Gun cleaning is an involved activity, and using the right gun cleaning solvent can make the entire process easier and more effective. Without a solvent, you must try and scrub the debris from your weapon, which is not recommended because it can damage the rifling in the bore. Instead, the solvent breaks down any carbon, lead, and other debris that are stuck to the metal components, allowing you to wipe them off easily with a cotton cleaning pad. If you can't decide which gun cleaning solvent you need, here are some answers to common questions.![]()
There are two main types of gun cleaning solvent. The first is a standard gun cleaner or solvent. The purpose of this is to remove debris, and you must clean it out of your firearm thoroughly after using it. This works by breaking down the debris inside your weapon so that you can wipe it off easily, which is important since the debris often bakes itself into the metal after repeated firing.
The second type of gun cleaning solvent is known as CLP, which stands for "clean, lubricate, and protect." Standard gun cleaning solvent only removes debris, while CLP goes even further. The compound it uses breaks down the debris and lubricates your weapon's components, reducing the risk of malfunctions and misfires. It also protects the inside of the weapon to prevent rust. This makes it a popular option, as it combines three of the main steps of gun cleaning into one.
Here at OpticsPlanet, we are proud to offer many types of gun cleaning solvents, including CLP, concentrate, and foam solvent. Check out the offerings from some of our top brands, including Hoppe's 9, Thompson Center, and M-Pro 7.