polymer safe solvents

[Mail Clerk]

Hi guys and gals,

I just took into procession my first polymer revolver (Ruger LCR). The instructions state to use a polymer safe solvent and was wondering what you all use?

I have on my shelf Birchwood Casey's Bore Scrubber, Hoppe's #9 and Shooters Choice bore solvents. Are any of these OK to use on my polymer gun?


Mail Clerk

[Turbinator]

So here's something I've done for years, your mileage may vary... Water is a solvent, I've actually just cleaned up polymer frames with dish soap, an old toothbrush, and warm water. Shake dry. Been working great for me for a long time. 10+ years?

Turby

[WMG]

One of the things I like about Hoppes is it isn't very aggressive. Which I sometimes want. I do use hoppes on plastic guns with never a problem.
Don't soak in in the stuff obviously.
If you want an even less aggressive version on hoppes ... try the synthetic stuff but it does cost more.

[Jeepergeo]

BreakFree CLP is good all around and I've seen no negative effects on polymer frames.

[Turbinator]

BreakFree CLP is good all around and I've seen no negative effects on polymer frames.

Yeah, besides my water comment, BreakFree CLP is good stuff.

Turby

[naeco81]

I use Frog Lube, it's safe for polymer.

[protohyp]

So here's something I've done for years, your mileage may vary... Water is a solvent, I've actually just cleaned up polymer frames with dish soap, an old toothbrush, and warm water. Shake dry. Been working great for me for a long time. 10+ years?

Turby

i do the same... a hair dryer and a few good slaps into a towel will get most of the water out. haven't induced any rust whatsoever with this method.

[santacruzgunner]

I've never seen polymer that's been affected by any solvent. It's tough stuff.

[Turbinator]

i do the same... a hair dryer and a few good slaps into a towel will get most of the water out. haven't induced any rust whatsoever with this method.

Ever since I started doing this, it dramatically sped up my cleaning process. No longer do I need to go in with a fine pick and get every corner.

What I also like about this is that the outside of the frame, in particular the grip, gets a good washing each time. So, if I go shooting with a guest and if that guest has sweaty hands, at least I know I'm not forever archiving someone else's sweaty DNA in the pits and grooves of my polymer frame, thanks to the healthy toothbrush scrubbing the frame gets after the session.

Turby

[Mail Clerk]

Hoppe's is good to go

Hi guys/gals,

Thank you for your postings. I guess Hoppe's it is then since I have the solvent on my shelf.

Using plain water isn't my cup of tea. I have used solvents that are water based like some parts cleaners in a tank and brush.

Thank you again for all the postings. I'm fine now and you answered my question.

Mail Clerk

[Carcassonne]

Hi guys/gals,

Thank you for your postings. I guess Hoppe's it is then since I have the solvent on my shelf.

Using plain water isn't my cup of tea. I have used solvents that are water based like some parts cleaners in a tank and brush.

Thank you again for all the postings. I'm fine now and you answered my question.

Mail Clerk

Soap and water are OK to clean the lower of a semi-auto pistol, but I do not think it would be that good for your LCR revolver. The water can't easily evaporate from inside the revolver mechanism. Any commonly available gun cleaner should work on the LCR.



.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

What part (s) of an LCR are polymer? Grip?

There are a lot of polymers and a lot of solvents in existence, and certain combinations that will dissolve or at least swell. e.g. don't try to clean plexiglass with acetone.

Some scopes have a thin rubber coating on the aluminum which WD40 will soften and become sticky.

When in doubt use the old rule: try it on a small inconspicuous spot and see what happens.

[OCEquestrian]

I have been using Hoppes No.9 for 30 yrs on Glocks, Walthers and HK polymer pistols each with the same happy result.. clean gun and no problems.

[tbc]

Just use water, brush, and compressed air and you are good to go. If you could remove the polymer part, do so.

[Cokebottle]

One of the things I like about Hoppes is it isn't very aggressive. Which I sometimes want. I do use hoppes on plastic guns with never a problem.

This.

Hoppe's is basically ethanol.