CLP

[Rigidman]

Does anyone use a CLP? There's some people hocking this like it's the answer to your prayers. I've used Break Free since the Army. I also still use Hoppes. My grandpa did, my dad did and, my uncle did on mom's side. It worked so I never tried anything else. But now it's getting a bit pricey and hard to find in stock sometimes.

[Earl Keese]

I keep Breakfree CLP on my bench, it's cheaper if you buy the big bottle. I also use synthetic motor oil. The leftovers from one or two oil changes will last for months.

[Rigidman]

I just got 2 4oz bottles for $6.99 each. I guess I could check the price of the larger size. But they don't fit in my cleaning bag. They actually wanted me to pay $25 for 2 bottles. Why double the price? Don't get it. So I just  got 2 for $6.99. I'm running out so I needed it. They both do very well, but the Hoppes cleaner works on difficult areas where the break free doesn't clean. I use the break free has its meant on certain parts for the protection. Other parts I use Hoppes oil. I also have a rag from Hoppes that breaks down lead and acts as a protector.

I have a Remington multi caliber cleaning system in a range bag. Then I have one someone gave me. Its supposed to hold the cleaning supplies and up to 4 pistols but it's full of cleaning stuff.

[jurek]

 CLP is a great, easy to use product. That is the reason almost everyone is using it.
For frequent maintenance of your firearm you don't want to complicate this process.
However I do not recommend CLP if you store guns unused for a long time.
CLP contains all 3 components, so once you cover the firearm with it, the "cleaning" component stays there as well.

So all depends how you use it.

[eastman]

CLP is a great, easy to use product. That is the reason almost everyone is using it.
For frequent maintenance of your firearm you don't want to complicate this process.
However I do not recommend CLP if you store guns unused for a long time.
CLP contains all 3 components, so once you cover the firearm with it, the "cleaning" component stays there as well.

So all depends how you use it.

I'm going to disagree on that. CLP is designed to act as a protectant. I have been using it on firearms for 35+ years and it does a great job of protection from rust.

I have 35+ years of experience with Breakfree CLP. I also have about 4 years of experience with OTIS O-85 CLP and it also works very well.

[jurek]

I'm going to disagree on that. CLP is designed to act as a protectant. I have been using it on firearms for 35+ years and it does a great job of protection from rust.
I have 35+ years of experience with Breakfree CLP. I also have about 4 years of experience with OTIS O-85 CLP and it also works very well.

I didn't wrote anything against CLP. This product has been used for a very long time and has its reputation. I'm glad it has also been working for you.
I've just paid attention to the fact that there are some applications you may not want to use CLP.

[Rigidman]

What brand of clp are y'all using? There's supposed to be a new brand on the market. Haven't researched it yet. I know break free was the only military approved clp for a long time. When I used it in the Army it worked fine. There was a few areas where it didn't clean as well. Like crooks and corners. But Army gave us limited tools for cleaning I guess because we weren't going to be combat unit. Or in Army basic it was considered goodnuff.

[jurek]

What brand of clp are y'all using? There's supposed to be a new brand on the market. Haven't researched it yet. I know break free was the only military approved clp for a long time. When I used it in the Army it worked fine. There was a few areas where it didn't clean as well. Like crooks and corners. But Army gave us limited tools for cleaning I guess because we weren't going to be combat unit. Or in Army basic it was considered goodnuff.

Break Free has been used the most. I've also followed other's suggestion to use this one.
Army uses CLP because it's freaking easy and fast. There is no time for 30 minutes gun cleaning.
If I'm in rush, I use CLP... but I keep in mind I will shoot my gun soon. To be honest sometimes I even do nothing, because I know my gun can run dry. (better be dry that overlubed)

Other CLP I used was Eezox. I didn't know it was CLP, I used it as lubricant and protectant. I was surprised it should also clean... it never worked this way for me.
So if I would need to use CLP, that would be Break Free.
BF CLP has variety of bottles, volumes, applicator what makes this product most used on the market.

