8 Best Gun Cleaning Solvents

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January 16, 2023

Clearing your gun plays an essential role in improving its lifespan while improving its overall effectiveness and performance. Therefore, if you want your gun to perform well in tactical situations, you need to take out time to clean your gun from time to time properly. 

Cleaning out abrasive debris, lead, and dust buildup inside your gun can help increase its overall longevity. But you only want to be cleaning out with the best solvents. So to help you properly clean out your firearm, here are the best gun cleaning solvents you can find. 

Best Gun Cleaning Solvents

Lucas Gun Oil

lucas gun oil

Lucas gun oil is a fairly potent liquid that offers very good lubrication. It can work n a variety of firearms but is especially effective when used on lever-action rifles, revolvers, and shotguns. The best thing about this cleaning solution is its sheer versatility. It also comes with additives extracted from petroleum, making it more resistant to both friction and high heat. 

Furthermore, this lubricant is environmentally friendly and odorless, making it a great lubricant to use on a hunting rifle. It is also resistant to different weather conditions, further proving that it is great for hunting firearms.  

Sage and Braker CLP

sage and braker clp

Sage and Braker have concocted a very potent CLP that is versatile in its application and compatibility. It can work with several firearms without the unnecessary messy cleanup needed for liquid cleaners. It is especially effective against lead, copper, and carbon fouling, thanks to its spray dispenser. The spray allows the solvent to reach many difficult-to-reach places, allowing even better cleaning.

The best use for this cleaning solvent is in tactical situations, as it both lubricates, cleans, and protects the firearm from further harm. It even offers reliable performance and allows the parts of the firearm to run smoothly. 

Pro-Shot Zero Friction

pro-shot zero friction

The Pro-Shot Zero Friction is a needle oiler that provides unmatched cleaning performance. Unlike sprays, the needle oiler allows you to have a very hand’s approach towards cleaning your gun, as you can reach those difficult to access locations. The oil is very effective in greasing up your gun’s parts and living up to its name of zero friction. 

Hunters or survivalists going through dirt and grime often will especially like the Pro-Shot Zero Friction. The lubricant’s ability to reach even the tightest spots on the gun allows you to care for every inch of your gun. 

Slip 2000 EWL

slip 2000 ewl

One of the best things about the Slip 2000 is that it doesn’t leave a greasy finish when you use it. While most oil lubricants leave a very greasy finish that attracts dust, the Slip 2000 provides the same lubrication without any of the greases. This lubricant is also very good at keeping your gun free of corrosion, which is a fun bonus to have on a lubricant. 

Furthermore, despite being a petroleum derivative, the Slip 2000 is completely safe to use. You can easily use it on any surface, including wood, metal, and plastic. 

Hornady 99901 One Shot Gun Cleaner

hornady 99901 one shot gun cleaner

Hornady is famous for its ammunition, so it only makes sense to provide a gun cleaning solvent. And the best thing about the 99901 is that it is an aerosol spray that can easily reach the crevices of your gun and can clean it out very easily. It can also clean any gun without leaving a greasy coat or an oily mess. 

 Other than lubricating your gun, it will also help reduce corrosion to the gun. Finally, it is very effective against residue in your gun, lead buildup, or even old built-up oil.  

Prom Hoppe’s M-Pro 7 Oil 

prom hoppe's m-pro 7 oil

While some lubricants can be great for guns in active use, others can be good in preserving your firearm when you are putting it in a safe. The M-Pro 7 Oil is just the right lubricant for that specific purpose, as it can easily repel dirt without using harmful chemicals. The M-Pro 7 does not evaporate easily either, keeping your gun in that lubricated state.  

It specializes in long-term storage and works especially well on military-grade firearms. Of course, you can still use this oil on firearms in current use, but there are better options for that specific task. 

HOPPE’S No. 9 Synthetic Blend 

hoppe's no. 9 synthetic blend

A synthetic blend of lubricant oil can give you the best lubrication land protection from corrosion. And Hoppe’s No.9 Synthetic Blend is especially effective at keeping moisture away from your gun, making it more resistant to corrosion. 

It is also very effective at cleaning your gun and helping it look much newer than it already is. This lubricant was specially designed for modern firearms, as it can be especially useful in more extreme environments. 

Break-Free CLP-2 Cleaner Lubricant Preservative

break-free clp-2 cleaner lubricant preservative

One of the most redeeming qualities of the Break-Free CLP is removing carbon and copper fouling very effectively. If an abrasive material manages to stick to the gun will easily come off when they interact with the spray. Since different types of abrasive materials wear your firearm down and cause it to fail, removing them is essential. 

Since it comes in an aerosol spray, it is very easy to use and is not as messy as all other lubricants. 

Things to Consider Before Buying One 

Before selecting your preferred cleaning solvent, you will first have to consider a few factors. Here are a few considerations that you should make before choosing your gun cleaning solvent. 

Price 

The price is possibly the most important thing you must consider before buying a solvent. Each manufacturer offers a product that can sometimes cater to an individual’s specific needs. These specific cleaners can be more expensive, so you should always set a budget before going out to buy one. 

Luckily, you don’t have to rely on unbranded lubricants to clean your gun and can instead opt for brands that offer more affordable options as well. You can find different options on this list, which will include more affordable brands and some of the more expensive options. 

Safety 

Although their main purpose is to clean the weapon, some of these cleaners can be harmful to your health and gun in the long run. They can contain carcinogens, which can be dangerous with long-term exposure. You should also check if the bottle comes with a childproof cover, as this oil can be toxic to consume. 

Finally, some chemicals in solvents can cause discoloration if you use them too often. You should also be careful when cleaning your weapon, so empty the weapon and be careful if you are pushing down on the trigger. 

Potent and Fast Acting 

Clearing your gun, while necessary, can feel like a chore. Therefore, you want to be done as soon as possible, which is why you will need a fast-acting and potent formula. They can help you clean faster, saving you time for more important tasks to perform. Of course, needing to find a concentrated cleaner doesn’t mean that you should get something harmful for the environment or your skin. 

Compatibility 

Some solvents are made for specific guns or equipment, which also means that they function better in those situations as well. Luckily, different cleaning solvents can easily work with many guns and equipment. All of the solvents we have in this list work with various equipment, so you don’t have to worry about their versatility. 

Solvent Type

You can find solvents in three types, each with benefits and disadvantages. And depending on the type that you get, they can make cleaning effortless or a little more difficult. These three types include CLP, foam, and liquid. CLP is possibly the most versatile cleaner, as they tend to clean, lubricate, and protect the gun from corrosion. 

The liquid cleaners can be a good lubricant to use in your gun, but they can leave a smooth finish to your gun. Foam can be effective when cleaning residue buildup while not being too messy. Finally, aerosol spray can be a good option if you’re looking for a quick cleaning option. 

Every product is hand selected by our editors. We may receive commissions on purchases from a link.

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