Your questions and input help us improve your experience. Listed here are answers to many frequently asked questions by M-Pro 7 customers. We´ve organized them by topic.
How does M-Pro 7 work?
When a weapon is fired, carbon residue is deposited within the bore. The carbon becomes embedded in the micropores of the bore steel. Chips of lead and/or copper from the projectiles break loose and are also deposited onto the bore steel. Each time the weapon is fired additional layers of carbon and fouling are created. Over time, this build up negatively affects weapon trajectory and performance.
At a basic molecular level, M-Pro 7 surrounds the surface of each individual carbon particle with a negatively charged coating causing the carbon particles to repel each other. This forces the carbon particles to break up and separate allowing the carbon and embedded fouling (copper, lead, brass, plastic, etc.) to be easily brushed out.
Traditional solvents remove carbon from the bore, cleaning away loose surface carbon and fouling, but have a limited affect on the carbon bonded to the bore steel and embedded in the micropores. M-Pro 7 removes all the layers of carbon and embedded fouling for optimal weapon maintenance and performance.
If it doesn't smell, how can it work?
M-Pro 7 uses a unique blend of chemical technologies containing corrosion inhibitors and surfactants with a non-toxic solvent base to provide superior cleaning without the intense smell. Even on a “clean” weapon, M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner will remove additional carbon left behind in the bore by other gun cleaning products.
How often should my firearm be cleaned?
Most weapon manufacturers recommend cleaning every time it is fired. This helps to maintain weapon reliability and extend service life. Weapons are designed to shoot clean. Make sure all weapons are unloaded before cleaning. Everyday "carry firearms" should be cleaned weekly.
Do I need to oil my weapon after I clean it?
Yes, M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner will strip the weapon’s surface of all oil and grease. Therefore, re-oiling with M-Pro 7 Gun Oil or M-Pro 7 Cleaner Lubricant Protectant after cleaning is recommended.
What type of bore brush should I use?
The standard bronze bristle bore brush is more than adequate for general cleaning. Stainless steel is recommended for stubborn fouling removal. Nylon brushes are not effective on embedded fouling.
Will M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner harm an unprotected oil finished stock?
No, M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner will not damage the wood of the stock. However, it will remove the oil from unprotected wood (varnished wood or plastics do not apply). After cleaning, simply re-oil the stock.
Will M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner remove Cosmoline and other petroleum protectants?
Yes, M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner will remove protectants. Wipe off excess protectant, then liberally spray or soak parts and stocks in M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner and wipe clean.
Will M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner harm night sights?
No, M-Pro 7 products will not harm night sights. However, some dot sights are covered with water-based paint that may be removed.
Is M-Pro 7 safe on cold bluing, after-market or non-factory finishes?
M-Pro 7 products are completely safe on high quality after-market or non-factory finishes. M-Pro 7 Cleaners will not harm the metal, but may strip some weapons of less expensive cold bluing finishes
Is the cleaner water-based? Can it be used in an ultrasonic tank and be diluted with water?
The cleaner is not water-based, but contains a non-toxic solvent base with additional surfactants, solvents,
chelating agents and strong corrosion inhibitors. M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner is a phenomenal ultrasonic
cleaner and dissolves evenly in water. To remove heavy carbon fouling the formula can be diluted up to one part water;
one part M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner. For general ultrasonic cleaning and degreasing, dilute up to nine parts water; one part
M Pro7 Gun Cleaner. A full immersion in M-Pro7 Gun Oil is recommended after ultrasonic or tank cleaning to remove
any residual water or cleaner.
I bought a gallon of your M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner. The other day I was pouring some of it out of the one gallon container into a small glass container and I see there are lots of "flakes" floating around inside of this cleaner. What is that? Does this cleaner have a shelf life?
Although we have customers who have used the same gallon over ten years with no complaints, we recommend that M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner be used within two years of opening the product. The white flaking you see is “fallout” due to the change of pH levels in the cleaner. This does not usually affect the cleaning power. This mainly happens when the product is in direct sunlight or if the product is being re-cycled and re-used. There is no way to mix the flakes back into the original solvent; however you can filter out the flakes and use the rest of the product.
I know that Sweet's and the Shooter's Choice copper solvents both say don't leave in the bore for over 10 minutes, does the M-Pro 7 Copper Remover have the same limit?
Unlike most ammonia based products, M-Pro7 Copper Remover does not have any corrosive effect on bore steel, so it can be left indefinitely. In fact, the dried copper remover forms a wax-like coating that is a powerful corrosion inhibitor for steel; however, it also stops dissolving copper when dry.
How long or how many times can I filter the gun cleaner by straining it through a cloth and how should I store it?
You can re-use the gun cleaner several times if it is strained/filtered through a cloth to remove the carbon. Over time, carbon tends to lower the pH and reduce the cleaning efficiency in a tank. Depending on how often you clean and how well you filter the solution, it will probably last 6 months or more. Store it in an airtight container (Tupperware® type will work) at room temperature and away from sunlight if possible.
I have been using your gun oil now for about a year; I keep handguns in a canvas gun rug. After cleaning and lubing I find the lubrication has dried after 3 or 4 months. I don't see any residual or visual indications that I have indeed used a lubricant. In other words, it looks dry.
M-Pro 7 utilizes a thin coat lubrication technology that does not evaporate quickly. After a few months, the oil spreads very thin on the surface of metal and it may look like there is no lubricant, but the protectant qualities of M-Pro 7 Gun Oil may last up to 2 years depending on the environment. However, with any lubricant, you should check on your guns every 6 months or so and check for rust. Also, after long term storage (over 6 months), you should re-clean and lubricate the firearm before use.
