Deep cleaning handgun frame

[SlimTim]

Just looking for some ideas on what you guys do to deep clean your handgun frames. I detail strip and fully clean my guns every 2k rounds or so, and Im looking for an effective way to fully clean out the frames. I usually use long Qtips but I know that isnt getting rid of everything (carbon, powder, grease etc). I was thinking of putting them in a dish with soapy water and cleaning with a toothbrush then blowing it dry with compressed air, but im sure there are better options out there.

 

[jackrabbit000]

Polymer or steel frames?

 

[308BAR]

Ultrasonic cleaner seem to work pretty good, there was a guy on this site who runs a commercial quality one.

 

[SlimTim]

It would be steel and polymer frames. Ill look into the ultrasonic cleaner, if its not too expensive ill have to consider it.

 

[ipscgraz]

Spray bottle (just like a window cleaner bottle) filled with varsol.

Flushes all the crap out of the corners and eventually evaporates.

 

[SlimTim]

Do paint thinners have any adverse effects on polymer parts or coated finishes (duracoat, ceracoat, kimpro etc.)?

 

[Kevin M.]

I run two commercial quality handgun cleaners for my handguns, one filled with a basic solvent to remove all carbon deposits, then a second tank with lubricant.

Nothing quite like it. It is overkill, but it is really nice to use on both handguns, and all internal parts on rifles and shotguns that need a good cleaning.

 

[nada]

drop them in a pail of varsol, swish, drip dry, rise with methel, air dry & lube

 

[ted_dent]

Simple Green soap (available at Crappy Tire) is a very effective cleaner for oil & grease and is non-petroleum based. Just scrub it in using a toothbrush, rinse with warm water & re-oil.

 

[Beer_drinker]

This stuff comes in handly IMO. Blast it in your actions for a few seconds, let all the dirt get carried away, and then watch it dry itself in seconds.

www. brownells.com/.aspx/pid=20460/Product/POLYMER-SAFE-QUICK-SCRUB-ACTION-CLEANER

 

[moosedude]

+1 for Beer Drinker, there are other brands as well just spray a ton of it in there, wait 20 minutes for it to drip dry and evaporate, re-lube, and you're off to the races

 

[Ishodu]

Shark steam cleaner. I give them a little soak of simple green cleaner then have at it with the steam cleaner. Make sure to ware gloves and safety glasses. As soon as the steam goes away the parts are hot enough all the water evaporates. I still use compressed air afterward to make sure all water is out then a really good oil job. Guns are completely spotless and look like new after that treatment.

 

[tactical870]

I use R17 and a toothbrush followed by a hot water rinse and scrup, blow off, air dry by the fireplace then lube with G96.

 

[bugsy_n_blue]

Spray bottle (just like a window cleaner bottle) filled with varsol.

Flushes all the crap out of the corners and eventually evaporates.

Agree. Even brake cleaner will do the trick. Be careful with painted surfaces.

 

[3strokes]

This stuff comes in handly IMO. Blast it in your actions for a few seconds, let all the dirt get carried away, and then watch it dry itself in seconds.

www. brownells.com/.aspx/pid=20460/Product/POLYMER-SAFE-QUICK-SCRUB-ACTION-CLEANER

Their site says that they can't ship it outside the US (and ground only within.)

 

[josquin]

Simple Green soap (available at Crappy Tire) is a very effective cleaner for oil & grease and is non-petroleum based. Just scrub it in using a toothbrush, rinse with warm water & re-oil.

x2. It's a very useful general-purpose cleaner and degreaser. Used nearly straight it will take the oil off your (warm) engine block, so suitably diluted, cleaning a gun is a snap. Not sure how effective it is on Teflon or moly-based lubricants, though.

Stuart