Keepin' Those Cannons Clean

Here’s that Boeshield T-9 I mentioned in the print article. The fact that Boeing spent years of research and tons of bucks on developing it ought to tell you something. As a world-class major consumer of metal alloys, they use it throughout their manufacturing process and on every aircraft that rolls outta their hangars. Test results I’ve seen confirm it does a great job of waterproofing treated surfaces, displacing moisture including saltwater, and when applied heavily, provides long-lasting protection. It contains paraffin wax and proprietary lubricants in a solvent base, and dries to a waxy film. I’m told that waterfowl hunters stalking the salt marshes on both coasts use Boeshield T-9 extensively on their shotguns and they’re really pleased with it. Hey; any product that tickles those maniacs just might be terrific!

Here’s another one mentioned but not shown in print: Ogre Enviroclean FA solvent. I’ve been using it for about a year now, and it works just fine, is easy on the nose, and it’s environmentally friendly. And, I admit, I simply admire a guy who will put so much time and work into developing a product like this because his daughter has respiratory problems and had negative reactions to her Dad’s use of bore solvent. John “Ogre” Thompson gets a big star in my book for that – maybe in yours too?

You can’t hot-dip Birchwood Casey’s Barricade rust-preventing lubricant, but it too does a fine job, adds a top-notch lubricant into the mix, and comes in several different sizes and forms. This includes their very handy sealed foil packs of Barricade-soaked wipes, perfect for dropping into a pocket or field cleaning kit. Sometimes “before” and “after” exposure and use ain’t enough; the foil packs make it easy to keep Roscoe lubed and protected “during.”

I’ve never been a big fan of “does-all” cleaner-lube-protectant products because frankly, I’ve found dedicated single-function solutions do a better job of each task. That said, I tried Centerfire’s Weapon3X (formerly known as WeaponCLP ) after my Uncle John tested it under some extreme environmental conditions — deep cold, snow, and then lots of blowing dust — and gave it a thumbs-up. Now I’m keeping it handy too. I was somewhat surprised at how well it performed at cleaning, and even more pleasantly surprised at its consistent lube performance when subjected to heat and friction; not bad at all; probably the best I’ve experienced with a triple-function product.

I’ve written about Sentry Solutions products before, and having gained a lot more experience with `em, let me plug `em again, okay? If you operate in an arid, dusty, gritty environment, you really should try their stuff. It’s good to go for virtually any conditions, but this non-oily “dry film technology” really excels in the sandbox. Smooth Kote dry gun lubricant and bore treatment dries to a slick, tough film which actually repels dust and dirt, and allows grime to be brushed off easily. As a bore conditioner, it’s been proven to enhance accuracy and even slug velocity. BP 2000 Powder is also a bore treatment, but just try it on a sticky trigger, because that’s where it shines! Remember though, Sentry Solutions’ stuff only works best from 65 F below zero to 650 F above, so if you’re routinely operating hotter and colder than that, you may be disappointed. And if you are, I want to see video of it!