In 1995 I mixed my first " Northern Arizona Armory No. 18" or "No. 18" bore cleaner and hundreds of users have told me that they think this fast acting bore cleaner is more effective than commercial products. I urge you to try some and give it a fair trial, compared to whatever you have been using.
Competitive shooters, gun clubs and anyone who use a gallon or more of rifle bore cleaner annually can save by buying in bulk. This cleaner has an action very similar to standard military issue rifle bore cleaner, such as Mil-C-372B. Users report it is more effective than Hoppe's for removing plastic fouling in shotgun bores, or caked carbon fouling in semi-automatic rifles or pistols, or in removing leading in revolvers. It is not as effective as Sweets 7.62, Hoppe's Bench Rest Nine or Shooter's Choice for fast removal of heavy copper fouling in rifle bores. However, because "No. 18" is more effective in removing caked carbon and abrasive primer residues than other cleaners, metal fouling is greatly reduced when "No. 18" is used on a continuing basis. I originally came up with this mix because I am an Armourer and hand loading experimenter who uses a lot of rifle bore cleaner. I was not satisfied with the performance and price of commercial products. I knew there was no reason why a more effective firearm bore cleaner couldn't be made. The result is effective, provides good corrosion protection and adequate residual lubrication so that routine "oiling" after cleaning is rarely necessary, except for long-term storage of over 1 year, or harsh service environments, such as salt water exposure and further it works great on auto-loading rifles such as the M-1, AK-47 and SKS. "No. 18" will easily remove hardened Cosmolene from stored weapons.
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This formula is based on one in Hatcher's Notebook for "Frankford Arsenal Cleaner No. 18," but substituting equivalent modern materials. There isn't anything in No. 18 which chemically dissolves copper fouling in rifle bores, but it does a better job removing caked on carbon and primer residue than anything else which is safe and commonly available. Numerous users have told me, that because it removes the old impacted powder fouling which is left by other cleaners , which reduces the abrasion and adhesion of jacket metal to the bore surface, leaving a cleaner surface condition which reduces subsequent fouling and increases accuracy! Experience seems to indicate that "No. 18" will actually remove metal fouling it if you let it "soak," so the surfactants will do the job, though you have to be patient. The cleaner works quite well and gives adequate corrosion protection and lubrication for most users.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING Northern Arizona Armory No. 18 Bore Cleaner
Open the firearm action and ensure the bore is clear. Cleaning is most effective when done while the barrel is still warm to the touch from firing. Saturate a cotton patch with bore cleaner, wrap or impale on jag and push it through the bore from breech to muzzle. The patch should be a snug fit. Let the first patch fall off and do not pull it back into the bore. Wet a second patch, and similarly start it into the bore from the breech, this time scrubbing from the throat area forward in 4-5" strokes and gradually advancing until the patch emerges out the muzzle. Waiting approximately 30 to 60 seconda to let the bore cleaner soak will improve its action. For pitted, heavily carbon-fouled "battle" guns, leaded revolvers or neglected bores a bronze brush wet with bore cleaner may be used to remove stubborn deposits. This is unnecessary for smooth, target-grade barrels in routine use. Use a final wet patch pushed straight through the bore to flush out loosened residue dissolved by No. 18. Let the patch fall off the jag without pulling it back into the bore. If you are finished firing, leaving the bore wet will protect it from rust for 1 year under average conditions. Wipe spilled No. 18 from exterior surfaces before storing the gun. While No. 18 is harmless to blue and nickel finishes, it is harmful to most wood finishes. Before firing again, push a dry patches through the bore and dry the chamber, using a patch wrapped around a suitably sized brush or jag. First shot point of impact usually will not be disturbed by No. 18 if the bore is cleaned as described. I have determined to my satisfaction that when No. 18 is used exclusively and thoroughly, that hot water cleaning is unnecessary after use of Pyrodex or military chlorate primers. However, if bores are not wiped between shots and shots and are heavily caked from black powder fouling, hot water cleaning is recommended first to break up heavy fouling deposits. Water cleaning should be followed by a thorough flush with No. 18 to prevent after-rusting which could result from residual moisture.
It is ALWAYS good practice to clean TWICE, TWO DAYS APART whenever using chlorate primed ammunition, just to make sure you get all the corrosive residue out.
