Need Help - How do I decontaminate my guns?

Isopropyl alcohol dries out objects by its very nature, even metals
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You are joking, right?
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I wasn't joking. Maybe I'm wrong. I thought I read somewhere that Isopropyl alcohol dries out metals and makes them more brittle by tightening their molecular structure. That's is why I asked the question in my OP. Like I said, maybe I'm wrong.
 
Isopropyl alcohol dries out metals and makes them more brittle by tightening their molecular structure
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Wow, I don't know where you heard that, but that just isn't so. As a chemist, I think that is one of the silliest things I've ever heard, in fact.

There is no water in the metal for the alcohol to interact with.
 
Alcohol absorbs water. It won't make metal brittle unless it's a poruous mesh finer than steel wool that doesn't exist to my knowledge. ;) Most folks don't want water on their guns.

I use if often to clean off old oil and after exposure to high humidity or dunking.

It won't hurt a thing!
 
Just to play devil's advocate,,,

There is no water in the metal for the alcohol to interact with.
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It will however dissolve any oil from the metal.

In fact a cold blue product I purchased specifically said,,,
Use rubbing alcohol to remove any surface oil before using their product.

I would think after you wiped it with alcohol,,,
One would need to re-oil the surface.

Just saying,,, :)

Aarond

.
 
Thanks, that's great news! Sets my mind at ease using the isopropyl alcohol especially coming from people in the who are chemists, those that have used bluing products and the products instructions, and how it (isopropyl alcohol) will remove all oil (which a few of you have mentioned). Very relieved.

Do you guys then suggest 1. Cleaning with the isopropyl alcohol 2. Put Remington Oil on the area cleaned 3. Using a silicone cloth to add another layer of protection and shine.

Really appreciate your views guys. Really a relief to hear.
 
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Glad to be of help. Don't believe everything you hear. There is a lot of nonsense on the Internet and on the street; learn to be skeptical.

When it comes to firearms, the folks here have a wealth of knowledge.
 
Cowboy, I understand the need to wipe them down and clean them after many have handled them....but disinfect them?

Do you disinfect change from buying a Big Mac at MacDonald's? Doorknobs on restrooms you visit? Library books?

All three, I'd wager, will be as bad or worse than your guns in terms of bacterial contamination.
 
Glad to be of help. Don't believe everything you hear. There is a lot of nonsense on the Internet and on the street; learn to be skeptical.
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You're right about the web. I'm an extremely skeptical person to put it mildly. My motto is "Prove All Things". So when I said that about the alcohol and the metal structure, I had done a lot of research (must have incorrectly remembered or misapplied the info to metal. Like I think alcohol would dry out wood) with respect to the cleaning of computers and pc components in regard to isopropyl alcohol as I work in IT and needed to find a safe way to clean sensitive computer and technology components.

Irregardless, thanks Sparks for setting me strait on metal and gun metal in particular.



When it comes to firearms, the folks here have a wealth of knowledge.
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There sure is, that is why I'm here in this community. To help and to learn. :D
 
Do you disinfect change from buying a Big Mac at MacDonald's? Doorknobs on restrooms you visit? Library books?

All three, I'd wager, will be as bad or worse than your guns in terms of bacterial contamination.
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Don't forget gas pump handles, dollars from strippers or for that matter, how prisoners eat money and then extricate it (use your imagination there) etc..etc..etc. My mind works overtime following logical conclusions to where things have been and what they touched...lol.

Anyway, nope...I wash my hands or use logic...ie.. using a paper towel for restroom door handles...anyway, let's not get started on all that. I just wanted to clean my firearms and be sanitary. And yes, I know some germs are good and they help to build up body immunities. Guess I just like things clean when I have the option.

Thanks everyone.
 
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Wow, I'm almost a germophobe (mostly hotel rooms after you guys have been in 'em :D) but this is a new height. I'd worry more about the handles on shopping carts a Wally World! :eek:
 
I only let drunks shoot my guns so that there is alcohol already on them. No germ worries that way :)

I would think any normal cleaning products would kill any common pathogen.
 
70% Isopropyl alcohol is one of the better disinfectants, but needs to be allowed to dry on the surface, not just wiped back off. Takes a little time to kill the beasties. Alcohol wipes work well.

Not sure I worry much about bugs on firearms. The most contaminated thing in the house, outside the bathroom, is probably a computer keyboard...
 
Let's lay off the condescending remarks. The OP asked a question he honestly didn't know the answer to and that's why TFL exists.

As Rule #3 states: 3. No spamming, trolling, flaming, invective or other personal attacks, be they acrimonious or veiled in humor. If you take issue with a Member's position, by all means speak your mind. If you have a problem with a Member's religion, national origin, sex, politics, associations, or personal hygiene, then take it to email.
 
My main concern about my firearm is rust, not germs. So I clean it with hoppes and oil it down after every use. I use rubber gloves in the process so the chemicals do not get absorbed in my skin. Then when I am done I disinfect my hands with a good hand sanitizer.
 
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