How about a basic cleaning and lubrication guide?

[Afterburnt]

I find a lot of good videos on youtube for most popular firearms, however if I look for more esoteric items in my own collection the well kindda runs dry. I know where to lube and clean the obvious wear points, but with what? Everyday the best lube and or methods seem to change. Can we get a fixed thread/database of the best up to date information regarding cleaning, lubrication etc? It would be nice if it went by make and model and the post would be restricted to that. Maybe another forum strictly related to the above? It sure would be a lot easier if we had multiple contributors and opinions all in the same place.

Thanks
Bruce

[NewbieDave]

Cleaning and lubrication for what type of firearms? Handgun, rifle, shotgun, etc...

IMHO... this won't work cause everyone has different opinion on what's good and what's not. What's a good oil, cleaner, methods, etc... some people buy, some people like me, make my own bore cleaner and use automotive stuff for general lubing.

It be easier if you list what you want to clean and everyone chips in... which is what usually happens anyways.


~dpc

[CaliforniaLiberal]

I find a lot of good videos on youtube for most popular firearms, however if I look for more esoteric items in my own collection the well kindda runs dry. I know where to lube and clean the obvious wear points, but with what? Everyday the best lube and or methods seem to change. Can we get a fixed thread/database of the best up to date information regarding cleaning, lubrication etc? It would be nice if it went by make and model and the post would be restricted to that. Maybe another forum strictly related to the above? It sure would be a lot easier if we had multiple contributors and opinions all in the same place.

Thanks
Bruce

There is no such thing as "the best up to date information regarding cleaning, lubrication." There is only controversy and debate.

There are many cleaning products and techniques that work just fine. Some gun owners never clean their guns unless they're having a problem with function or accuracy and that works just fine too.

Many gun owners have fierce opinions about the proper way to clean and the best products to use. Generally these opinions are all different.

Actually, what you're asking for is a lot like asking for a simple and authoritative explanation of the Book of Revelations.

You're on your own.

I say get yourself some Hoppes #9, some Breakfree CLP, a $20 cleaning kit, some rags and paper towels and get to work. Maybe some toothpicks and cotton swabs too. You'll figure out what works and what you prefer.

[uyoga]

You can start with your "owner's guide". Then decide for yourself, and go from there.

[Evo]

I run Slip 2000 EWL on everything, it's extremely effective, non toxic and biodegradable. It keeps all my weapons running and is basically a CLP. I usually just wipe out any excess carbon from the actions after shooting and clean the barrels with a boresnake every 400-500 rounds. Most modern weapons are designed to handle quite a lot of abuse so even just basic attention will keep them humming along for quite some time.

[knucklehead0202]

honestly, there IS no best way. use any name-brand solvent for cleaning, any name-brand CLP-type lube for lube, or just basic hoppe's gun oil, because it came free with a cleaning kit, lol, and you're all set. "Basic" cleaning and lube could encompass a great many types of firearms as well as different models, designs, etc. get your cleaning equipment and if you're unsure how to proceed, just Google "cleaning and disassembly of "Ruger P97" or whatever you plan to work on. trying to start a forum or even a thread here will lead to some kind of pissing contest. it's not a bad idea, it'd just be hard to do without drama is all. then again, ya just never know....

[Merc1138]

Starting with a basic cleaning kit and then searching the thousands of youtube videos about firearms cleaning so you learn how to use the various tools in the kit is all you need. Anything beyond that turns into debates about brands of lube/solvent, types of tools(rods, boresnakes, etc). As long as you learn the basics, you can easily figure it out on your own. It isn't rocket science, and firearms aren't some delicate pieces of equipment like some folks pretend they are.

Clean from chamber to muzzle, don't screw up the crown, if you have a polymer frame make surer the cleaners you're using are safe to use on it, the end.

Try different brands of products and figure out what works best for you. Some people have an area where they can use some of the stinkier solvents like hoppes, other folks don't have an area to do that. Some people are concerned with toxicity of some solvents, others aren't. Maybe you have a problem with a specific type of fouling, you'll need to figure out which product works best for you. Maybe it's a pain in the butt to use a rod on your firearm, try a boresnake.

It's all personal preference that you'll need to learn on your own, an FAQ would be pointless and you'd just have people arguing over it constantly.

[loose_electron]

Add to the below a Huge box of Q-Tips!

I say get yourself some Hoppes #9, some Breakfree CLP, a $20 cleaning kit, some rags and paper towels and get to work. Maybe some toothpicks and cotton swabs too. You'll figure out what works and what you prefer.

[Merc1138]

Add to the below a Huge box of Q-Tips!

Umm... "Q-tip" is just a name brand for cotton swabs

[Afterburnt]

honestly, there IS no best way. use any name-brand solvent for cleaning, any name-brand CLP-type lube for lube, or just basic hoppe's gun oil, because it came free with a cleaning kit, lol, and you're all set. "Basic" cleaning and lube could encompass a great many types of firearms as well as different models, designs, etc. get your cleaning equipment and if you're unsure how to proceed, just Google "cleaning and disassembly of "Ruger P97" or whatever you plan to work on. trying to start a forum or even a thread here will lead to some kind of pissing contest. it's not a bad idea, it'd just be hard to do without drama is all. then again, ya just never know....

no it is a bad idea, never mind