My observations - Cleaners/Solvents/Lube

[Engineer1911]

Mobil 1, Dexron 3 ATF, Lucas Tacky Red grease, or Kroil depending on the situation. The old standbys are 3-in-1 oil, old formula Hoppe's #9 (love that quart bottle), Birchwood-Casey Bore Scrubber, or Bore Tech Inc Eliminator Bore Cleaner (not impressed).

What is important is to keep your guns clean, not so much what you use to get them clean. Anything is better than red Scotchbrite and old coffee grounds.

 

[jbtrucker]

I read awhile back someone put his in the dish washer and dunk in a bucket motor oil

 

[old tanker]

CLP was hailed as a wonder do it all liquid when the "law of unintended consequences" reared its ugly head. A sudden rash of extraction problems led to the discovery that CLP would destroy the red silicone insert in the M16s extractor spring. Some may recall an Army wide rush to change out all M16 extractor springs to ones with blue inserts in the mid 80's.

It only took another 10 years for the Army to finally note in Appendix E of TM4-33.31 in the section on Weapons Lubricants.

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/TM 4-33x31 FINAL WEB.pdf

"NOTE: The M16 family of weapons was originally designed to be cleaned with RBC and lubricated with LSA. Before using them, Soldiers first have to use a dry cleaning solvent (SD-2) to remove any traces of CLP or any other lubricant.

WARNING:
CLP must NOT be mixed with any other lubricant, or it will gum up. It is designed to be the only thing used on a working weapon, when used."

 

[ContinentalOp]

I read awhile back someone put his in the dish washer and dunk in a bucket motor oil

That reminds me...Cylinder and Slide used to sell something like that. Dunk-It, I think? Basically, it was a bucket of CLP, or something. You'd open the action, remove the grips, and swish it in the bucket. You'd take it out, wipe it down, and voila! Clean and lubed gun. I think. *shrug*

Oh, and I have heard of people putting Glocks in the dishwasher. I've also heard of people using Simple Green to clean Glocks. Don't think I'd recommend either approach.

 

[Narragansett]

I just use Hoppes#9 for the bore, non chlorinated brake fluid where applicable, Military LSA 55 small arms weapons oil( I figure the military tested it enough), Kellog's products #110 or #105 pure silicone for the exterior( not a freckle in 50+ years), and compressed air.

 

[hogblue]

Best I've found to use is Elbow Grease. Works wonders with any of the products listed previously!!

 

[Targets Guy]

I use Hoppes #9 and ballistol. I also have become a fan of StrikeHold. Rem oil of course and then wipe the revolver down with a Hoppe's silicon rag when done.

 

[snuf]

For handguns I use ED'S red less acetone for cleaning and Weapon Shield (liquid and grease) for lube.
The same for shotguns plus a bronze tornado brush and WD-40 as a bore cleaner.