Best Gun Solvents of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Gun solvents are essential for maintaining the longevity and efficiency of firearms. These solvents are specially formulated to dissolve and remove stubborn fouling, residue, and other contaminants from the inner workings of guns. They are available in various types, including aerosol sprays, liquids, and wipes, and are designed to work with specific types of firearms. Gun solvents are an important part of gun cleaning kits and are used by gun enthusiasts, hunters, and law enforcement officers alike. They are easy to use and offer a cost-effective way to keep firearms in top condition.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent Cover #TOP 1
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner Cover #TOP 2
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hoppe's Gun-Solvents Cover #TOP 3
Hoppe's Gun-Solvents
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gun Solvents

#TOP 1

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent

Orange
32 oz
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent Cover
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent, 1-Quart Bottle

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaning Solvent is a worldwide favorite since 1903, which includes 1 quart bottle. Its ultra-potent and effective formula penetrates deep and rapidly, which makes it easy and safe to use. The child proof cap adds an extra layer of safety to its users. The packaging may vary, but the high effectiveness of the product is always guaranteed.

What We Like
Effective gun cleaning
Economical large size
Long-lasting formula
Widely available
Trusted by users for years
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
Occasional shipping issues
#TOP 2

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner

904B
5 oz
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner Cover
Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner, 5 oz. Bottle

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is a worldwide favorite gun solvent since 1903. It's ultra-effective and penetrates deep and rapidly, making it a potent and safe solution to clean your gun. The child-proof cap makes it safe to use, and the 5 oz. bottle is perfect for easy storage.

What We Like
Effective bore cleaning
Cost-effective over time
Easy to use
Gentle on metal
Trusted for generations
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
#TOP 3

Hoppe's Gun-Solvents

Multi
One Size
Hoppe's Gun-Solvents Cover
Hoppe's Gun-Solvents

Hoppe's Gun-Solvents is a superior cleaning formula that quickly and easily dissolves Copper and powder residue, eliminating the need for harsh scrubbing or brushing. The foam turns blue indicating Copper removal or black indicating powder removal, making it easy to use. The twelve ounce bottle is perfect for gun enthusiasts and those who need to keep their firearms clean and in good condition.

What We Like
Effective cleaning performance
Foaming action for deeper cleaning
Excellent for older, fouled barrels
Good applicator tube design
What We Don't Like
Application nozzle could be improved
Some product waste noted
#TOP 4

M-Pro 7 Prom Gun Cleaner Spray

070-1005
Multi
One Size
M-Pro 7 Prom Gun Cleaner Spray Cover
M-Pro 7 Prom, Advanced 8oz Gun Cleaner Spray Bottle, Ideal for Firearm Maintenance

The M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner is a powerful tool for maintaining your firearms. It effectively eliminates carbon, lead, and copper fouling, ensuring your weapon stays clean and functional. Being odorless and non-toxic, it provides a safe cleaning experience, allowing you to use it without worrying about harmful fumes. Additionally, this cleaner conditions the bore, which helps prevent future build-up, making your maintenance routine easier. Regular use enhances the accuracy and reliability of your firearms, giving you peace of mind whether you're at the range or in the field.

What We Like
Minimal odor
Effective cleaning
Easy application with spray bottle
Cost-effective
Safe for indoor use
What We Don't Like
May require multiple applications
Not a CLP product
#TOP 5

Lucas Oil Extreme Duty Bore Solvent & Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner

10907
Multi
One Size
Lucas Oil Extreme Duty Bore Solvent & Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner Cover
Lucas Oil 10907 Extreme Duty Bore Solvent & Ultrasonic Gun Cleaner - 4 Ounces

Lucas Oil Gun Cleaner is a powerful solution for maintaining your firearms. It cleans and protects your guns while offering excellent rust protection. The low odor with a pleasant grape scent makes it user-friendly. You can use it in ultrasonic cleaners without the need for mixing, rinsing, or oil dipping afterward, saving you time and money. Its solvent-based formula is ideal for heated units, ensuring safety with a flashpoint of 210°F.

What We Like
Effective cleaning performance
No overpowering odor
Non-toxic formulation
Great for ultrasonic cleaners
Pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
Small bottle size
Potential sealing issues
#TOP 6

Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner Spray

4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner Spray Cover
Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner, 2 oz. Spray Bottle

Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner is designed to effectively remove lead, copper, and other buildup from your firearm. Its low-odor formula makes cleaning more pleasant, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. This cleaner penetrates the metal's pores, ensuring a deep clean that helps prevent future buildup. Additionally, it conditions the bore to protect against rust, extending the life of your gun. With regular use, you'll find that your cleaning time can be reduced by up to 80%, giving you more time to enjoy your shooting experience.

