Pistol cleaning

[Star43]

A

And a couple of drops in the bathwater keeps your skin smooth ......

Seriously, I have been using Hoppes since I was a kid. My Dad used it too. I have tried a few other things over the years, but I like Hoppes.

 

[Hvymax]

I'm new to firearms. What's preferred, Hoppes or Ballistol ( or something else) ?

Depends!!! Copper Fouling? Corrosive Primers or Black Powder? Long Term protection or High Performance lubricant?

 

[Pál_K]

...I came across a YT video studying a large number of oils and I switch to Clenzoil. ...

I saw that video about a month ago. Interesting results. Despite my love of Hickok45, I would not choose Ballistol.

Screenshot of results, but watch the video to understand.

 

[bowzette]

I use Hoppe's with a wire brush and then clean cotton pads until done, and Ballistol or another CLP for the rest of the gun and magazines. Works for me and I have never had a rust problem on any of my guns. Plus I really like the smell of Hoppe's #9. Everytime I use it I think of my Dad cleaning his guns, and he's been gone almost 50 years.

Yep. One sniff of Hoppe's 9 and I'm 14 years old again-fountain of youth

 

[bowzette]

I saw that video about a month ago. Interesting results. Despite my love of Hickok45, I would not choose Ballistol.

Screenshot of results, but watch the video to understand.

View attachment 41287

That video is why I switched to Clenzoil.

 

[Actnbill]

Hoppe's fragrance is like Catnip for Crusty Old Gun Farts.......( this is experience talking here )

...... and I still have an old half gallon jug that I am still working on......so I can't switch now

 

[vito]

Hoppes on everything except nickel plated. It can damage some nickel plating. I use clp on those

I have a S&W Model 19 that is nickel plated, and I have used Hoppe's for over 35 years on this gun and have not seen any damage. But I don't shoot it often so I have not had to clean this gun as often as I do some others.

 

[jason326]

I've used both as well as some cheaper stuff from WalMart. No real difference noted

 

[ericbc7]

I finally tried balistol and I get barnyard/sewage aromas - not worth it even if It did clean well.

 

[Bigbore5]

I have a S&W Model 19 that is nickel plated, and I have used Hoppe's for over 35 years on this gun and have not seen any damage. But I don't shoot it often so I have not had to clean this gun as often as I do some others.

The damage will usually come if the nickel has a flaw that allows the Hoppes to get under it and begin to dissolve the copper plate that was laid down under the nickel. Hoppes will not harm the nickel itself, but cause it to flake off.

 

[Hertervillian]

I've become a Slip 2000 Carbon Killer fan, .22 suppressor made a believer out of me. If you want to clean the cylinder on your stainless revolvers to a like new shine, give it a go.

I like TWb25(?) grease for auto slides and anywhere else grease is needed. M pro7 oil is what I've been using, W*M was closing it out for cheap so a few bottles came home, as well as their copper cleaner (Hoppes repackages it too). Add a couple bore mops a bore jag annd patches and a brush, I ain't going to fight you over brass or nylon.