Ultrasonic gun cleaners

[1hkfan]

Does anyone have any experience with ultrasonic gun cleaning machines? I am looking into purchasing one to keep my handguns clean.

I intend to use this on polymer framed pistols and was wondering if this may harm the frame or the finish of the slide, barrel etc. They are a little pricey so I'm looking for your input.

Thanks

[ryang]

I have a Crest unit and like it very much. No fumes, quicker cleaning time, and it gets into all the small crevises you can't. Having said that it isn't a panacea. I still like to use a brass brush on both the barrel and breech, where the ultrasonic cleaner can't remove all the fouling. Is it worth it? That depends on how much money vs. time means to you.

[50ae]

I have an Outers Foul Out II and love it. It works on the reverse electroplating theory and is breeze to use. The model III looks even better.

[maxicon]

I have an ultrasonic that I use for gun parts (it's not big enough for a whole handgun, alas).

It's very effective for getting lots of stuff out, and just needs a little touchup when done.

You have to watch out for scuffing and wear, as the parts vibrate while being cleaned, so if they're sitting on the stainless tank or touching each other, you can get some bluing wear.

You can avoid this by suspending them from monofilament, string, etc, or by putting the parts into plastic baskets or beakers so you don't have metal-metal contact.

The ones designed for guns may have features that avoid this.

Another thing to be concerned about is vibrating loose anything set in place with adhesive, like tritium vials for night sights or parts held in place with loctite. I haven't tried mine on a slide with night sights, but with jewelry, adhesive can be a problem.

max

[ryang]

Both Trijicon and Meprolight tritium inserts are safe in ultrasound cleaners.