CLP

[glowe]

First, CLP is a generic term and many companies claim to make a product that cleans, lubricates, and protects. My way of thinking is that these types of products have to compromise on one or more properties. Protection against rusting over time requires a very low volatility product and nothing can beat grease. RIG applied to gun metal and it will last for years, not months like light volatile oils. I also believe that there are better bore cleaners on the market specifically made to clean lead, copper, and powder, but nothing more. There are also very high quality lubricants on the market that are only meant to lubricate moving parts. Personally, I prefer to have each of the best three products rather than a combo product that is not all that good at any particular use???

 

[444 Magnum]

"...not all that good at any particular use???"

Seriously?

I'm the OP. I first starting using Breakfree CLP around 1986. I know that ownership has changed and so has the formula, but it's still a very good all around product.

I also know that expecting everyone on this forum to agree on anything isn't realistic. Lot's of 'experts' and lots of opinions.

I've found the product to meet my needs very well. I don't shoot 1000 rounds in between cleanings so lead buildup isn't a major problem. I do use a little axle grease on AR bolts but other than that CLP is the only product I use (on the metal). I have firearms that I haven't wiped down in years and rust/corrosion is not a problem.

I'm not a gunsmith, so I don't need specialized products for every need. This bottle, barring any accidents, should last me the rest of my years and I'll be able to share with my sons and a buddy or two.

For those of you who like to slather on a thick protective coating and don't trust a "light volatile oil", might I suggest this:

 

[Marshal Tom]

I found a product called Gunzilla BC-10 CLP many years ago at a gun show and got a small bottle to try. I've been using it ever since. It works very well and has a very pleasant smell. It is produced by Top Duck. I read several reviews by military and LE. I have purchased two 16oz Bottles over time and fill up the original 4oz bottle.

 

[PatriotX]

You could fill small bottles from your gallon jug of CLP and give it to friends. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Is there any reason not to use low viscosity synthetic motor oil in place of CLP? I mean, us Ed's Red aficionados have been successfully using ATF for decades.

Motor oil can be hygroscopic, relying upon high motor temps to get rid of moisture it attracts. Varnishing can be an issue as well.

In our revolvers, less is better for long term reliability. The amount of thickened gunk I fish out of revolver actions by folks overlubricating and using bad product is appalling.

 

[AJ]

just wish i could get some of that korean war era us military bore cleaner.

CLP has an actual expiration date on it. read the SDS and manufacturers website. the current maker for the military states 36 months expiration after date of manufacture.

I buy military Bore Cleaner at the gun shop, gun shows, swap meets and antique stores. Most of the cans are dated, so you can tell WW II, Korea and Viet Nam eras apart.


The bottle of Breakfree CLP that I have is date 5-87. It still seems to work well. I do not use it as a lube, just for cleaning.

 

[AUG]

I have used Breakfree CLP for decades. There is nothing better imo. A 4 Oz bottle is under $10 everywhere I buy it and last me about 2 years and I use it a lot. I’m perplexed how people are going through lube so fast. I’ve probably lubed and wiped down 50 guns without going through 2oz.

 

[AUG]

Get a needle oiler and a microfiber cloth. All lube and protection needs met for a decade on 50 revolvers

 

[444 Magnum]

CLP has an actual expiration date on it. read the SDS and manufacturers website. the current maker for the military states 36 months expiration after date of manufacture.

Your source for this?
From what I've found, shelf life is indefinite.
Once applied and exposed to air, 5 years according to another source.

 

[AJ]

Get a needle oiler and a microfiber cloth. All lube and protection needs met for a decade on 50 revolvers

You mean like this? Have several of these.

 

[AUG]

I’d also like to add that Breakfree CLP is the best common gun oil I’ve ever used for corrosion protection. There are better but they are specialty products and worth it to me but not totally necessary. I consider corrosion protection far more important than lubricant requirements. For instance Breakfree collector is absolutely top notch for storage. I’ve had stuff wiped down with Breakfree collector oil for over 6 years still have the oil on it. But I’ve noticed clp will eventually be dry looking but no corrosion

 

[AJ]

Found a couple more needle oilers. Amazing the stuff that is on my work/cleaning bench. I find stuff that I didn't know that I had!

