Best CLP, Gun Oils, And Gun Cleaners In 2024
Posted by Mandu Moses on Jan 26th 2024
Using your handgun or long-range rifle is fun. You have all the chances to exercise your shooting and defensive skills. But it also gets dirty, especially if you do not clean your weapons regularly.
Shooting has become a culture for many people. People now find joy in spending time in shooting ranges and gun academies. However, while some people own thousands of dollars worth of guns, they can sometimes overlook the importance of gun safety and maintenance.
As a veteran gun user, you should never neglect to practice proper gun maintenance. You can use gun oils, CLP, or regular cleaners to keep your firearm running. Though, with numerous cleaning options currently available, it is somewhat challenging to find the best cleaner that suits your gun.
For this reason, we have put together a list of the best CLP, gun oils, and gun cleaners to try in 2024.
Gun Oils
The first step in buying gun oils is to know what makes an ideal gun oil. You may also want to know how gun oils compare to gun grease and mineral oil.
Gun Oil VS Mineral Oil
Mineral oils have been the best option for machine lubrication for many years. That is because these oils have additives that help in maintaining machine functionality, including:
- Improving shear resistance, which makes machines last longer.
- Reducing heat.
- Collecting carbon and copper deposits that accumulate on machines’ moving parts.
Hence, it is no surprise to find people using mineral oils on their guns.
Typically, mineral oils will do almost everything needed to reduce wear and tear and keep guns functional. However, the only drawback is that they tend to collect more carbon deposits that can gum up your gun. This means you will need to clean your guns regularly to get rid of the carbon deposits if you are a frequent shooter.
Gun Oil VS Grease
Gun oil and grease have been on the same lubricating level for a long time. The key difference is what makes up each lubricant and how it impacts the gun's operations.
Greases have additives that make them thicker than oils. These additives include lithium soap that enhances the grease's ability to stick to gun surfaces. This protects the firearms from corrosion and makes them fire for an extended period.
However, these thickeners can increase the grease’s propensity to harden in cold climates, slowing down the gun’s functionality. For example, if left in open air, they can dry out and stiffen, making the gun fail to cycle.
Why Choose Gun Oils Over Mineral Oils And Grease?
First, mineral oils and greases have additives that increase their viscosity and allow them to last longer on the gun surfaces. However, when you use them frequently, they are likely to affect the firearm’s action and lifespan.
For instance, some mineral oils have additives that can eat through polymer frames and cause metal corrosion. On the other hand, the grease's thicker nature prevents it from penetrating and reaching hard-to-reach gun components. Greases also collect more residues, making them hard to clean. Therefore, to minimize the risks that come with these lubricants, most gun professionals recommend sticking to gun oils
Unlike greases or mineral oils, gun oils do not contain thickening agents, which makes them thinner. Due to their thinner nature, gun oils can reach gun parts that grease or mineral oils cannot reach. It also takes more contaminants to thicken gun oils. That means it is easier to clean or wipe down gun oils from surfaces.
Drawbacks of gun oils
Guns oils may contain no additives that can be detrimental to your guns. But they also have a few drawbacks such as:
- They easily run off of the surface or drip down into hard-to-clean parts.
- Lighter gun oils tend to evaporate quickly in hot climates and need frequent reapplications.
Factors To Consider When Buying Gun Oils
There are a bunch of gun oils currently on the market, and getting the right one can be a challenge. Luckily, before deciding which one to go for, you may want to consider these factors.
The purpose of the gun
People own guns for different purposes. While you can own one for self-defense, others buy guns to participate in shooting competitions or keep as collectibles. Therefore, the purpose of the gun defines how frequently you use it and how often you should apply gun oils.
Briefly, here is what to know about gun purposes and their compatible gun oils:
- Self-defense guns
When buying oils for self-defense guns, ensure they won't affect your gun's reliability by attracting dust or getting gummy. Self-defense guns should be ready to fire at any time. Therefore, buying greasy oils may cause them to collect more residues and make them fail to fire on time.
- Competition guns
Guns used in shooting competitions should always be smooth with reliable cycles or actions. That means when buying oils for such guns, you should consider thinner oils with no additives.
