Ultrasonic gun cleaning?

[Remington788]

No, not cleaning an ultrasonic gun.

I just heard an ad on the radio from a local gun shop.
They are offering a service of ultrasonic cleaning of guns.

While I have toyed with the idea of dropping my 1911 slide into my ultrasonic cleaner (rather than do the full takedown to get to the firing pin), I've never done do for fear I'd screw something up or rust it up. Plus, I have a small cleaner and it wouldn't fit.
I did once use it to get the last bits of cosmoline out of my Mosin Nagant bolt. The process dulled down the chrome finish, though.

Does anyone have any experience doing this?
If you are from the store, feel free to chime in.

[Corey G]

I have had one for about 4 yrs or so now, use for my Remington bolts-in-between complete disassembly, slides etc. new ot me used guns as a first cleaning etc. They have a specific gun cleaning solution for them, as well as brass cleaning solution, I also clean my jewelry in it. Hornady, Lyman and a few others make them, one is even big enough to put a AR upper in complete.

[Remington788]

Yeah, I would think you don't want to use hot water like with jewelry or brass.
Not sure what you could use.

[SwampFoxZ71]

I've toyed with this idea as well. As Corey G stated, there is a special gun cleaning solution that can be used in them. The range I used to belong to, which is long since closed, used to offer the sonic cleaning as a service to customers. If it would ruin a customer's gun, I can't imagine they'd have been using it.

If anyone else has experience or comments, I would be glad to hear them too.

[Twoboxer]

For me the issue is getting the water out and getting lube, grease, and corrosion protection back in. Some "commercial" approaches I've seen use a specific cleaning solution, forced air drying, and a water displacing re-lube ultrasonic bath. I guess the latter step gets the lube back in wherever the ultrasonic cleaning step would have removed it.

While a Ruger Mark III can make one look longingly at ultrasonic cleaning lol, I decided I'd leave parts I can't reach dirty until a gunsmith was desired/required. IME, it is rarely needed.

[RUDY850]

when i got my sonic cleaner i got a gallon of brownells ultrasonic gun oil.after using the gun cleaning solution the oil is used to lubricate and dissipate any moisture.10 minutes in the oil in the sonic cleaner and it's good to go.

[Hodgie]

I have been using an Ultrasonic cleaner for at least 5 years now mostly cleaning cosmoline out of surplus rifles. My unit has several setting for normal or hot which aids in getting gunked in cosmo out of all the nooks and crannies. I have been using Simple green concentrate cutting it with some water for this and all cleaning applications for years with excellent success once your done remove dry and oil. Never had an issue with rust, pitting or corrosion and it costs next to nothing and lasts a long time.

[Remington788]

I think a Tupperware full of alcohol would displace any water.

[Hodgie]

I think a Tupperware full of alcohol would displace any water.

An air compressor works well too.

[Remington788]

An air compressor works well too.

Sure, but it removes the excitement of a tub full of flammable liquid.