[Goju]

What brand of clp are y'all using? There's supposed to be a new brand on the market. Haven't researched it yet. I know break free was the only military approved clp for a long time. When I used it in the Army it worked fine. There was a few areas where it didn't clean as well. Like crooks and corners. But Army gave us limited tools for cleaning I guess because we weren't going to be combat unit. Or in Army basic it was considered goodnuff.

The CLP products I have used are Ballistol, Breakfree, Eezox, and Gunzilla. I have been using Ballistol for 15 years and IMO it is the most over hyped CLP in the history of...ever. It works great as a carbon cleaner and leather conditioner. The only reason I’ve been using it so long is because I purchased 2 16oz cans and its taken me this long to get rid of it. But some people swear by it. Gunzilla is an OK  cleaner, but falls far short as a lube and protectant. Eezox is a good cleaner and very good protectant, but I want more lube than it offers. Breakfree probably works the best in all 3 categories if you consider only using 1 product. But I use separate products for each need.

[CCWLearner]

I have been using Ballistol for a couple of years, and come to a similar conclusion about its strengths and weaknesses.  It's definitely good for dissolving carbon.  It doesn't damage polymer, wood, or other materials of your grip, stock, etc.  It isn't going to poison you if used indoors while not wearing gloves.  I'm skeptical that it does anything to remove lead from barrels, despite what hickok45 says.  I am pretty sure it does absolutely nothing to remove copper fouling.  I've seen some heat tests on it, and read its MSDS, and it appears to have a relatively low boiling point, and turn to black goo at a fairly trivial temperature.

Break Free CLP works okay.  I have one small bottle that I used on my slides.  I decided a while ago I wouldn't be using anything with PTFE in any high temperature locatiions, especially inside the bores of my firearms, since it can convert into corrosive and poisonous substances under high heat.  There seems to be a lot of confusion about which version of Break Free CLP has PTFE or not.  The bottle I have says it has PTFE on the label.  So I have used it a fair amount on the slides of my pistols and it works pretty good for that, but I don't use it on the barrel, so I can't speak to its performance there.

Eezox I just started using a couple of months ago.  Eezox has a solvent that is highly toxic, so I wear gloves and apply it outdoors.  Once the solvent evaporates, I think it is fairly safe.  It seems to work okay for carbon cleaning, but I don't know if it does anything to lead or copper in the bore.  Its main benefit is forming a dry protective layer after you're done with it.

[jurek]

I agree with CCWLearner about Ballistol  - it does nothing with lead and copper. It's good lubricant, very thin so works good covering metal parts after cleaning. But it doesn't work great as a cleaner by itself (as advertised).

[tde44]

I'm a fan of Ballistol but agree that it is a very weak cleaner.  Except for firearms that specify grease (where I use superlube) Ballistol is my primary clp.

I will say that every few thousand rounds I will use some Hornady one-shot dry cleaner/lube to clean out the sear cage on my CZ's.

[jurek]

 
Never been using  Hornady products... but after short research, I'm impressed...
Definitely it's worthy to check.

[radagast]

     Breakfree CLP's not a bad cleaner, but I've gone back to Hoppes for the more serious cleaning jobs or copper fouling.  For lube, my brother suggested Tri-Flow, and I'm pretty impressed with it. He raced bicycles for years, and praised it's lubricating properties even in dirty and sandy environments (smells a lot better too) . Currently I'm trying some Weapon Shield products,  and they too show promise.
     Ultimately, Most cleaners and lubes work just fine, as long as you adhere to a good maintenance schedule. Protectorants are more suited for weapons that may be in storage for a while,or in hostile conditions. Just do NOT saturate a gun with WD-40 and pack it away for years ! You'll probably wish you used cosmoline.
     Although I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express  last night, I'd still suggest: Shoot'em often, and put'em away clean and lubed !

[Jiva]

I like CLP for light jobs immediately after a match or range session.

Hoppes is also on the bench for bore cleaning if needed.

White lithium grease on my rails... smoove