- Collectible guns
Since you do not use collectible guns frequently unless when list them for sale, you need to buy gun oils that offer long-term preservation. Thick gun oils are ideal for this purpose since they do not need frequent application. However, you need to check their ingredients to ensure they will not eat through polymer frames or corrode metal parts.
Climate
The climate also determines the type of gun oil you buy. If you reside in areas with high humidity, your guns are likely to collect more rust. That means you need to buy gun oils that offer great protection against rust.
On the other hand, using your guns in hot and dry climates means you need thicker oils that do not evaporate quickly. Buying thinner oils in such a climate means they will dry up quickly and you will need to reapply them more often.
Best gun oils in 2024
Hoppe’s #9 Lubricating Oil
Hoppe’s No.9 has proven to be among the best manufacturers of gun lubricants. Both professionals and casual gun users love Hoppe’s gun oils for their high viscosity and pleasant smells.
Hoppe’s No.9 Lubricating Oil comes in a 4 oz. bottle with a child-proof lid. It also has a precision applicator that allows it to reach hard-to-reach gun areas. Unlike other options, Hoppe’s No.9 Lubricating oil does not dry up quickly. This ensures it protects your gun from rust or dryness for a long time.
Hoppe's gun oil works effectively on all gun types without hardening or getting gummy on critical surfaces. Whether you have long rifles or shotguns, Hoppe's gun oil offers the ultimate gun protection you deserve. Also, although it has some of Hoppe's top-secret additives, it is still the best lubricant you can have.
Pros
- Has different application methods.
- Its high viscosity makes it long-lasting.
- It is readily available everywhere.
- It is non-toxic.
Cons
- Its smell might be unpleasant to some.
Slip 2000 EWL
Are you looking for the thinnest gun oil for your shooting friend? You should consider buying Slip 2000 EWL.
Slip 2000 is a non-petroleum gun oil that can protect your gun from corrosion and carbon build-up. It can also stay wet for a long time, which allows it to protect your gun from dust and rust. This makes it a perfect option for those who use their gun frequently or keep them in storage cases for extended periods.
Another good thing about Slip 2000 is its adaptability to different shooting environments. You can use the oil in hot or cold weather conditions without evaporating or getting gummy. It also works perfectly on wood, plastic, polymers, and metal components without corroding or tearing them.
Pros
- It is ideal for long-term gun storage.
- It withstands all weather conditions without drying up or getting sticky.
- It is non-toxic and biodegradable.
- It is plastic, metal, and wood-friendly.
Cons
- It is slightly difficult to apply.
- Its thinner nature makes it more messy and runny.
Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil
Lucas gun oil is another name that has withstood the test of time in the firearm industry. Lucas oils were more prominent in the automotive sector than in the firearm oil sector. However, they got their place in gun enthusiasts' hearts due to their medium viscosity and ability to work in extreme conditions.
Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil offers great rust and moisture protection. It penetrates all the gun’s crevices and has a solid burn-off resistance that prevents any fuming at the firing range. Moreover, it is odorless, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
The oil can resist evaporating in hot temperatures of up to 600 degrees. This is contrary to many oils that start to melt at around 300 degrees. It is also easy to apply and wipe down, especially when using the Micro Pistol Cleaning Kit from Cedar Mill Fine Firearms.
Cedar Mill makes its cleaning kits from high-quality materials that do not wear out easily or scratch your guns. The company also offers cleaning oils in its kits. That means you can deep clean your gun, regardless of how deep the Lucas Extreme Duty Gun oil penetrates.
Pros
- It comes with a practical needle oiler for easy application.
- It can withstand both high and low temperatures.
- It is odorless and environmentally friendly.
Cons
- It is costly.
- It requires frequent application.
M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil
Most people classify M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil as a CLP, maybe because it feels like one. However, it is a gun lubricant that also offers protection and cleaning services to fire components. It also serves as a multi-purpose gun oil, thanks to its long-lasting glossy film finish.
