[Ownspitbull]

Im a newbie and just got a Smith and Wesson .40 handgun. Whats the best things to use to clean it? In the stores like Wal-Mart I see Rem Oil alot but I would think that would be used just to oil and lubricate my pistol rather than clean it.

[Firearms4ever]

I use Ballistol. Generally you cannot find it in local stores so you'll have to buy it from somewhere like Brownells or Ballistol's website. In my opinion it is the cream of the crop when it comes to cleaning and maintaining a firearm.

[EagleSix]

Originally Posted by Ownspitbull

Im a newbie and just got a Smith and Wesson .40 handgun. Whats the best things to use to clean it? In the stores like Wal-Mart I see Rem Oil alot but I would think that would be used just to oil and lubricate my pistol rather than clean it.

Here is a link: http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f102/gun-cleaning-input-48564/

When I copied the link there were 707 opinions on how to clean guns.....enjoy....

.

[RecklessRegard]

Hoppe's No.9 solvent is popular, does a decent job and is readily available pretty much everywhere. Also, I have used, and like for that fact, Gunzilla. I use it at work, and it does a great job.

[sweeper22]

I like RemOil as a general purpose cleaner/lubricator. It's my primary cleaning fluid when I return home from the range. But do use something a little more slippery on your rails.

I've got some stuff called "Slip 2000" that's outstanding for rails. Probably costs more than necessary, probably could easily be replaced by 90% cheaper motor oil...but what the heck, that little $12 bottle will last me a few years.

[gollygee]

I like Hoppes #9 also, for the bore & Sweet 7.2 is also good for bore cleaning. However, I wouldn't recommend them if your gun has a nickle finish. The amonia can attack the copper sub base under the nickle & cause it to flake off.

For the rest of it, I like M-Pro-7 as it does a good job without damage to grips, etc. I follow that up with a non-chlorinated brake cleaner spray from the auto store. The strong spray can dislodge crud down in the nooks & crannies where you can't get with a brush, or even a pipe cleaner. On my pistols, I stick the nozzle in the firing pin hole & in the extractor channel & spray until clear liquid is running out the back of the slide. Let 'em set for 10-15 minutes until dry, then lube. If you have compressed air, you can shorten the wait time.

[Alpha1Victor]

I would remove the firing pin before I sprayed anything in there.

[jpattersonnh]

For general cleaning and lube, Breakfree or FP10 work very well. If I get some leading a brush down the bore does the trick. I've never had a handgun so dirty I needed anything as strong as Brake cleaner or sweets.

[gollygee]

Originally Posted by Alpha1Victor

I would remove the firing pin before I sprayed anything in there.

I do about every 500 rounds or so, as well as the extractor. The brake cleaner isn't oily & doesn't seem to leave a residue. I take them out to clean thoroughly because I realize the spray won't get it all, but it does minimize the collection.

[Glockpotion23]

Like my man said, Ballistol!! is all you need. This stuff cleans, protects, lubes, and preserve all in one!! Not too many products i know that can do all that If i couldnt get any, maybe Hoppes#9 would be next. Trust me my friend, you wont be disappointed