A gun cleaning solvent is an essential tool in any gun owner’s arsenal. These chemical-based cleaners remove copper and carbon fouling from the barrel, action and other metal parts that touch ammunition.
Most gun cleaners come in either foam or liquid form. Foam cleaners are effective at breaking down dirt and grime but may not reach all corners of hard-to-reach crevices. Liquid gun solvents are great at cleaning, lubricating and protecting and can be purchased in spray or dropper bottle options.
1. Break Down Fouling
The first thing a good gun cleaning solvent does is soak through the action and bore to break down carbon, powder residue, copper fouling, and other debris that can keep a bullet from firing safely. This allows for a much easier clean with brushes and patches.
Look for a gun cleaning solvent that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals or dangerous fumes. The best choice is a military-grade formula like this one from Breakthrough Clean Technologies. The nontoxic, odorless, and non-corrosive cleaner is safe for use on rifles, revolvers, shotguns, pistols, and knives.
Another excellent option is Hoppes Gun Cleaner, which dries fast and is made of high-quality materials. Its superior formula conditions the bore to reduce fouling, and it works without removing the metal finish on your firearms. It also comes in a range of container sizes to fit your needs.
2. Clean the Barrel
Every time you fire your firearm, the burned particles of metal and gunpowder stain your barrel. Using a good gun cleaning solvent with a bore brush removes the copper and carbon fouling and keeps your barrel in good shape.
Solvents are a great way to clean all the other parts of your gun as well, such as the action and its components. However, you must be careful not to mix different cleaners or they may create a toxic combination.
To avoid this, we recommend using a non-toxic gun cleaner like Hoppe’s No. 9. It’s available in bottles, aerosol cans, and jugs to best fit your needs. This product combines two common household items, white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, that work amazingly well to clean your gun. It’s easy to use, works super fast, and prevents rust, too. We also love that it’s eco-friendly and comes in a variety of sizes to suit your gun. It’s even sold in kits that include all the other necessary tools to help you save time.
3. Lubricate
You can use gun solvent to lubricate the barrel, trigger, striker, and other metal parts that touch ammunition. This helps them move smoothly and reduces friction. It’s also good for other things that have moving parts, like wood and leather items, tools, knives, locks, and more. Some gun cleaners are made to soak into your barrel and action for an extended period of time, making scrubbing fouling easier.
You’ll want to choose a quality gun cleaning solvent that isn’t abrasive or damaging to your firearm. The best choice is a petroleum-based solvent with lubricating oils. A good one can remove carbon, lead, and copper fouling with little effort and leave the barrel in great shape.
You can find gun cleaning solvent in spray or bottle form. Spray solvents have more reach and are easy to use. They are also less expensive than a liquid solvent. It’s important to clean and lubricate your gun regularly, so you don’t end up with an inoperable firearm.
4. Prevent Misfires
A gun cleaning solvent keeps the parts of your firearm clean and lubricated. It can break down carbon fouling and powder residue, as well as copper and lead corrosion. It also dries quickly and doesn’t contain ingredients that could damage a Cerakote or other metal finish.
Whether you have an old lever-action rifle that you want to pass down to your kids or a new pistol for suppressed plinking, you need it to work smoothly. The right gun cleaning solvent can help you keep your firearm in shape for years to come.
The best gun cleaning solvents remove the fouling residue that causes your ammunition to deteriorate and prevents you from shooting with precision. The chemicals in the solvent eat away the burned particles of gunpowder and the metals from the primers. Then they dissolve and wash away the fouling debris. They also dissolve oil and grease that can block your barrel’s action. And they leave behind a protective coat that protects your firearm from the elements.
