Strong Cleaner

[stopphillysmrdrrate]

Looking for a cheap but good cleaner for my S&W snubby it gets so dirty when I fire lead nose ammo. I am a little OCD and want to get it completely spotless since I bought it new. I heard carb cleaner works but it makes me nervous to use b/c it might ruin the wood.

[Xringshooter]

Take the wood off before cleaning

I use brake cleaner on my AR's to clean the chamber and locking lugs. Works great. There are gun cleaning equipment companies that sell it with there name on it. Don't buy it, it's way to expensive. Go to a big box store (or auto supply store) and buy the store brand. Probably 3-4 times cheaper and is the same stuff. Make sure it says non-chlorinated.

You may still need something to get the lead out if it leads up. Kroil works good, or the Lewis Lead Remover, or any of about a half dozen other cleaners.

[Chazman321]

I second the brake cleaner... I've used it myself... Gets junk off that you didn't even know was in the gun, dries quickly, and leaves no residue... But yeah, take the wood grips off of it...


Chazdon'tgetitonstyrofoameitherman321

[ar15jules]

Just an FYI, I use a strong ammonia based cleaner on some of mine to remove "leading". With that in mind, my S and W 642 cautioned against using a strong "basic" (meaning the opposite of acidic) cleaner as it may harm the finish. I don't know what you have, but just double check your book. I know a lot of guys use the "lead cloths".
Jules

[Xringshooter]

Many of the very good lead removers are ammonia based because it reacts to lead so well. You just don't want to leave the solution in/on the barrel longer than necessary to get the lead out. Although ammonia is a base substance (an alkaline) it is considered a "weak" base.

"Flitz" cloth is a very good lead remover also.

And in all actuality, any of the brand name bore cleaners will do a good job on cleaning a gun. Old reliable Hoppes No.9 has been around for a looooong time. They wouldn't still sell it if it didn't do the job.

[Willie D]

BrakeCleen works well but it is horrible, nasty stuff. Not supposed to flush it down the drain, makes you go blind, etc.

I depending on the gun, the amount of grime and the alignment of the stars I use Hoppes CLP, Hoppes#9, Hoppes Benchrest, Eezox, Simple Green, 3 in 1 with rough cloth, toothbrushes, bronze brushes, q-tips, oldt-shirts, etc.