Preferred cleaners and lubricators

[triggerb]

What cleaners/lubes have you tried, which ones are you most/least satisfied with and why?

Upon firing I tried CLP to clean the barrel, slide, and surrounding areas and then Lubricated with the Outer's oil that came with a kit. No complaints here, but I'm very interested to see if anyone has used a 0W-20, 0W-30, plain 0W or any other viscosity full synthetic motor oils versus oils that are labeled specifically for pistols and what your experience has been.

 

[bronco_buster]

Every enthusiast should try "Ed's Red" at least once. Nothing is more satisfying than home brewing a cleaner that rivals brand names that cost upwards of $3 per ounce.

Homemade Firearm Related Products

 

[Hatrix]

I like Ballistol as a cleaner/lube combo. Hoppes #9 for cleaning the bore. And Good old Rem Oil for a drop of oil on the internals that require lube.

I've tried a few of the new concoctions on the market today and keep going back to what's been working for me for the last 30+ years of cleaning weapons.

 

[JPriest]

I've used Balistol since I got into guns, but my wife really hates the smell of it. I recently switched to Froglube and am happy with both the ease of use and results so far.

 

[Guitarmageddon]

I found this pretty interesting.... shows a lot of the stuff people rely on to remove fouling are relatively worthless. Looks like Ill be sticking with hoppes and the occasional butchs for a good cleaning.

Plate of Truth - Lead Removal Testing - YouTube

 

[D Binx]

I use Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber Synthetic Safe Cleaner to clean the inside of the slide and any other parts that are especially dirty. I use Gunslick Foaming Bore Cleaner to clean my barrels and then I coat everything metal in a light coat of Eezox for rust protection. If I'm having trouble getting residue off with those, then I break out the Hoppes and that usually does the trick. For lube on my 9c, I use Mil-Comm TW-25B grease.

 

[armsmaster270]

I prefer Break free or Froglube for my weapons, with Froglube in the lead.

 

[snubbyfan]

I was given a product called Firepower FP-10 by a local shop to test and evaluate. They also gave me a nasty, filthy Remington pump rifle to use it on.
Did a great job cleaning and lubricating. It's all I use anymore. It cleans, lubricates and protects. Does a great job at removing lead.

 

[Jboutfishn]

Have used Hoppe's, Rem oil, K Grease, and Otis with good results. Am now using Mil-Comm TW25 on rails, and Mil-Comm MC2500 on everything else. Seems to be excellent.

For cleaners have used Hoppe's, Barns CR10, Otis and Hornady One Shot. Still using Hoppe's and One Shot.

 

[Thump-boom]

Another vote for Ballistol

 

[Doug M.]

SLIP. Non-toxic, effective. I carry some EWL in my patrol carbine's carry bag.

 

[ginzo]

Hoppes #9 for cleaning the bore. And Good old Rem Oil for a drop of oil on the internals that require lube. Rem wipes for a quick rub as needed.

 

[Louchia]

I use Hoppes Elite for the bore and BreakFree for the rest.

 

[geddylee10002000]

Use Ed's Red for the bore. Use Starrett instrument oil for lube of pivoting things, and Castrol Braycote 803 micro on anything sliding.

 

[Bkreutz]

Asking what's the best gun gleaning stuff is like asking what's the best pickup truck. Everyone has their own opinion. Use whatever you like. I use Froglube and have 20,000 rounds through my 9L with zero problems. I don't doubt that I would have had the same result if I used any of the cleaner/lubricant concoctions out there. (actually I probably could have used any old motor oil without a problem) I think the trick is to not let the gun sit around when it's dirty. Mine doesn't have a chance to sit around, I usually shoot 5-6 days a week.

 

[Louchia]

If you want to see 1st hand how well gun cleaners and lubes work, do a test on a scrap peace of steel or try it on your garden tools. On a steel scrap, section off areas and apply different lube to each section( we all have several). Then place the test piece out doors in an open sunny place to be exposed to rain , sun and etc. Or clean your garden tools with it. you will be amazed at how good some are and aren't.

 

[Harrison]

Primary: Ed's Red for cleaning and Red Oil (3:1 mix of 5w-30 Mobile One and synthetic ATF) Both work great and are inexpensive.

Secondary: Hoppes #9 and Breakfree CLP, or Ballistol

BTW, putting some oil on a piece of metal and leaving it out in the weather is not a test of the oils cleaning or lubricating ability. All it does is test how it protects against rust. If I want to protect from rust, I use Rig grease or CorrosionX HD

 

[Jaysq]

I am a big fan of M-PRO 7 cleaner which is non toxin and odor free, along with their non toxin Gun Oil LPX. The LPX replaces CLP.

 

[Maddmax]

Swithched to FROG LUBE when it came out and NEVER looked back. Been shooting for well over 50+ years.

 

[Sebring Pop]

Hands down Ballistol