If you own a gun, you are undoubtedly familiar with the importance of cleaning it religiously in order to protect it from rust and dust. However, what more important is the use of the right product to clean your firearm. Because if the product is not serving the purpose, it is useless.  

There are many solvents and oils which do a great job at cleaning the guns. Yes, you read that right. Both solvent and oil do their separate jobs to clean the firearm deeply. The former removes dust and debris, and the latter ensures that your gun is lubricated thoroughly. That said, let’s take a look at the best gun cleaners out there. 

1. No. 9 Hoppe’s Bore Cleaner – Gun Cleaning Solvent

With over 100 years in business, Hoppe’s has become the scientist for gun cleaning. The company has been serving with its product since 1903, ensuring the gun owners have thoroughly cleaned, lubricated guns protected from any metal fouling and rust. 

Hoppe’s gun cleaner is by far the best bore cleaner and is formulated to clean every kind of firearm by penetrating deep into the weapon. You can also use it with CLP cleaner for better cleaning results. But people also claim to achieve the same level of cleaning by using it as a solo cleaner. 

The best way to use Hoppe’s bore cleaner is to pair it with a bore snake. Though the cleaning kits mostly don’t come with a bore snake, it is best to buy one, as it is essential for gun cleaning. Also, it speeds up the cleaning process.  

If we talk about the smell, it is not strong like kerosene or gasoline. It is very mild and easily washes away without a struggle. But it does contain highly flammable kerosene, so make sure the room is well ventilated where you will clean the gun. 

2. Ballistol Multi-Purpose – Gun Cleaning Solvent

It is a universal cleaner, and aside from guns, you can clean about anything with this cleaner, be it a wooden surface, lock, knives, or any kind of tool. In addition, it is eco-friendly, meaning it does not contain carcinogens and does not harm the skin and environment. 

It is number two in our suggestion because it is rated as 4.8 on Amazon. Compared to Hoppes bore cleaner, it is slightly less penetrate able, which means where Hoppes cleaner uses five drops to clean and penetrate the gun, Ballistol uses seven drops. But the plus point for Ballistol, which makes it the best gun cleaner, is that it is eco-friendly. 

The scent of this cleaning solvent might not be the best as it smells strong. On the contrary, some people like how it smells, saying that it is a pleasant earthy scent. But it would be best if you handled it with care as it is highly flammable.   

3. Break-Free-CLP-2 & Break-Free-CLP-4 – Gun Cleaning Solvent

Our third recommendation for gun cleaning solvent is Break-Free either CLP-2 either or CLP-4. It also comes in a spray bottle which can be attached with a long straw to target the deeper areas of the weapon. This cleaning solvent is the most used cleaning solvent in the U.S. Army to clean tanks, rifles, and pistols. 

The reason this product is so popular and listed as one of the best gun cleaners is that it is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. This means due to its high viscosity, the wind (either hot or cold), saltwater, or dust particles will not be able to penetrate the layer of Break-Free gun cleaner.   

The CLP in the name stands for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting the firearm. Hence, after using this product, you will not need to lubricate the weapon with oil. The scent of this cleaning solvent is mild and interesting. It almost smells like banana tangerine, which is definitely not a bad smell.   

4. Lucas Gun Oil – Original and Extreme Duty 

The Lucas gun cleaning oil set comes with two products. The standard gun oil and extreme duty gun oil. You can purchase Lucan gun oil separately as well. If we talk about the standard gun oil, it protects the firearm from every kind of extreme weather condition. The oil formula clings to the parts of the weapon top to ensure complete heat and water resistance.  

The purpose behind the making of Lucas’s extreme duty oil was to prevent overheating and jamming in high-calibre guns, such as machine guns. The needle oiler of this bottle ensures precise application of the product with the less possible mess. 

Lucas gun oil is inexpensive, and the quality and features are impressive in such amount. It can also be used as a household. Remember, it is not a CLP or gun cleaning solvent. You have to use a CLP to clean your weapon first and later apply this oil. 

5. Hoppe’s No.9 – Gun Cleaning Lubricant

Hoppe’s No. 9 is another incredible gun-cleaning product. As mentioned above, Hoppes has been around since 1903, and they are manufacturers of some of the best quality gun cleaning solvents and oils. This product is ranked by Amazon as #1 among the gun cleaning lubricants.  

Unlike other lubricants, this one is a synthetic product and it ensures to protect the weapon from any kind of exposure. This product was formulated in the United States with the purpose of making a lubricant for modern-day firearms. It ensures to protect the guns from wear and tear by creating a barrier against moisture and corrosion and friction. 

Not only guns but they can be used for lubrication on fishing reels and other mechanical equipment.  

6. The CLP by Sage & Braker

The CLP in this solvent stands for Clean, Lube, and Protect, and it serves this purpose perfectly. This solvent gives a flawless finish after use and, unlike many solvents, leaves no visible trace of oil.   

If your firearm attracts dust, then this cleaner is definitely for you. It miraculously stops the dust and cleans and lubes the gun at the same time. You will say this for yourself after using this cleaner. Additionally, it reduces the cleaning time by half. 

No matter what kind of cleaning you are going for, it gives incredible results each time. Either it is a regular clean or a deep clean, just use a brush or bore snake to get the work done. 

When you start using this cleaner, you will notice an improvement in your firearm. Your shots will be better and the overall performance of the internal parts of the gun improves as well. The reason is that this CLP improves heat dissipation resulting in a cooler weapon. How cool is that? 

7. Slip 2000 Ewl – Gun Cleaner and Lubricant 

If you want to save your gun from corroding, Ewl is the best option for you. This gun cleaning solvent was formulated for weather conditions like extreme cold, humid, or hot climates. Many CLP products cannot withstand such severe weather conditions and turn into melted goo-like texture when exposed. 

It is often said that this product is five times wetter than an average lubricant. Which also helps to reduce the cleaning time by 50%. After using this product, forget about the dust, debris, or other foreign bodies getting stuck to your gun.  

Many YouTube gun enthusiasts and other shooters recommend this product and use it personally, too. This cleaner is non-toxic and does not harm wood, plastic, or any other part of the firearm. It is also safe for the skin and the environment.  It reduces the friction in the weapon, thereby increasing the time span. 

8. Pro-Shot – Needle Oiler

Many people prefer needle oilers to clean their guns as they provide precise and better access when it comes to cleaning the weapon. When compared to Hoppe’s needle oiler, there is no significant difference. This oiler is less expensive and also is better in colour. So, if you are considering buying Hoppe’s needle oiler, buy this one instead. 

This gun cleaning oil is made in the United States. It is anti-oxidants and provides smooth protection against rust and metal feeling. It spreads out on the surface of the gun and makes an even protective layer. If you are wondering about its smell, then don’t worry. The smell of this oil is the same as ordinary cleaning oil. You can easily use it in your house or room without worry. 

Final Words

Though the above-mentioned and explained gun cleaning solvents and oils are all best in their own way, and they all serve the purpose of cleaning, lubricating, and protecting the guns, we would like to share and recommend our personal favourite best gun cleaner.    We recommend No.9 Hoppe’s Bore Cleaner or Ballistol Gun Cleaning Solvent and Lucas Gun Oil. They are best at cleaning and lubricating the guns. These are our picks, but you should always choose the product according to your likings.

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