by Dana Delesoy
GunsmithUSA Contributor
In the begining: Cleaning my guns…
When I first began shooting guns I was living in northern Alberta, Canada. Winters are long and cold with me often shooting in such conditions. With shooting comes cleaning.
The first gun cleaning product I used was Outer’s solvent. Lubrication was done with Outer’s gun oil. Several times I had to clean my guns in winter when it was too cold to open windows. There was the danger of freezing hot water heating pipes should I have the window open too long, or even worse, forgetting to close them. … but the guns had to be cleaned.
For weeks, and sometimes months the ol’ windows were iced shut and not able to open. In such circumstances I was cleaning guns with no ventilation. Solvent was used, the fumes were prevalent and I was feeling the deleterious effects. Fortunately a friend introduced me to GunZilla.
Gunzilla: my new miracle gun cleaning product
Gunzilla consists of plant extracts without harmful chemicals, petroleums or solvents. I was sold on this product for those reasons alone. Thanks to my friend I purchased some and since then solvents have become a thing of the past. Since Gunzilla is a CLP (Cleans, Lubricates, Protects) it is one product performing three functions. Best of all I never have headaches, sore throats or respiritory complaints while using this product to care for my guns.
For long-term gun storage?
When storing guns lubricated with Gunzilla long term I found that in 8 to 10 months it became rancid (smelling like stale old almonds) and gummy (like honey). This does not make it a bad product but rather means “yearly cleanings” now became “8 month cleanings”. I have had it on my stored guns for over a year with no rust whatsoever incurring on the guns so rust is not an issue at the one year plus period.
A couple things of mention…
If you want to go shooting on a moments notice after Gunzilla has been sitting on your guns for over 8 months you may experience inconveniences during shooting. Short cycles have the potential of occuring in semi-auto guns. Non-spring loaded firing pins may stick in, or out. Things like that.
Another more minor thing I found using Gunzilla is it leaves whitish residues on the exterior of guns that are black and blued. I found this more prevalent on metal than plastic but it does occur on both metal and plastic. If your hands have some on it and you touch a black plastic stock or blued gun metal the residues show up the finger prints.
If you have excess of Gunzilla on the extrerior of the gun and put it into a foam-lined case it transfers to the foam and back to the gun. It clings so well it takes a few thourough passes with a clean cloth to remove any traces. A little Gunzilla goes a long way and I tend to use a little more than a little less so this could be a “me thing”.
In closing…
Gunzilla is a great product. It has many great qualities. It does not seem to be made for the long-term storage of guns if that is what you are after. If you are cleaning your guns often and within 8 months since the last application then GunZilla will certainly get the job done.
The best part of all is it is all natural. It’s easy on the lungs although I would not inhale it, bathe in it or use it as an aftershave and such. All good things in moderation.
I will add that after 3 plus years I still have some Gunzilla in a half full container and it is still good. If you are using solvent based cleaners do yourself a favor and give Gunzilla a try. It could be your new miracle CLP.
Check out their website at www.topduckproducts.com for more information.
Leave a Reply