Has Anyone Tried Ed's Red Gun Cleaner? Looking for Reviews!

Introduction

I’ve been hearing a lot about Ed’s Red gun cleaner lately, and I’m quite curious about its effectiveness compared to the commercial cleaners I’m used to. For those who might not know, Ed’s Red is a homemade gun cleaning solution made from a mix of ingredients that are often found around the house. I’m hoping to gather some insights from others in the community!

What is Ed’s Red Gun Cleaner?

Ed’s Red is known for being an all-purpose gun cleaner that’s not only effective but also budget-friendly. It typically consists of:

  • 1 part kerosene
  • 1 part ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
  • 1 part acetone
  • 1 part denatured alcohol

These ingredients come together to create a solvent that can tackle carbon fouling, lead deposits, and other residues that build up on firearms.

Questions I’m Hoping to Address

  1. Effectiveness: How well does Ed’s Red work for you? Is it on par with your favorite commercial products?
  2. Formulations: Have you made any modifications to the recipe? I’ve heard of some variations that add other ingredients or adjust the ratios.
  3. User Experience: Any tips for application? Does it require a different cleaning method compared to commercial cleaners?
  4. Safety: Are there any precautions I should take when using Ed’s Red?

Conclusion

I appreciate any feedback or personal stories regarding your experience with Ed’s Red gun cleaner. I’m particularly interested in knowing if anyone has noticed any long-term effects on their firearms after using this cleaner regularly. Looking forward to your input!

Thanks in advance for sharing your insights!

I’ve been using Ed’s Red for a while now and I must say, its cleaning performance is impressive. It really helps remove fouling and residue effectively, especially compared to some high-end brands I’ve tried.

That’s great to hear! I’ve never tried Ed’s Red, but I’ve always been curious how it stacks up against products like Hoppe’s No. 9. Any specific comparison for us newbies?

I’ve used both Ed’s Red and Hoppe’s No. 9, and honestly, I think Ed’s Red gets into the nooks and crannies better. It also has a slightly more pleasant odor, if that matters to anyone! :wink:

Interesting! Odor can be a deal-breaker for some. Does it leave any oily residue behind after cleaning, or is it clean?

No oily residue at all! I’ve found that it leaves my barrels clean and dry, which is a big plus. I previously tried some other products that tended to leave a film.

I’ve been a longtime user of Ed’s Red, and I can definitely vouch for its ability to cut through grime. It’s way better than some of the more commercial options I’ve used in the past.

That’s awesome! I’ve been looking for alternatives. What do you think about its ability to tackle copper fouling compared to dedicated copper cleaners?

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Ed’s Red does a decent job, but for heavy copper fouling, I still prefer a specialized product. It’s all about the application, I guess!

I’ve found Ed’s Red great for general cleaning but agree with stephaniebuck about specialized products for copper. It’s a solid go-to for routine maintenance, though!

Does anyone think Ed’s Red is as effective as other cleaner/oilers like CLP? I always look for one-stop solutions these days.

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CLP has its place, but for thorough cleaning, I think Ed’s Red takes the crown. It’s not really a direct replacement, but it does clean like a champion!

Ed’s Red is fantastic, but I once spilled it on my workbench and it cleaned the surface better than anything else! :joy:

Haha! That’s a plus for versatility, I guess! Any recommendations on something to mix with it to boost its power?

I mix a little bit of kerosene with mine. It enhances the cleaning while still maintaining the friendly nature of Ed’s Red! Just make sure to use caution.

I appreciate that tip, colemanjane! Always looking for ways to enhance my cleaning routine. Has anyone tried using Ed’s Red on ARs?

Absolutely! Works like a dream on ARs. It removes the carbon build-up without an issue.

That’s reassuring! I’m convinced, time to give Ed’s Red a try and see how it fares myself.

I’ve been using Ed’s Red for a while now. It’s effective, but make sure to wear gloves and goggles when using it—those chemicals can be harsh on skin and eyes.

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Great point! I always store mine in a well-ventilated area, away from any heat sources. Best to be cautious.

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