Cleaning your firearms is crucial for maintaining their functionality, accuracy, and longevity. While commercial gun cleaning solvents are readily available, many gun owners are exploring homemade alternatives for cost savings, environmental concerns, or simply the satisfaction of a DIY approach. This comprehensive guide explores the creation and use of homemade gun cleaning solvents, addressing safety precautions and effectiveness. Remember, always prioritize safety when handling firearms and solvents.
Understanding Gun Cleaning Solvents and Their Purpose
Commercial gun cleaning solvents typically contain a blend of chemicals designed to dissolve fouling, such as powder residue, lead, copper, and other metallic deposits. These solvents are often volatile organic compounds (VOCs), raising environmental concerns. A homemade solvent aims to achieve similar cleaning power using readily accessible and often more environmentally friendly ingredients. The primary purpose is to effectively remove residue left behind after firing, preventing corrosion, maintaining accuracy, and ensuring the smooth operation of the firearm's mechanism.
Common Ingredients for Homemade Gun Cleaning Solvents
Several ingredients can be combined to create an effective homemade gun cleaning solvent. The key is to find a balance that effectively dissolves fouling without damaging the firearm's finish. Here are some common choices:
- Mineral Spirits (White Spirits): This is a relatively inexpensive and readily available petroleum distillate. It's effective at dissolving many types of fouling. However, avoid prolonged contact with certain plastics or finishes.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Commonly found in pharmacies, IPA is an excellent solvent for removing powder residue and other organic contaminants. It's generally considered less harsh than mineral spirits on certain finishes. Higher concentrations (91% or higher) are more effective.
- Acetone: A powerful solvent, acetone is effective at removing stubborn deposits, including burnt powder. However, it's very aggressive and should be used with caution. It can damage certain finishes and plastics, and its fumes are strong.
- CLP (Cleaning Lubricant Protectant): While not strictly a solvent, many homemade mixtures incorporate a small amount of CLP for lubrication and protection after cleaning. This helps prevent corrosion.
Recipes for Homemade Gun Cleaning Solvents
Several recipes provide different balances of effectiveness and aggressiveness. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before applying to the entire firearm.
Recipe 1: Mild Solvent (Good for general cleaning)
- 2 parts Mineral Spirits
- 1 part Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or higher)
Recipe 2: Medium Solvent (For more stubborn fouling)
- 1 part Acetone
- 1 part Mineral Spirits
- 1 part Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or higher)
Recipe 3: Lubricating Solvent
- 1 part Mineral Spirits
- 1 part Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or higher)
- Few drops of CLP (Cleaning Lubricant Protectant)
Important Note: The ratios are approximate. You can adjust them to suit your needs and the type of fouling you're dealing with. Always start with a smaller amount and gradually increase if needed.
Safety Precautions When Using Homemade Gun Cleaning Solvents
- Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from solvents can be harmful if inhaled. Consider using a respirator if necessary, especially when working with acetone.
- Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.
- Gloves: Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with the solvents.
- Fire Safety: Keep solvents away from open flames and sparks. They are flammable.
- Disposal: Dispose of used solvents responsibly. Check local regulations for proper disposal methods. Never pour solvents down the drain.
- Firearm Safety: Always follow basic firearm safety rules when cleaning your weapon. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
Testing and Evaluation of Homemade Solvents
After creating your homemade solvent, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your firearm to check for any adverse reactions. Observe the solvent's effect on the finish, paying attention to any discoloration, softening, or other changes. If everything looks good, proceed to clean the rest of the firearm, using patches and a cleaning rod as needed. Compare the results to your previous cleaning experiences using commercial solvents.
Comparison to Commercial Solvents
While homemade solvents can be effective, they may not perform identically to commercial products, particularly for exceptionally stubborn fouling. Commercial solvents often contain specialized additives designed for specific types of cleaning. Homemade options are generally more cost-effective and less environmentally impactful. The effectiveness will largely depend on the chosen recipe and the type of firearm being cleaned.
Conclusion
Creating your own gun cleaning solvent offers a cost-effective and potentially more environmentally friendly alternative to commercial products. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety and understand the properties of each ingredient. By following the guidelines and safety precautions in this guide, you can safely and effectively maintain your firearms using homemade solvents. Remember, proper cleaning is essential for firearm safety and longevity.