Cleaning Tips and Tricks

[HKGuns]

Favorite Rifle / Pistol Cleaning Tips:

Share any tips you’ve tried over the years that work for you. There is no right or wrong way to clean a gun.

Let’s try not to talk oils please or it won’t end well.

- I like the CAT M4 tool for AR Bolt cleanup. I've not found anything that works as well as this to clean the carbon buildup inside the BC. Just put a patch on the end with solvent and start cranking.




- I use a small ultrasonic for small Rifle / Pistol parts, including mags.

- I cut off the end of a toothbrush at a sharp angle to reach into tight places with a patch or rag on the end, including around the gas tube in the receiver.

- I use charcoal laced toothbrushes for cleaning the front of a revolver cylinder as well as the top strap near the forcing cone.

- I use mild white scotch pads on highly carbonized areas where there is no danger of ruining a finish.

[ViniVidivici]

Q tips.

Pipe cleaners.

Green pads.

Shaving brushes.

And....one of those fluffy "dash duster" elongated dust mops from an auto parts store, to quickly clean the dust out of Kydex holsters.

[DG23]

Kerosene, and an air compressor.

[T2C]

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner in an aerosol can works well to clean those hard to reach places.

[Disciple]

Jerry Miculek uses Lucas contact cleaner. Is that safer to use than brake cleaner? https://youtu.be/ZMuWlomfnf4?t=774

Anyone use Mil-Comm MC25? I have used it followed by a water rinse and re-lube for a Glock. It is expensive but convenient. I don't know if it can handle the fouling in an AR.

[ViniVidivici]

Be advised, it also makes metal devoid of oil/lubricant/preservative, and strips paint with a quickness.

[gaijin]

Be advised, it also makes metal devoid of oil/lubricant/preservative, and strips paint with a quickness.

Add; melts FO Rod and plastics. It has a valid place in "cleaning bag o tricks", but knowledge before use is prudent.

[T2C]

Be advised, it also makes metal devoid of oil/lubricant/preservative, and strips paint with a quickness.

I want it to remove the oil from the metal when it removes the crud from the barrel extension and barrel. I haven't had any issues with non-chlorinated brake cleaner stripping paint or melting plastic. On the other hand, chlorinated brake cleaner will strip paint right off the upper receiver.

I don't clean rifles until accuracy drops off, so my rifles don't get cleaned nearly as often as most people clean.

[Slater]

Some folks are leery about using ammonia-based cleaners on chrome-lined bores. Haven't heard or read about any really detrimental results.

[uffdaphil]

RamRodz - they don’t shed like regular Q-tips. They can attach to a cleaning rod. I got the large assortment and spare packs of the ones that get used most. The new wedge shaped tips are also handy.

https://ramrodz.com/product/range-kit-for-rifles/