M-Pro 7 LPX comes in a 4 oz. bottle and is suitable for all gun types. It does not evaporate in extreme conditions or get gummy in cold temperatures. This makes a good choice for rust and corrosion protectants, especially for people who love storing their lubricated firearms.
Pros
- It is great for long-term gun storage.
- It does not evaporate in extreme conditions or get sticky in low temperatures.
- It is multi-purpose.
Cons
- It can react with other gun solvents.
- It has leaking issues due to flimsy bottles.
Gun CLPs
There are many reasons why dirty guns are unreliable. Contrary to the belief that guns are self-cleaning, sometimes they cannot get rid of accumulated powder residues or carbon fouling completely by themselves. These built-up materials can limit the gun's functionality and make your gun fail you in time of need. So, how do you avoid this?
The only way to keep your gun running smoothly is to equip yourself with a cleaning system. This involves ensuring you have ready gun cleaning kits that you can use to clean your firearm in any situation. The only challenge, however, is to find the best solution that can remove all the residues from your gun at once.
The market boasts a massive collection of gun cleaning agents. But what remains evident is that not all products work the same. Those that offer deep gun cleaning are somehow expensive, making them out of reach to many gun handlers. Whereas, those that offer average cleaning will only do one job of cleaning or lubricating the gun.
Therefore, to get one product that can clean and lubricate your gun, you may want to consider buying a gun CLP. A gun CLP is a Cleaning, Lubrication, and Protection oil. The product does all three tasks of removing accumulated materials while lubricating and protecting your essential gun parts.
How does a gun CLP work?
As stated, a CLP is a 3-in-1 product that minimizes the cost of buying separate gun lubricants and cleaners. Here is how a CLP works on your gun.
Cleaning the gun
Cleanliness is among the first gun rules. But this is only possible if you have the right tools. With a gun CLP, you can rest assured your gun is free from:
- Carbon Fouling: Carbon fouling, a product of burning gunpowder, builds up in the gun barrel the more you fire each round. Using the best CLP helps in getting rid of this carbon fouling, which can chemically adhere to the barrel if not cleaned.
- Copper Fouling: Copper fouling results from firing rounds left behind from the copper-jacketed bullets. Like carbon fouling, copper residue also accumulates in the rifle barrel and can affect your accuracy on the next shot. Therefore, it takes a strong cleaning solution more time to remove copper fouling from your gun.
Lubricating the Gun
You can use grease anywhere metals rub against each other or oil where thick grease cannot reach. However, when it comes to gun safety, getting the best lubricant is the key. While gun oil and grease can do the work, sometimes it is wise to go for a long-term solution like CLP suitable for almost all guns.
Preventing Gun Corrosion
Your gun will eventually get exposed to rust and corrosion. This is regardless of whether you use it frequently or store it in a waterproof case as a collector piece. Gun corrosion also depends on the shooting environment. Therefore, to protect your gun from rusting, you should consider using the right rust-resistant product.
How to Choose the Best Gun CLP
Before buying any CLP for your gun, you need to consider the following factors:
- The Cost: While some of the best CLPs are expensive, the point is to go for those that fall within your budget. However, sometimes you may want to buy an expensive product that offers effective cleaning and lubrication if quality is what drives you.
- The Prevalence of the CLPs: Some gun lubricants and protectors are found almost everywhere, while others are hard to find. It is wise to go for those that you can find easily if you fire your guns frequently. Also, readily available CLPs are means they are the most preferred and good options to start with.
- The Application Method: You can choose between a spray or a large bottle of lubricant depending on how deep you want to clean your gun. Only remember that large bottles will force you to buy separate applicators for precise cleaning.
- The Type of Ammunition and Shooting Environment: Are you using black powder or lead balls? Or, are you shooting in a very corrosive environment? The type of ammunition and powder determine how quickly your gun becomes dirty. If you are using jacketed bullets, you should consider buying a strong CLP solution that can deep-clean your gun barrels.
Other Gun-Cleaning Supplies
With your CLP ready, what else do you need to clean your gun efficiently? Cleaning your firearms should never be a hard task, especially if you have the following essential tools:
- Bronze Bore Brushes: These brushes are available in different sizes to fit different caliber barrels. Always buy a kit with varied sizes if you own many gun types. You should also buy quality brushes to avoid scratching the barrels when cleaning them.
