Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

963.0. "Cleaning solvents and/or supplies" by CSC32::J_HENSON (What is 2 faced commit?) Mon May 20 1991 12:56

I recently read an article which extolled the virtues a Sweet's 7.62
solvent.  It claimed that it was by far and away the best solvent on
the market for removing copper fouling from rifle and pistol barrels.
So, I decided to try it.  Since then, I have discovered that it is
extremely hard to locate (at least here in Colorado Springs).  I
finally found some this weekend and thought that it might be appropriate
to start a topic to post information on cleaning solvents and/or
supplies.  In particular, the experience one has had with a particular
solvent, and even where you can find a local supply.  The moderator
may wish to consolidate this note with another.

I have located two different shops in the Springs area which carry Sweet's
7.62 gun cleaning solvent.  They are:

	Broken Star Trading Post
	2340 Montebello Sq. Dr.
	(719)598-9091

	      and

	The Shootin' Den
	420 W. Fillmore
	(719)634-3331

The owner of Broken Star has had some difficulty locating a source for
this, but now has a supply.  He told me that starting June 1, he will
have all that anyone needs.

The Shootin' Den seems to have trouble keeping it in stock.  I have checked with
them twice and they were sold out both times.  I assume that they will
re-order and attempt to keep a supply on hand.  Apparently, this stuff
is all the rage, now.

I tried it out on my .270 this weekend.  I have had the gun for about
15 years and have never used anything but Hoppe's No. 9 and gun oil.
It took about 15 patches with the Sweet's before I got a clean run.
However, the last 5 or so showed very little copper residue.  The
first several were pretty dirty.  I really don't have a good feel
for how well it works.  Perhaps others can share their experiences
with this or other products.

Jerry

P.S.  Cross posted in the Firearms notes conference

Is the Sweet's stuff supposed to clean better or be better for the 
barrel?  All I've ever used was (is) Hoppe's #9.  I like the taste ;').

just wandering,

Scott

	Scott, check out the FIREARMS notes file, there was 
	a recent discussion about Sweet's in there (note 4230).

	I have only recently started using Sweet's (on Corky's
	recommendation). I think the idea is that it 
	allows removal of copper fouling without resorting to
	the use of a brush (Sweet's dissolves the bronze brushes!).
	It seems quite efficient insofar that it produces a lot
	of blue patches - although sometimes I get impatient...

	Sweet's and a number of other solvents intended particularly
	for copper fouling removal are made on ammonia basis.
	You will certainly notice the difference between that
	smell and good old Hoppe's #9 - and you do notice any little
	cuts or wounds on your fingers pretty quick! :-) I get the 
	impression that Hoppe's #9 was designed as powder residue
	solvent, so with Hoppe's you definitely require a good 
	scrubbing to get copper fouling out. One other difference,
	perhaps : Hoppe's #9 is made on an oil basis - you can
	actually use it as a bore protector - I am not sure Sweet's 
	has oil in it or whether it requires separate bore coating?

							- Mike

	I find that Sweets works well AFTER Hoppes; first the powder residue, 
then the copper fouling.  Now, is Sweets just did not smell like s?it!

	Jim ;^)