WD40 and guns

[bigdogdaddy]

I have never ran across this on the forum so here goes. I know a guy that when ever he buys a new gun he uses WD40 to clean the gun the first time and get rid of the factory goop that is present. He asked me what I thought and I said it is not what I would use but could not really find a big problem with it either. What do you guys (and a few gals) think?

[Padraig]

It is an OK cleaner, basicly kerosene. I wouldn't use it as a lube.

[Yogi 117]

Never heard that before. I often use non-chlorinated brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol to clean a completely stripped slide, but that's it for me other than my regular cleaner. I've always used Hoppes #9, which has done me well. Yogi

[bigdogdaddy]

That is pretty close to what I told him. Aero-kero.

It is an OK cleaner, basicly kerosene. I wouldn't use it as a lube.

[LarryS]

Never heard that before. I often use non-chlorinated brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol to clean a completely stripped slide, but that's it for me other than my regular cleaner. I've always used Hoppes #9, which has done me well. Yogi

Same here Hoppes #9, bore-snake the barrel and lately started using m-pro 7 Gun Oil. M-Pro, especially on my 1911s, really leaves them running smooth.

[Retired Badge]

I see using WD-40 when they stopped using carberators.

[TurkeyOak]

I know guys who were raised on WD-40 and 3-in-1.
I use Hoppes 9, Remoil spray and the o that came in my cleaning kit.

[yz9890]

I use it sometimes on my AK and Nagant because I flush the rifles with water to get the corrosive salts off after shooting corrosive ammo (the WD stands for water displacement). it will root out all the hidden water in your gun. but if you let in pool anywhere it will get very goopy and sticky in a couple of hours. it can also discolor painted metal if not removed quickly. I don't really use it as a solvent though. i still Hoppes the barrel, muzzle brake, and gas tube. but WD-40 and brake cleaner are parts of my cleaning kit. brake cleaner is an awesome degreaser. just use gloves and do it outside because it's carcinogenic.

[mightymouse]

I see using WD-40 when they stopped using carberators.

I still use a carburetor! A big ol' Holley HP double pumper. Probably got a can or two of WD40 laying around as well.

[toytraindoc]

Working on customers toy trains, and if WD-40 was used for cleaning or lubercation that area would develop rust. WD-40 does draw some moisture to that area where it was sprayed. So, my opinion is to use Hoppe's #9 for your cleaning.