- Nylon Brushes: Nylon brushes are best for sensitive and hard-to-reach areas. Avoid using them on the bores as they wear out quickly.
- Gun Mops: Gun mops or cleaning swabs help remove leftover residues and oil that remain in the barrel after cleaning. They also come in different sizes based on the size of the barrels.
- Cleaning Jags: These are thin nickel, brass, or plastic rods that help in removing leftover grime or cleaning solvent from the barrel. They are alternatives to slotted tip patch holders.
- Cleaning Patches: These are small squares of cotton that you use alongside cleaning jags to remove leftover grime or oil.
- Utility Brushes: These are double-ended or single-sided brushes used to clean the exterior of the firearm.
Best Gun CLP and Cleaning Kits in 2024
Cedar Mill Firearms Cleaning Kits
Cedar Mills Fine Firearms offers some of the best gun cleaning kits on the market. Their kits are easy to use and come with all the necessary tools that every gun owner needs to keep their firearms clean. Cedar Mill also understands that not everyone loves spending more time cleaning their guns. Therefore, they ensure their kits have the right tools and supplies that allow easy and effective gun cleaning.
Another exciting aspect of Cedar Mills Firearm cleaning kits is that they come with empty bottles. These allow firearm handlers to carry their desired gun oils or bore cleaners anytime they want. Some of the best-selling Cedar Mills firearm cleaning kits include:
- CableSnake Rifle Cleaning Kit and PDW Maintenance Kit.
- Micro Pistol Cleaning Kit.
- All-In-One Ultimate Clamshell Firearms Cleaning Kit.
Real Avid Gun Cleaning Kits
Real Avid cleaning and maintenance kits are suitable for all gun types, ranging from shotguns to handguns, AR-15s, AK-47s, and rifles. They have all the necessary cleaning tools such as detachable T-handles, jags, brushes, and slotted tips.
Real Avid gun cleaning kits are highly durable and affordable. They are easy to use and assemble after use. Some of its popular gun cleaning kits include:
Break-Free CLP-4
Break-Free CLP-4 is among the most popular gun CLP solutions currently available. It has medium viscosity that allows for easier cleaning from firearms and other mechanical tools. It is a multi-purpose solution that can remove rust, break down carbon fouling, prevent corrosion, and lubricate all internal gun mechanisms.
Break-Free CLP-4 can also work in extreme temperatures without evaporating or hardening. This makes it a versatile choice great for military uses. It is also friendly on polymers, plastic, and steel surfaces, making it ideal for all gun types.
Pros
- It is long-lasting and cost-effective.
- It is anti-static.
- It is suitable for extreme weather conditions.
- It is eco-friendly and odorless.
Cons
- It would be better if it had a smaller aerosol spray straw that could send the solution to hard-to-reach gun components.
Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray
Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray is very reliable, and flexible, and can do all the work from lubricating to protecting and cleaning all mechanical equipment in the garage. For this reason, it is among the traditional gun oils that have served both casual and professional gun users.
Ballistol Aerosol Spray has undergone numerous upgrades over the years. However, it remains an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and carcinogen-free gun protector. It comes in a 6-ounce bottle, which ensures long-term service. It does not evaporate in extreme conditions and can stay on the gun for about one week before applying another film.
Pros
- It is eco-friendly and safe for the eyes and skin.
- It is non-toxic and easy to clean after prolonged soaking.
- Its liquid molybdenum additive and PTFE prevent rusting.
Cons
- It has a harsh odor.
- It does not clean as well as other CLPs.
Wrapping Up
Gun cleaning and maintenance is a universal rule that no gun holder should ignore. This starts from knowing the best product to trust with the gun functionality to understanding how to clean the gun properly. However, with thousands of gun oils and cleaning solutions available on the market, it can be challenging to know which product to buy.
The guide above has outlined everything a seasoned gun handler or newbie should know before buying any cleaning and lubricating agent. The point is to identify what works for each gun type and environment.