Trustworthy Gun Maintenance Brands

[echang86]

I just purchased my first pistol, but before I go out and throw lead down range I need a full cleaning kit. Unfortunetly, I don't know anything about gun maintenance manufacturers. Can someone point me in the direction of a trustworthy company? Does the manufacturer even make a difference? I want the best for my beauty. If I take care of her, she'll take care of me.

If it helps at all, my handgun has a 9mm size bore.

[ocabj]

The companies whose cleaning products I use and standby:

Dewey
Butch's Bore Shine
Montana Xtreme
Pro-Shot

[moulton]

I like the otis micro cleaning kit. It comes with a flexable platic coated rod that you can clean from breech to barrel with, brass brush, solvent and 6 time use patches.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=342578&t=11082005

Then I would add in some Hoppes #9 Gun oil

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=126157&t=11082005

and some Hoppes #9 solvent

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=554942&t=11082005

[savasyn]

I started with a Hoppes kit and expanded from there. I use M-Pro7 solvent as it doesn't stink or damage me or the environment like Hoppes #9 does. I still have some of the Hoppes around though, for certain issues.

Occasionally I use Sweet's 7.62 to remove copper fouling, but not every time.

Once clean and dry, I wipe all the parts with Sentry's Tuf Cloth(Marine version) to give a base level protective coat then use the Hoppes Oil in all the areas that need oiling.

[bwiese]

I use Dewey rods.

I use BreakFree CLP for most all of my cleaning/lube duties.

I use Hoppe's Copper Solvent on occasion (with care to not let it damage chrome-lined bbls).

[sammy]

Bill are you talking about the Hoppes Bench Rest copper solvent? I had no idea it was bad for chrome lined barrels.

[5968]

I like the otis micro cleaning kit. It comes with a flexable platic coated rod that you can clean from breech to barrel with, brass brush, solvent and 6 time use patches.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=342578&t=11082005

Then I would add in some Hoppes #9 Gun oil

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=126157&t=11082005

and some Hoppes #9 solvent
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...942&t=11082005

I really like the Otis kits myself. If I'm going to use a cleaning rod, I use a Dewey.

[homerm14]

I use Dewey rods.

I use BreakFree CLP for most all of my cleaning/lube duties.

I use Hoppe's Copper Solvent on occasion (with care to not let it damage chrome-lined bbls).

+1 with a new addition, Gun Butter www.gunbutter.com. This stuff works great.

[mike100]

get a mid range ($12-$15) non-plastic pistol cleaning kit and buy a Dewey cleaning rod(s) separately. From there, buy individual cleaning brushes and jags, rod adapters etc. If you have a shotgun, get a large brush adapter for those and the bore mop heads.

Except for the rod and adapters, cleaning supplies are consumable. I often use the larger sizes of brush or use 50 sizes in 44 and 45 calibers for leading. This kills the brush quick, but they are cheap.

People usually spend more time cleaning precision rifles. either way, a kit is a cheap way to get some things you need..you will add to it.

[savasyn]

Bill are you talking about the Hoppes Bench Rest copper solvent? I had no idea it was bad for chrome lined barrels.

I hadn't heard that copper solvents were bad for chrome lining either. Good to know.

[bwiese]

Bill are you talking about the Hoppes Bench Rest copper solvent? I had no idea it was bad for chrome lined barrels.

I hadn't heard that copper solvents were bad for chrome lining either. Good to know.

It's not just the copper solvents but even regular Hoppe's #9 - all ammonia-based solvents can damage chrome lining if left in bore long enough.

If you do clean a chrome-lined bbl with Hoppes#9 or Copper Solvent, don't use it for extended 'soak' time, and clean it all out afterwards with bore mops and then do a pass or two w/CLP.

[4D5auto]

IMO, this is probably the best!!

http://www.midwayusa.com/esearch.exe/search?search_keywords=kroil&category_selector=all_products

[supersonic]

I've tried just about everything out there, and nothing seems to touch this stuff:

http://www.eguns.com/sPearCat/1-4.woa/1/wa/ItemChoicePage?l=en-ZZ&wosid=GawqfhnMVxMTDsgDPLLpEM&g=Hoppes+Elite

[Caseless]

I started with KleenBore and Dewey and they are OK. If you have rifles, shotguns, and pistols in your armory, get an Otis kit. It truly does it all and the small size allows me to carry the full kit to the range.
Solvents:
Use M-Pro7 for all indoor cleaning.
Break-free CLP for everything else.

[TMC]

For pistols I use cheap brake cleaner ($2.99 per can) and a rag then Mobil 1 synthitic ($4.99 a quart) to lube them. I don't clean the bore that that's a whole different discussion.