What We Like
Effective cleaning performance
Odorless for confined spaces
Easy application in hard-to-reach areas
Quick drying time
Suitable for indoor use
What We Don't Like
May dry hands without gloves
#TOP 7

FrogLube Solvent

14976
Multi
8 oz
FrogLube Solvent Cover
Frog Lube Solvent 8 oz Spray Bottle

FrogLube Solvent Spray is an 8 fl oz gun solvent by Frog Lube. This non-hazardous solvent can be easily disposed of without requiring any prohibitive hazmat controls. With its ability to dissolve carbon on contact, it serves as a great cleaner for removing all petroleum products and junk. Whether you need to clean your firearm or remove built-up residue, FrogLube Solvent Spray provides a convenient solution. Its non-hazardous nature ensures safe usage, while its carbon dissolving properties make cleaning effortless. Say goodbye to stubborn carbon deposits and hello to a cleaner, more efficient firearm with FrogLube Solvent Spray.

What We Like
Effective cleaning performance
Eco-friendly formulation
Easy to apply and wipe off
Good for new firearms
No harsh odors
What We Don't Like
May require time for full effect
#TOP 8

Real Avid Gun Cleaning Solvent & Bore Cleaner

AVFBC12A
Real Avid Gun Cleaning Solvent & Bore Cleaner Cover
Real Avid 12oz Gun Cleaning Solvent & Bore Cleaner | Ideal for Gun Cleaning & Firearm Maintenance | Foaming Gun Solvent Removes Carbon & Copper Effortlessly & Maximizes Barrel Accuracy

Real Avid Bore Cleaner is a powerful gun cleaning solution designed to make the process easier and more effective. Its foaming bore cleaner infiltrates the barrel, expanding aggressively to reach the lands, grooves, and rifling. This ensures a thorough cleaning and maximizes barrel accuracy. The bore cleaner also acts as a copper solvent, flushing out carbon and rapidly dissolving copper residue that can build up in the bore. This is crucial as copper residue compromises accuracy and can lead to pitting and bore degradation over time. With Real Avid Bore Cleaner, you can clean your gun with confidence, as the foam changes color to indicate the removal of copper and powder. This helps you determine if you need to repeat the cleaning process for extreme, heavy build-up. Real Avid Bore Cleaner is a dedicated solution formulated to tackle baked-on fouling, burnt powder, carbon, copper build-up, and other residue that accumulates in bores. For optimal results, it is recommended for use in the bore only and not on rubber, polymer, wood parts, or painted or dipped finishes. Real Avid Bore Cleaner is part of a comprehensive gun cleaning system, including Foul-Out Gunk Blaster and Gun-Max Gun Oil, providing total gun cleaning solutions.

What We Like
Effective cleaning agent
Improves cleaning habits
Removes more residue
Foams well on application
What We Don't Like
Short hose length
Cap design issues
#TOP 9

Breakthrough Clean Gun Spray 6oz

B Breakthrough Clean Technologies
BTA-MS-6OZ
Multi
6 Ounce
Breakthrough Clean Gun Spray 6oz Cover
Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Gun Spray Cleaning Solvent - Cleaner and Degreaser for Handguns and Rifles - Automotive Oil and Grease Remover - 6oz

Breakthrough Gun Cleaner is a versatile solution designed to keep your firearms in top condition. This military-grade solvent effectively removes oil, grease, and carbon buildup without any harsh smells, making it easy to use. You’ll appreciate how it helps reduce the frequency of cleanings, allowing for quick maintenance. Additionally, it’s safe for various materials, including wood and plastics, ensuring no damage occurs during cleaning. Whether you’re maintaining handguns, rifles, or even tools like knives and fishing reels, this cleaner provides a reliable and efficient way to maintain your gear.

