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8mmFan
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:30 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 17 Mar 2007
Posts: 203

Been away for a bit guys, so, I hope this finds everyone--and all of yours--well. If this has already been covered I apologize. I looked for it, but...

I know it's a crazy question, but does anyone have any idea what I could use to wipe down firearms to kill the corona virus?

The reason I'm asking is that I am going to take some of my clients shooting sporting clays, trap, and/or skeet. I am going to loan a couple of them shotguns of mine. For their own mental reassurance, as well as mine, I want to wipe the shotguns down with something that would kill the virus.

I have to believe any petroleum-based product would work (e.g. Ballistol, Hoppes, etc.?), but does anyone know, for sure? I haven't seen anything in the gun press about it. When we used to de-horn cattle as a kid, my dad always made us wash our hands and forearms with gasoline.

What I don't want to do is use something like Clorox wipes, etc., that might damage the finish on wood, steel, or aluminum alloy.

Any ideas? Thanks much.

8mmFan
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skeettx
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:02 pm  Reply with quote
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Because of post below I did some research and changed my post

https://algerie54.com/2020/02/12/coronavirus-ballistol/


Last edited by skeettx on Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:15 pm; edited 2 times in total

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16'er
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:11 pm  Reply with quote
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Ballistol would be my choice. You can use it on all metal and wood surfaces, so that’s the big plus.
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William J. siefert
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:13 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 13 Jul 2017
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Solvents kill virus by drawing the water out of them That is why Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol work. (At concentrations over 70%.) The solvent must be water soluble to work. I'm not a medical professional but I suspect Acetone would also work.

Most of the common gun cleaning Chemicals are not water soluble. If they work, it would have to be through a different mechanism then alcohol. I wouldn't bet my butt on it.

Alcohol and Acetone won't damage steel or aluminum. Guns with dipped coating on the barrel, action and or stock shouldn't have a problem with alcohol. Acetone is much less polymer friendly and is more likely to damage polymer finishes. When in doubt, ask the mfg. of the firearm.

Your concern about bleach is well founded. I sure wouldn't used it.

Bill
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WyoChukar
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:17 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 16 Jul 2015
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Location: Hudson,Wy

When I picked up the Cogswell yesterday, I cleaned it with rubbing alcohol soaked paper towel. I oiled the metal work afterwards.

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8mmFan
PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:38 pm  Reply with quote



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Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.
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harkom
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 3:57 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 01 Mar 2017
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UV LIGHT.
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hayseed
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 4:25 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 14 Feb 2017
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Just in case you miss a spot, I’d recommend a good bourbon afterwards as a relaxing way to self medicate/sterilize.
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dannypratt
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 8:36 am  Reply with quote
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I'd have to think that prodigious sunshine would work exceptionally well as someone else mentioned. Direct sunlight does kill germs. I dont know how quickly, but it does indeed work.

Would a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe harm something on a traditional firearm?
I wouldn't think it would, but maybe I'm missing something in thinking.

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Gil S
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:01 am  Reply with quote
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As for alcohol being gun friendly, a choke manufacturer I know would routinely run an alcohol swab through his competition gun barrel between shots in competitive "turkey" shoots. His gun patterns were best after doing so between shots. Gil
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John Singer
PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:45 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 03 Sep 2014
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Location: Rochester, MN

Dry Gas (gasoline additives for removing water from gasoline) comes in two forms, methanol and isopropyl alcohol.

The isopropyl alcohol is sold as Iso-Heet. It is available at Walmart or many gas stations. I have used it for years to remove oil from rifle barrels or to clean muzzleloaders. It does not harm metal finishes. I do not think it will harm wood finishes. You can test it and see.

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dannypratt
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:14 am  Reply with quote
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Isopropyl Alcohol shouldnt harm the wood finishes. It does tend to dry out the oil finishes , but it doesnt damage them.

Good idea

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dannypratt
PostPosted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:17 am  Reply with quote
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Isopropyl Alcohol shouldnt harm the wood finishes. It does tend to dry out the oil finishes , but it doesnt damage them.

Good idea

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16'er
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 4:12 am  Reply with quote
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One part ballistol to three or four parts isopropyl alcohol should be an effective mixture. Ballistol forms an emulsion with water, so should mix nicely with the rubbing alcohol. Get one of the small spray bottles near the hair dying supplies and spray on, leave a minute, wipe excess off with a cloth then let dry in the sun for a while. Sunlight, although has some anti microbial action, is just to dry off the alcohol mostly. Amount of UV Required to kill Coronavirus exceeds concentration of UV in sunlight.
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Dave in Maine
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 6:08 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 12 Sep 2010
Posts: 1972
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hayseed wrote:
Just in case you miss a spot, I’d recommend a good bourbon afterwards as a relaxing way to self medicate/sterilize.


You beat me to it. Whiskey. Cures all. Cleans all.

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