Gun owners have long been noted for their willingness to do basic maintenance and cleaning of their firearms by themselves. Along with that comes a desire to always find a new and better way to accomplish what can be a dirty, messy chore.
In the early 1990s the recipe for a new, homemade gun cleaning mixture began making the rounds of gun shows and ranges. Knows as Ed's Red, after the developer Ed Harris, it became an alternative to commercially produced gun cleaners.
- 1 part Dexron ATF, GM Spec. D-20265 or later.
- 1 part Kerosene -- deodorized, K1
- 1 part Aliphatic Mineral Spirits
- CASʇ41-49-9, or substitute "Stoddard Solvent," CAS̥2-41-3, or equivalent.
- 1 part Acetone, CASC-64-1.
- (Optional 1 lb. of Lanolin, Anhydrous, USP per gallon, or it's OK to substitute Lanolin, Modified, Topical Lubricant from the drug store)
- 1 gallon NFPA-approved plastic gasoline container
- 1 cup metal container for pouring
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Instructions
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1
Pour the desired amount of AFT carefully into the container. Note how much is used.
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2
Pour in a matching amount of the other ingredients one at a time.
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3
Melt the optional lanolin in a double boiler and add to the mixture in a ratio of 1 pound per gallon of mixture. Stir until dissolved.
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4
Close container tightly.
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5
Label the container with warnings noting that it is for cleaning firearms, is flammable, should not be swallowed and should be used only with adequate ventilation.
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6
Clean firearms with Ed's Red in accordance with the firearm manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