What We Like
Multipurpose cleaner for various equipment
No unpleasant fumes
Safe for multiple materials
Reduces cleaning frequency
#TOP 10

Slip2000 Carbon Killer Gun Solvent

60108
Green
15-Ounce
Slip2000 Carbon Killer Gun Solvent Cover
Slip 2000 Carbon Killer, 15-Ounce

Slip2000 Carbon Killer Gun Solvent is a reusable, water-based cleaner that effectively removes carbon, lead, and plastic build-up from any metal gun part. Using it with Slip2000 lubricant reduces cleanup time by up to 75%. It is non-toxic and non-hazardous, ensuring the user's safety during the cleaning process.

What We Like
Effective carbon removal
Works on tough carbon deposits
Pleasant scent
Non-abrasive cleaning
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Moderately successful for heavy fouling
Perceived as overpriced
Buying Guide Image

Best Gun Solvents to Fullfill Your Needs

What is Gun Solvent?

Gun solvent is a type of cleaning solution specifically designed for firearms. It is used to dissolve and remove carbon deposits, powder fouling, and other gunk that builds up on the internal parts of a gun during regular use. Gun solvent can help keep your firearm functioning properly and can also help prevent rust and corrosion.

Why do you need Gun Solvent?

Gun solvent is an essential part of a regular gun cleaning and maintenance routine. Over time, gunk can build up on the internal parts of your firearm, making it difficult for the gun to function properly. This can lead to jams, misfires, and other problems. By using gun solvent, you can dissolve and remove this gunk, ensuring that your firearm functions smoothly and reliably.

How to choose the right Gun Solvent for your needs?

When choosing a gun solvent, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

  1. Type of solvent: There are several different types of gun solvent, including petroleum-based, water-based, and synthetic. Petroleum-based solvent is typically the most effective at dissolving carbon deposits and other gunk, but it can be harmful to the environment and can damage plastic and rubber parts. Water-based solvent is safer for the environment, but it is not as effective at dissolving gunk. Synthetic solvent is a good middle ground, offering both effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

  2. Type of firearm: Different types of firearms require different types of solvent. For example, shotguns and rifles typically require a solvent that is effective at dissolving powder fouling, while handguns typically require a solvent that is effective at dissolving carbon deposits. Make sure to choose a solvent that is specifically designed for the type of firearm you own.

  3. Application method: Gun solvent can be applied in several different ways, including by brush, by patch, or by spraying directly onto the firearm. The best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of firearm you own. For example, if you have a shotgun with a lot of tight spaces, using a brush or patch might be easier than spraying solvent directly onto the gun.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gun solvent is an important part of maintaining your firearm. By considering the type of solvent, the type of firearm, and the application method, you can find a gun solvent that will effectively dissolve and remove gunk, helping to keep your firearm functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What solvents are used to clean guns?

Common solvents used to clean guns include acetone, heptane, toluene, carbon dioxide, and methanol. These solvents are effective in removing oil, grease, and carbon build-up from firearms.

2. What is military grade solvent on guns for?

Military-grade solvent is a versatile cleaner and degreaser specifically designed for removing oil, grease, and carbon build-up from guns. It is safe to use on various gun components, including wood, plastic, and polymer.

3. What can I use instead of gun solvent?

If you don't have gun solvent, you can make a DIY cleaning solution using equal parts kerosene, automatic transmission fluid, mineral spirits, and acetone. This homemade solution can effectively clean and lubricate firearms.

4. Can you use WD-40 as a gun cleaning solvent?

While WD-40 can be used to remove moisture and grime from guns, it is not recommended as a long-term gun cleaning solvent. It is important to use an actual gun cleaner to remove any residue left behind by WD-40 and to properly lubricate the firearm.

5. What do gunsmiths clean guns with?

Gunsmiths often use professional-grade gun cleaners and gun oil baths to clean firearms. Some gunsmiths may also utilize parts washers or ultrasonic gun cleaning machines for a more thorough cleaning.

6. Can hydrogen peroxide clean a gun?

Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a cleaning agent for guns. Mixing hydrogen peroxide with water in a 50/50 solution can help remove metal deposits, burned particles of metal and gunpowder, and restore the shine of the gun's exterior.

7. Do you need gun solvent?

Using a gun solvent regularly is recommended as it helps maintain the performance and longevity of firearms. A good gun solvent effectively removes dirt, oil, and carbon build-up, ensuring that the firearm is in optimal working condition.

Editor's Notes

During our gun solvent research, we found 24 gun solvent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 94,587 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gun solvents list. We found that most customers choose gun solvents with an average price of $12.85.

The gun solvents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gun solvents, including HOPPE'S, M-Pro 7, Lucas Oil, Frog Lube, Real Avid. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.