CLP alternative

[Stebs]

Hey all,
Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good cleaning solution. When I was going through MCRD, all they gave us was a small bottle of CLP, a cloth, and toothbrush to clean our rifles. Right now I'm looking at Pro-Shot's 1 Step cleaner and lubricant. Is that a quality buy or should I be looking at something else?

[scidx]

It depends on what you want, and where you are (what's available).

CLP does three jobs well, but no job excellent. Dedicated cleaners, lubes, and protectants are usually a better way to go. Everyone has their favorite, and you will receive 100 different answers, for sure.

I use a general cleaner called MC-25 (Mil-Com, I believe) for all-over metal cleaning. It's biodegradable, non-toxic fume, magic, and a really good detergent. I see my cleaning habits easier and faster with this stuff, which is the goal. For copper fouling, I use Sweets 7.62, Butch's Bore Shine, and Hoppe's copper solvent. Make sure you have proper ventillation with these as Ammonia is volatile stuff. I've found that the Hoppe's solvent doesn't clean as well as the other two, but that's just my opinion.

For lubricant and preservative, I still use Breakfree CLP. I've found that this stuff still works well at both for my purposes. Mind you, I clean regularly and do not put my personal guns through rough weather on a constant basis. I haven't had a cycle-of-ops problem, due to lubrication, with any firearm I've owned. Granted, I haven't owned everything. Strategic placement of SMALL amounts of grease could usually correct an issue like that.

CLP works in a pinch, and it's not the worst you could have. I've been cleaning military weapons with success for years using CLP. I have an assigned M4 that I was experimenting on to show that one can run very dirty with proper lubrication. I had about 20,000-ish rounds through it without a hitch. Unfortunately, I had to clean before my deployment. I'm looking at it right now, and it's in great condition still. I have only used CLP on it to date. (Not including the bore. Copper solvent is best for...umm...copper.)

[jarhead714]

I agree about the Butches. Excellent stuff. It works really well on my M1a but it will get you a little dizzy without some fresh air. No oil except a very light coat in the bore and I clean that out every 10 days or so. CLP is great on the outside metal surfaces. You have to find whatever little picks and brushes you need to get into all the the little spaces that you can't easily get into. I love cleaning my gun and take great satifaction in getting it inspection ready clean after shooting it. So much can be learned about one's rifle by simply cleaning it and seeing what she's trying to tell you.

[Linh]

I like Slip2000 EWL

[13withinfinity]

Weaponshield here

[ptroxx]

frog lube.... I like it .. check out youtube

[n0t4g0t10]

Mobil 1 5w-30 synthetic

[NickMc]

Breakfree CLP is the alternative! It has replaced WD40, 3in1 and whatever was in my old crusty old oil-can. I don't use it on my guns very much.

I like Hoppes #9 for cleaning,
Hoppes oil for lube, and
RemOil for for protection/storage.

[jarhead714]

WD is great at the range. When I'm done, I run the snake once or twice and then shoot some WD-40 down the bore (sights down to keep it out of the gas block) until I get home to clean it. Would be willing to try anything else though. Probably would try out something new on my No.4 Mk.2 first though

[crackerman]

You really should have just asked to pick your religion, you would have gotten less arguments.

That said I am a fan of the slip2000 products. They work well FOR ME.