Gun ownership comes with many great responsibilities and one of the most important aspects of gun ownership is gun maintenance. Unfortunately, maintenance and routine cleaning are also one of the most overlooked aspects of gun ownership. It seems like gun owners are either running a bore snake through their gun once a year or they are meticulous about breaking down the gun, cleaning it, and oiling it once a month or after a long-range day.
The significance of regular gun cleaning cannot be overstated. Every time a firearm is discharged, residue, fouling, and debris accumulate within its barrel, action, and other critical components. Over time, if left uncleaned, these contaminants can hinder the firearm’s functionality, leading to malfunctions, misfires, and potentially dangerous situations. Moreover, neglecting proper cleaning can accelerate wear and tear, deteriorating the firearm’s performance and shortening its lifespan.
Beyond functionality and longevity, there’s a safety imperative associated with gun cleaning. Residual debris or fouling left within the barrel can cause barrel obstructions, leading to catastrophic failures when the firearm is fired. Additionally, neglected firearms are more prone to rust and corrosion, which not only jeopardizes their appearance but also compromises their structural integrity.
If you want to improve your gun maintenance and cleaning routine, start by choosing the right gun cleaning solvent. Here are our favourites.
Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner
Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is the preferred gun cleaner for many gun owners. Hoppe’s has endured for more than a century and has amassed a devoted, multigenerational clientele. Because of goods of high calibre like Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner. Rust, fouling, lead, and powder residue can all be easily removed from your rifle using this solvent for cleaning guns. Because a little goes a long way and the cap’s aperture is small, it is simple to dispense a small amount at a time.
Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is quite reasonably priced and available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to purchase as much solvent as will fit in the amount of room, you’re prepared to spend to it. The Hoppe’s packaging is notoriously leaky, so you’ll want to store it upright or transfer it to a leak-proof container. The majority of sizes have childproof caps.
Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil
Ballistol’s multi-purpose oil, is a versatile spray and easy to apply to your gun. It is a unique choice if you are trying to avoid a spray bottle. Ballistol is the best option if you insist on using a traditional spray can, though. Ballistol performs cleaning, lubrication, and corrosion prevention functions as well as many other multifunctional gun cleaners, although it doesn’t really excel at any of them. Although it does an adequate job of cleaning the copper and lead fouling from your gun bore, I would choose another product over Ballistol for that particular function. Even so, if you want an all-in-one cleaner, it’s an excellent choice because of its practical spray applicator and wide availability, especially if you don’t own many guns or use them frequently. It performs an excellent job of conditioning your wooden gun stocks and guarding them from water or moisture damage because it’s a terrific all-around spray for furniture and even leather products.
CLP by Sage & Braker
CLP by Sage & Braker is a non-toxic, non-hazardous, and biodegradable gun solvent. The most cutting-edge and potent “Clean, Lube, and Protect” product ever to hit the market, according to Sage & Braker, is their CLP. And it accomplishes this while still being non-toxic. The formulation is safe and bio-based, so you won’t need to open a window to clean your guns.
To completely remove all of the copper, lead, and carbon fouling on your pistol, the CLP by Sage & Braker penetrates to a microscopic level. Then, when you’re shooting, your firearm will operate at a cooler temperature because to its lubricating characteristics, which assist heat dissipation. Last but not least, Sage & Braker’s CLP employs an anti-static compound that significantly lowers static electricity and prevents carbon and other pollutants from adhering the next time you fire.
Break-Free CLP-2
If you are wondering about Break-Free CLP-2 just know that the military uses it as it’s standard cleaner. Since it was introduced in 1975, they have employed a special mixture that penetrates deeply and removes corrosion-causing loose powder, oil, filth, and grease as well as fouling that can harm metal. Beyond simply cleaning, Break Free CLP aids in lowering friction, delaying wear, and preventing the accumulation of foreign material that can harm your gun. Finally, CLP produces a durable, protective coating that guards against corrosion and rust on all metals.
There are several variants of Break Free CLP. For cleaning at the bench or use in the field, choose the regular applicator bottle. The spray bottle is ideal for high-volume applications, such as frequent gun cleaning by high-volume shooters. For quick wash downs at home or on the range, an aerosol can works great. Pick up a handful and keep them in your vehicle, repair area, and range bag.
Slip 2000 EWL
Slip 2000 EWL, or “Extreme Weapons Lubricant” is an excellent lubricant. While it can work for all firearms, Slip specifically markets its formula’s intended use with chain guns and machine guns. To put it another way, Slip 2000 EWL is more than adequate for your AR-15. It is particularly resistant to friction and heat. This is as a result of its synthetic components. Slip 2000 EWL doesn’t burn off with heat and it draws less debris because it doesn’t include mineral oil or petroleum. Since the formula doesn’t contain or require a liquid carrier, it is also very penetrating and doesn’t evaporate. Even when the surface feels dry to the touch, it is still there. It leaves behind a thin layer of shielding film that acts as a barrier against corrosion and water, shielding against chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and more. Additionally, it makes later cleanup of fouling simpler. It is non-toxic and safe for both wood and plastic at the same time.
Slip 2000 EWL is exceptionally resistant to even extreme weather conditions and was made for guns that endure significantly higher wear and tear than the typical civilian AR-15, so it can handle anything you can throw at it.
Bonus: FrogLuve Extreme
Consider FrogLube Extreme if non-toxic or non-corrosive is your top goal in a solvent and lube that doubles as both. Just be aware that there are certain limitations. While keeping your gun parts lubricated and doing an amazing job of reducing copper and lead fouling, this product needs to be applied precisely. FrogLube will clog up your action if you leave any extra on your gun’s components.
Additionally, I wouldn’t advise utilising this as a protector for your safe queens, which you should only use on exceptional occasions. Guns that experience frequent use and need maintenance respond well to FrogLube Extreme. It is a high maintenance product, if that makes sense. But there are costs associated with the non-toxic qualities. FrogLube’s ordinary gun cleaning solution works well too if you don’t want the difficulty that comes with this lubricant-solvent combination but still need something green.
Keep it clean!
Ben