I got cleaner in the action and firing pin chamber. How can I remove it and properly lubricate so they don’t get “gummed” up?
The gun cleaner can dry into a wax-like coating that is not a lubricant, so removal is important in those areas. Compressed air works well (i.e. keyboard cleaner/air in a can). You can also “over” oil the action. The “extra” oil will absorb the gun cleaner residue and drain off. Place one or two drops of the gun oil in the firing pin chamber to keep it from gumming up. Otherwise, we recommend a full submersion in M Pro7 Gun Oil. This way it ensures that all parts are thoroughly lubricated. After submerging, you can wipe off all excess oil and it is ready to shoot.
I normally use corrosive ammo. Is M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner effective in removing the corrosive salts?
M-Pro7 works very well on corrosive ammo and black powder. M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner instantly neutralizes the effects of corrosive ammo, black powder, ammonia and other corrosive salts.
Does M-Pro 7 work well with moly coated bullets?
M-Pro7 Products are compatible with Moly conversion surface treatments and Moly coated bullets. In fact, we highly recommend cleaning and conditioning the bore with M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner prior to using a Moly conversion surface treatment or Moly coated bullets.
Will M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner damage my polymer frame or clips?
M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner will not harm polymers, rubber, nylon, bone or most other firearm components. In fact, you could safely drop your entire firearm into an ultrasonic or parts washing tank. However, we recommend field stripping the firearm and removing any grips or stocks before immersion.
Will MPro 7 Gun Cleaner attack the nickel plating of my revolver?
M-Pro7 is perfectly safe to use on nickel plated revolvers. It really works wonders on the cylinder face and forcing cone.
While cleaning my pistol, I got some M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner on the grips and it left a whitish fog. Is this permanent?
No, it is not permanent. M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner is a powerful cleaner and can remove the oils that are in rubber and nylon. This does not cause damage, just changes the appearance. Simply take a small amount of M-Pro7 Gun Oil and rub it back into the grip with your fingers and wipe down with a lint free cloth.
Is it safe for parts to soak in MPro7 Gun Cleaner, and if so, how long can they be soaked?
It is safe (although unnecessary) to soak metal parts in any M-Pro 7 Product for weeks as long as the metal is completely covered with liquid.
As with any soaking procedure, make sure that different types of metal are not in contact with each other.
How many cleanings can be expected from a 4 oz spray bottle of M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner?
A 4 oz M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner will clean approximately 40 handguns.
How does M-Pro 7 compare against Corrosion X, Break-free CLP and Tri-Flow? They all claim to be approved by the U.S. Military, and all claim to be used by the U.S. Military. Please tell me why they think that your product is the best?
All of the above mentioned products are used by the military and function within the minimum military MILSPEC requirements.
M-Pro 7 Products perform above the minimum MILSPEC requirements and we are actually in the process of petitioning the military to raise the minimum standards. For example, the minimum cleaning efficiency for the MILSPEC is 70%. In an independent government funded test, most cleaners (including the above) scored 50 to 74% cleaning efficiency. M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner scored 98% for one cleaning pass and worked four times faster.
Will M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaners remove surface rust from firearms?
Yes, M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner will remove light to medium rust from firearms without damaging the finish. Spray the cleaner on the surface and then use a very stiff, short bristled nylon brush on the exterior then wipe with a dry cloth. Depending on the degree of rust, it may take a couple of applications. A wire brush may damage bluing, but can be used on other more durable finishes. Apply the M-Pro 7 Gun Oil or M Pro 7 CLP to prevent future rusting.
I purchased a 32oz bottle of MPro7 about 2 years ago and have been using it in a disposable plastic container as a dip tank. This seems to be working fine, but the M-Pro7 has turned white and seems to have thickened. What has caused this change in appearance and thickness?
The change in appearance and thickness are from two things:
1. Evaporation: M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner over time does lose some solvents and surfactants to evaporation. Exposure to the air can also lower the pH.
2. Carbon: MPro7 Gun Cleaner is an alkali or base solution. Carbon fouling is acidic in nature. Over time, even with filtering, the carbon lowers the pH value of the gun cleaner. Once the pH falls below 8, the cleaner needs to be replaced.
Can I still use M-Pro7 Products if they freeze in shipment or storage?
Yes. All M-Pro7 Products have been tested for freeze/thaw storage stability.
M-Pro 7 Gun Oil safe for rubber seals such as those found in pneumatic pistols/rifles?
Yes.
Do any of your products contain a Carcinogen or Potential Carcinogen?
None of M-Pro7 Products contain any type of carcinogen or potential carcinogen.
Note: M-Pro7 Cleaner Lubricant Protectant (CLP) can be used interchangeably with M-Pro7 Gun Oil.
In the literature, M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner claims that it will take the black carbon off of a stainless steel revolver cylinder. I’ve tried it and the black will not come off.
There are several reasons that the black carbon may not come off immediately or completely. First, we recommend using a stainless steel tooth-style brush or ScotchBrite® pad to remove the black carbon. Nylon or copper brushes may not work. In addition, stainless steel is not completely “stainless”. There are a few brands of revolvers (such as the Ruger Redhawk) that have different alloys of stainless steel that tend to actually stain. It is not a reflection on the quality of the firearm; it just has a different reaction to the carbon and chemicals in the propellant. This type of carbon staining can only be removed by an acid etch or abrasive which we do not recommend. The resulting rings are cosmetic and do not affect performance.