 

[DWalt]

just wish i could get some of that korean war era us military bore cleaner. .

Fairly simple stuff, just an oil/water emulsion. Half light oil, half water, and a little detergent. Its only real purpose is to dissolve residue from corrosive priming, which is water soluble.

 

[444 Magnum]

RADCOLUBE(R) CLP (GUN OIL) - Cleaner - Lubricant - Preservative

https://www.radcoind.com/media/CLP-M-TDS-2024-06-03.pdf

an official supplier for the US military procurement system since 2016 and is meeting all current specifications for this product.

Its an official supplier, and when the official supplier makes a clear statement of 36 months after date of manufacture, I pay attention.

I once had a spray can of the old breakfree clp that everyone loves. stuff turned into olive oil.. and behaved exactly like expired pam cooking spray.

All I can say is that the above has not been my experience nor seems to be the experience of many others who've posted here. I bought the jug of Breakfree so I don't have to deal with aerosol loss.

 

[DHernandez]

I found a product called Gunzilla BC-10 CLP many years ago at a gun show and got a small bottle to try. I've been using it ever since. It works very well and has a very pleasant smell. It is produced by Top Duck. I read several reviews by military and LE. I have purchased two 16oz Bottles over time and fill up the original 4oz bottle.

I’ve used Gunzilla for many years now and I’ve been very pleased with the performance. I use Ballistol on older collector guns.

 

[zonker5]

Is there any reason not to use low viscosity synthetic motor oil in place of CLP? I mean, us Ed's Red aficionados have been successfully using ATF for decades.

I have been told that straight ATF works well; it has detergents for cleaning and oils for lubrication/protection. I'm going to try it after my next range session.

 

[oink]

I bought a gallon of BreakFree CLP probably 41 years ago. I still have about 1/5 left. I always liked the smell. It does a good job of cleaning and lubricating. For very long term storage it will gum up.

I do have to shake it well and then put it in a smaller plastic jar and run it in my vibratory tumbler for a fair while to unclump it. I don't use it for lubrication so much anymore.

I can't find a date on the jug. My first BreakFree was in about a 1oz bottle from Radio Shack labeled as Archer BreakFree. I don't think I'd buy a gallon of it again.

For just lubrication I often just use straight mineral oil or the HP PRO I got somewhere. It claims to be a lubricant and protectant. No mention of being a cleaner. It's a fairly thin amber colored oil with a faint motor oil scent. It came in a 2oz squeeze bottle with a metal needle tip. Seems to work well, at least as a basic lubricant.

I also have a can of EZOX I use some, I also got who knows where. I guess it works ok. It has the conventional fold to close nipple applicator that doesn't work near as well as the HP PRO bottle.

 

[AJ]

I have a quart of military issue Instrument Oil that I have been using for oiling bolts internally and trigger assemblies. Have had it for years, still about half full.

The Shooter's Choice gallon, I picked up in a lot of stuff we bought from an estate sale about 30 years ago (IIRC). One of these days will open it to see if it is any good.

 

[diyj98]

CLP has an actual expiration date on it. read the SDS and manufacturers website. the current maker for the military states 36 months expiration after date of manufacture.

I asked Radcolube about the 36 months. This was their response: "As far as our traditional CLP is concerned. As long as the product is held in a temperature-controlled environment, it will not go bad. The reason we have a 36-month shelf life listed is because the US government/military makes up a large buyer of our products and they require a minimum of 36-month shelf life.

The Bio-base CLP does truly adhere to the 36-month shelf life. After that time, the fluid starts to shift from low viscosity to high viscosity. Meaning it starts to lose its lubricative properties."

 

[ezb57]

LSA

I have been using this can of LSA for general lubrication on a variety of arms for at least 15 years and Id say its still about half full.
I have seen no issue whatsoever using it.

 

[djohns6]

As an aside , I know a lot of people like Micro-fiber towels and they definitely have their uses . For the ultimate in softness and absorbency get yourself some old school 100% cotton baby diapers . I keep one in my range bag to wipe down my guns before putting them away . Mine have hemmed edges so there is no shedding of threads . And do not use fabric softener if you launder them , it tends to leave a film on some surfaces .