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very newb cleaning questions

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  • kfriddile

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    Ok, I didn't own any guns until a couple weeks ago, so bear with me here. I currently own a 4" XD 45 compact, a Taurus P-92, and a Browning Hi-Power clone. I cleaned all of them for the first time today by following this video pretty much to the letter, and it seemed to work fine:

    YouTube - XD 9mm Sub Compact Disassembly and Cleaning

    I'm just wondering if anyone here would do anything different than this guy, or if certain solvents mess up certain finishes, etc. Basically, what should I know so I don't fubar any of my guns somehow? Thanks.
    Lynx Defense
     

    Texas1911

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    Wear gloves. Solvents, lead, copper, brass shavings, and oil aren't exactly stuff you want all over you hands. Plus, gloves are easier to wash off prior to reassembly so you don't cover your gun in slurry and dirty oil.

    Q-Tips, Q-Tips, Q-Tips. Buy a big box of them, you'll use alot.

    Good thick cotton patches are awesome, and using the proper patch pusher works well.

    Bore snakes are ideal for a quick range clean. Stuff like XDs, USPs, Glocks, etc. don't need to be really cleaned out but maybe one every thousand or so rounds. The bore snake helps to keep the crud out of the lands / rifling so you don't have to worry about lead compaction.
     

    kfriddile

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    Thanks...ya, I was wishing for some Q-tips earlier:D Will Hoppes #9 damage any certain types of finishes on guns?...anything I should be careful not to get it on?
     

    Vellcrow

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    Pflugerville
    Thanks...ya, I was wishing for some Q-tips earlier:D Will Hoppes #9 damage any certain types of finishes on guns?...anything I should be careful not to get it on?

    If you are using Hoppes #9, I would recommend switching to something that cleans and lubricates at the same time like Break Free. I have been using Break Free on and off the job for 10+ years and it works great.

    As for Q-Tips, nothing better than the Wal-Mart "Equate" brand. I buy the largest bulk packs they have on the shelves.
     

    jimltop

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    #9

    # 9 works fine on all parts of a gun. I dont worry about where it gets to on the gun.....It is hard on the carpet, and try to keep it of wood grips...
     

    kfriddile

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    If you are using Hoppes #9, I would recommend switching to something that cleans and lubricates at the same time like Break Free. I have been using Break Free on and off the job for 10+ years and it works great.

    As for Q-Tips, nothing better than the Wal-Mart "Equate" brand. I buy the largest bulk packs they have on the shelves.
    It does sound easier to use something like Break Free, but does it really work as well as using a separate solvent and oil? It's just been my experience that things that try to do everything never excel at their individual purposes. Is something like CLP known to be a trade-off between simplicity and function, or does it really work just as well? I'm always willing to put forth extra effort for better results, but not if an equivalent simpler solution exists.
     

    Vellcrow

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    It does sound easier to use something like Break Free, but does it really work as well as using a separate solvent and oil? It's just been my experience that things that try to do everything never excel at their individual purposes. Is something like CLP known to be a trade-off between simplicity and function, or does it really work just as well? I'm always willing to put forth extra effort for better results, but not if an equivalent simpler solution exists.


    Like I said, I have used it on and off the job...I just left the military. I have used nothing else but Break Free (which is CLP) on my personal and work weapons for over a decade. No sense in having more gear than you really need. This is exactly what I use:

    MidwayUSA - Break-Free CLP (Bore Cleaning Solvent, Lubricant, Rust Preventative) 4 oz Liquidhttp://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=840573
     

    kfriddile

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    oldguy

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    I use a small air compressor for help in cleaning, hoppe's for barrel cleaning,Fp10 small internal parts, Gunbutter for slides, I buy cleaning
    cloth at Walmart by the yard (flannel) and yes, lots of Q-tips, worked well for years.
     

    oldguy

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    I don't use Mobile One however i find that the FP10 I use is very similar in viscosity to Mobile One other then odor.;)
     

    TexasFats

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    # 9 works fine on all parts of a gun. I dont worry about where it gets to on the gun.....It is hard on the carpet, and try to keep it of wood grips...
    Hoppe's #9 is death on nickle plating. They even say on the bottle to not allow it to come into contact with nickle plating.
     

    2Many

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    Sep 18, 2008
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    IMHO Hoppes #9 and breakfree both have a place. I think the Hoppes is a better stubborn carbon solvent. Be careful with Hoppes on nickel finishes. It will react.(oops, should have read the whole thread)
     
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