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Special cleaning formulas/techniques?

zipperzap
I was talking to a good friend (a gunsmith in the navy) the other day and he swears by brake cleaner for cleaning beyond just field stripping (mostly semi-auto pistols - especially Lugars and Mauser C96s). He says it's fast, economical and efficient.

I've got quite a few older military pieces with fairly complicated subassemblies. I've got a son who is a ringmaster at San Diego's largest indoor range and
I find myself there a few of times a week, at least. I find myself doing an awful lot of cleaning on the kitchen table. The only true caveat he mentioned was to remove the grips first and oil the logical/critical parts after spraying.

Anyone have something to add? Anyone use this method regularly? Is there a better one? Would appreciate some tried and true advice.

Thanks in advance.
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2 comments

Date Votes
  • ContacFront
    If you do want to use brake cleaner make sure you have to re-lube EVERYTHING because brake cleaner is degreaser. Semi auto pistols will malfunction if they are too dry.

    For my pistols I had a lil solevent tank built with hoppes 9 in it. A few pints worth and I just dunk everything in there for a few hours. My 1911 takes a bath in there ever few hundred rounds. It breaks down all the fouling. Does not degrease everything and gives everything a good coat of lube. Been doing this with all my pistols for the past few years.
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  • zipperzap
    Thanks Contac - that's what I've always done - I've been a Hoppes Man since I was a kid - father and grandfather before me.


    One more question, please. Forgot to mention a sonic tank/cleaner. Ever use one?

    The Navy smith said they are pretty efficient BUT never get your fingers into the filled tank when it's on. It's supposed to cause macro-hemorrhages inside the fingers - and can throw small clots up to the lungs/brain, etc. Navy teaches that.

    Ever hear that - anyone ever hear that? Just curious.
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