Classic cleaning solution

[Tom-ADC]

Here's what I use straight from Mike himself, make sure you get the right windex.

"Maven: I just dump a jug of "Windex With Vinegar" into a gallon milk jug and then fill the remaining space with water. Such a jug should last for a couple of years even with a very avid shooter/competitor. (Like me.)

As for muzzle loaders, yes that solution works fine too. I cover the nipple with a patch and put the hammer down on it. Then I fill the barrel with the solution and let it set for a couple of minutes. Then I upend the rifle and let the fouled solution run out on the ground. After that a couple of patches should clean up everything else.

That certain variety of Windex is hard to find, so when I do come across it I tend to stock up. I've probably got a lifetime's worth stored away now considering I'm 60.

Good luck to you. I've been absent here for several months. Work projects and the silhouette shooting season have kept me busy.
Mike V.

[StrawHat]

Water is still my first choice.  The window cleaners work but can remove barrel finishes.  If water is too basic for some, a squirt of dish soap helps make it foamy.

[ssb73q]

Here's what I use straight from Mike himself, make sure you get the right windex.

"Maven: I just dump a jug of "Windex With Vinegar" into a gallon milk jug and then fill the remaining space with water. Such a jug should last for a couple of years even with a very avid shooter/competitor. (Like me.)

As for muzzle loaders, yes that solution works fine too. I cover the nipple with a patch and put the hammer down on it. Then I fill the barrel with the solution and let it set for a couple of minutes. Then I upend the rifle and let the fouled solution run out on the ground. After that a couple of patches should clean up everything else.

That certain variety of Windex is hard to find, so when I do come across it I tend to stock up. I've probably got a lifetime's worth stored away now considering I'm 60.

Good luck to you. I've been absent here for several months. Work projects and the silhouette shooting season have kept me busy.
Mike V.

Hi Tom, if I have been reading reports correctly, vinegar (acetic acid) removes bluing.    I would avoid any cleaning product that contains vinegar.

Regards,
Richard

[Tom-ADC]

Richard you are right it does but notice how much it is diluted again he doesn't use it straight out of the bottle, very important to note this.

[ssb73q]

Richard you are right it does but notice how much it is diluted again he doesn't use it straight out of the bottle, very important to note this.

Hi Tom, the chemical activity is the same for either dilute or concentrated acetic acid. It will remove bluing. Slowly when diluted, but it still removes bluing. It should, in any concentration, be avoided if bluing retention is important to the owner.

Regards,
Richard

[Tom-ADC]

I use it and have for years, but I don't soak my stuff in it, I haven't had any problems but good to note for those that might.

[mazo kid]

I read that same article, got a jug of that Windex but never got a chance to use it. My wife confiscated it!