Master Gun Cleaning Mat Gray
Brownells #
164800000

 

[rockquarry]

Newspaper.

 

[jem102]

Cheap & disposable, absorbent but oils and solvents do not penetrate the backing (at least what I use doesn’t). Enough padding that small parts do not roll away and light color keeps little parts visible. Multiple sizes available.


View attachment 838377

My wife was a nurse and would bring home packs of the people version. They work great. I believe you can get them at wally world or the drug store.

 

[daveboy]

Old towels.

 

[diyj98]

I use cheap yoga mats. I cut off a short piece for use with handguns and the main mat is still long enough for long guns. Solvents won't soak through and they last for years.

 

[ChoochGambino]

What is everyone using to clean their guns on, looking for both pistol and long gun. looking for something to throw down on the work bench and clean my guns.
I always used a tanned deer hide but looking for something a little more padded and something solvents don't eat.
Thanks

Used T shirts work great.

 

[ChoochGambino]

Newspaper.

People still buy newspapers?

 

[rockquarry]

People still buy newspapers?

Wall Street Journal. Good reading.

 

[ChoochGambino]

Wall Street Journal. Good reading.

I watch Maria Bartiromo in the morning. Used to subscribe to the WSJ back in the day. I get everything I need to know out of that show most days.

 

[Frailer]

Another old towel guy.

 

[rockquarry]

I watch Maria Bartiromo in the morning. Used to subscribe to the WSJ back in the day. I get everything I need to know out of that show most days.

 

[rockquarry]

That's fine; I still enjoy reading a paper paper then using it for cleaning guns.

 

[KidWales]

I keep a small leather mat to put the revolvers/pistols on. I use a lot of Ballistol and Hoppes 9 for regular cleaning, so I don't use a mat at all. It's a stained wood top, Ballistol adds to the character. Clean and wipe off with cotton cloth, more of a rub it in. Same works for rifle except it's in a stand.

If it's a shotgun, all are over under's so I use a newspaper for the initial bore brush stroke to collect all the unburnt powder.

 

[a5werkes]

These non-skid non-porous style rubber shelf liners available in various widths can be rolled out to length to fit the bench or length of firearm. I use paper towels on top to absorb cleaning solutions etc. When finished, wipe the liner clean, roll it up and put it away until the next cleaning or disassembly. The white ones highlight the parts well and reflect lighting.

 

[mule69]

I have a really nice leather one I bought from 'Southern Trapper". It was too nice to use for a gun mat so I have it on my desk with my keyboard and mouse. I use old t-shirts to put my guns on while cleaning.

 

[sjmjax]

I use the abundant supply of Amazon boxes to make cardboard mats.

When they get dirty, they’re disposed of and replaced with a fresh one.

Provides cushioning and solvent absorption.

 

[CBS&WShooter64]

What is everyone using to clean their guns on, looking for both pistol and long gun. looking for something to throw down on the work bench and clean my guns.
I always used a tanned deer hide but looking for something a little more padded and something solvents don't eat.
Thanks

I'm not sure what it's made of: but my wife gave me a flexible long desk mat that can be rolled up and stored. It's as long as my desk (5 feet) almost as wide and has enough tack where it doesn't roll or slide when I'm using it. It's had everything from boot polish to Hoppes #9 to boiling water to oils to hydrogen peroxide on it and it's still in excellent shape. Never gave something like this a thought but it's the best. It doesn't absorb well but attention to detail (have a junk rag at hand) never fails.

 

[max503]

School cafeteria trays. I like someone's suggestion to put printer paper under the gun when you work on it. Going to try that. I need to get some small carpet samples, too.