Gun Owner Tips
Ed’s Red Gun Cleaning Formula is famous as one of the best homemade bore cleaners and solvents. It compares favorably to military grade firearm solvents. The base formula for Ed’s Red is actually an old military mix, listed as Frankford Arsenal Nitro Solvent #18 in Hatcher’s Notebook (Julian Hatcher was the Chief of the Small Arms Division in the Ordnance Department and the Assistant Commandant of the Ordnance School for the US ARMY. Every gun enthusiast can benefit from his notebook.).
The original mixture listed there is:
- 1 part Acetone
- 1 part Kerosene
- 1 part Sperm Oil
- 1 part Mineral Spirits (turpentine)
- 1 part To every 800 c.c. add 250g Anhydrous Lanolin
Since sperm oil which is no longer readily available should be replaced with automatic transmission fluid (ATF) such as the General Motors specification for Dexron is the current substitute. Also, many users will leave out the anhydrous lanolin, which is about the only thing you won’t normally find at your local hardware or big box retailer. So, for most users as well as us here at Precision Gunworks, a modern formula would be:
- 1 part Acetone
- 1 quart Kerosene
- 1 quart ATF
- 1 quart Mineral spirits or turpentine 1 quart
Mix together in a metal bucket and store in a metal, one gallon, gasoline can. Most plastic gas cans work fine, but acetone evaporates rather quickly and can also dissolve many plastics if left in contact with them. Since metal gas cans are tough to find holding less than five gallons, I use a new one gallon paint can from the paint or hardware store. Label the gallon can well, then pour some into a half pint Mason jar with a metal lid for regular use. Acetone absorbs moisture, so you want to keep a lid on the container. Basic use and short contact of this mixture with plastic firearms, such as composite stocks or pistols or even plastic accessories will not normally cause any issues. Likewise, short contact with most wood stock finishes causes no problems. But beware, some painted surfaces can be easily marred by this, as well as many commercial firearm cleaners, so don’t do not spill on cabinets or vinyl floors. If you spill some, wipe it up immediately and give the surface a quick wash with soap and water. As with any product, testing it in an inconspicuous location is always a good idea. Use Ed’s Red the same as you would any gun solvent. It is especially effective at cleaning bores and powder residue, as well as for lighter lead fouling. It works wonders with corrosive ammunition deposits, though you’ll want to thoroughly clean with hot water first to dissolve the salts. We use Eds Red as a break free solution, when all other break free oils fail towork, try Eds Red.
TIP
Mixing ATF and acetone in a 50/50 ratio will give you some of the best penetrating oil available. Machinists Workshop Magazine did an extensive test and found this mix to be far better than WD-40 and even Kroil. Jet fuel can be substituted for the kerosene, look for Jet-A if you try this, it’s much less flammable. Most users will choose an odorless kerosene, as well as odorless mineral spirits. Some users will substitute diesel fuel, or even biodiesel, for the kerosene with similar results. Acetone can cause some people to have skin rashes and it will definitely dry skin. Many users leave it out of the mix. Acetone does most of the work in Ed’s Red, so leaving it out means a bit longer cleaning or more scrubbing. The simple solution is to wear disposable gloves to cut down on skin contact. Mineral spirits have gotten fairly high in price over the last few years, and generic paint thinner is basically just a cheaper version, so feel free to substitute it. Mink oil is easier to find than the lanolin, buy the product in the tin used for leather. Just scrape out a tin and dissolve it in the acetone, then mix Ed’s Red as usual.
Gun Storage
Some customers need only to store their firearm(s) for a few months. This is common for hunters or seasonal target shooters. While to some this is “short-term”, many folks treat their firearms as if they were putting items up for long-term. This may be for various reasons. Some folks don’t know for sure when they are going to return to the designated activity. Others want superior protection for their valuable investments. People with less than desirable storage conditions may also want to have maximum protection for their firearms. Regardless the reason for long-term storage methods on short-term storage, a gunsmith must make every effort to provide the best storage protection. Long-term storage demands some more attention, as an owner may not be inspecting their firearm as often as needed to insure preservation (i.e. see that the firearm is not rusting). These firearms may not be touched or even looked at for years at a time. Without proper protection, a firearm left alone could accrue some costly damage.
Start by totally disassembly, inspection, and cleaning. If repairs are needed that gets done first. If you are a non-professional doing this work yourself make sure you know how to properly disassemble and reassemble the firearm, if not (or if repairs are needed) take it to a competent and qualified gunsmith. Cleaning requires various methods depending on the firearm’s make, age, and use. Once cleaned and dry we use Hornady - One Shot Cleaner and Dry Lube or Froglube or WD-40® Specialist® rust-management over every piece, even the bore (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applications). You should also wear cotton gloves from this point forward for oiling and reassembly; no oily or sweaty fingerprints on any part.
Once cleaned and oiled, decide how long it will be in storage. If you shoot often or will again next hunting season keeping the gun in a gun safe with safe dehumidifier rod (we have used Liberty Safe Dehumidifier with great success) should easily get you to next season. Should the gun need to be stored for a year or more then fit the firearm into one of Brownells- TRIPLE TOUGH RUST-BLOX STORAGE KIT’s. The bags that come with this kit are amazing; they are described as follows: “Tough, flexible storage bags are puncture resistant, semi-transparent and have a 0% moisture transmission rating, so rust-protected items sealed inside will remain rust and corrosion free indefinitely. Resistant to all petroleum based oils and solvents and completely non-biodegradable. So tough they will never break down, even in full contact with soil or moisture.” Included in the kit is also some “Rust-Blox” which Brownells claims “protects up to 300 cubic inches of airtight space with time-released, corrosion-inhibiting vapors. “Blox” rust and corrosion formation on steel, aluminum, copper and brass, for at least one year. It will not harm or discolor the protected item.” You could also use protective gun wrap paper. Brownells does supply labels with the kit so you can identify your gun. If one so desired, you could even use food storage bags and vacuum seal the firearm but should still use Rust-Blox or some other oxygen absorber and rust preventer. Vacuum sealing would certainly keep that gun fresh for years to come and you could see what was in the bag. We also advise customer to use cotton gloves when handling the firearm, if they take it out of the bag, so as to not apply destructive fingerprints. The cotton gloves are advised if they want to view the firearm periodically without having to have it sent through the whole long-term storage preparation process again. we recommend the whole process every five years. When taking the items out of the bag at any time the light coating of oil should be checked and if needed additional oil rubbed on. When searching for products for long-term storage make sure they come from reputable companies. Nothing could be worse than applying a product only to find out years later that it didn’t work and you have a damaged firearm. Use quality products, and take the time to do quality work. A professional gunsmiths attention to detail, like above, will certainly give you the peace of mind that your valuable and treasured firearms will be in good shape for that once in a lifetime hunt or handing it down to your child or grandchild.