Ballistol Supressor Cleaner Review

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve been dealing with tactical gear and firearms for over a decade. Suppressors, or silencers as some call them, are an intricate and expensive piece of kit that demands the best care. The challenge of cleaning them, especially sealed units, is what drew me to the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner.

My experience with suppressors extends from using them on hunting rifles to tactical carbines. The build-up of carbon, lead, and other residues inside a suppressor reduces its effectiveness and can even damage it over time. Traditional cleaning methods are often messy, time-consuming, and sometimes ineffective, particularly with newer suppressor designs that feature complex internal baffles.

Unboxing the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner, I was immediately impressed by the no-nonsense packaging. The label is straightforward, explaining the product’s purpose clearly. The liquid itself is relatively low-odor, a welcome change from some of the harsher solvents I’ve used in the past. It felt like a product designed for serious use, not just a quick fix.

I’ve used other suppressor cleaners before, like those from Birchwood Casey and Lucas Oil. Birchwood Casey’s cleaner was effective but had an overwhelming odor. Lucas Oil’s product was less effective at dissolving stubborn carbon deposits. I chose the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner because of Ballistol’s reputation for quality and its claim of being able to dissolve and neutralize combustion residues, even in suppressors with intricate designs.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it lived up to its claims, but also aware that many products over-promise and under-deliver. The promise of easier cleaning for my most difficult-to-maintain suppressors had me hoping for the best.

Real-World Testing: Putting Ballistol Supressor Cleaner to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner on a .30 caliber suppressor that had seen heavy use on a semi-automatic rifle. I typically shoot at an outdoor range that offers both covered and open-air lanes. The conditions were fairly standard: dry weather with a slight breeze.

I followed the directions on the bottle, submerging the suppressor in a container filled with the cleaner. I let it soak for approximately four hours. The ease of use was immediately apparent; no mixing or complicated procedures were required.

After the soak, I rinsed the suppressor with hot water. I was immediately impressed by the amount of carbon and residue that had loosened. There were no surprises, just a cleaner suppressor and a significant reduction in the stubborn build-up.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use and cleaning, the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner has proven to be remarkably reliable. It effectively removes carbon, lead, and other residues from my suppressors. There is no sign of degradation or damage to the suppressor’s finish.

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is easy to maintain. After each use, I simply strain the used cleaner through a filter to remove larger particles. This helps extend its life and keeps it effective for subsequent cleanings. Comparing it to my previous experiences, the Ballistol product outperforms others in both cleaning power and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

Specifications

  • The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is designed to dissolve and neutralize combustion residues, making it ideal for removing carbon, lead, and other fouling from suppressors. It’s specifically formulated for intricate suppressor designs that are difficult to disassemble.
  • The product is suitable for use in sonic cleaners, further enhancing its cleaning capabilities. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a deeper, more thorough cleaning.

Performance & Functionality

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner excels at its primary job: cleaning suppressors. Its ability to dissolve stubborn carbon deposits significantly reduces cleaning time and effort. It lives up to expectations by effectively removing residue and maintaining the suppressor’s performance.

The product’s strength lies in its ease of use and powerful cleaning action. The only minor area for improvement would be more detailed instructions on soaking times for different levels of fouling.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is practical and straightforward. The liquid has a low odor and is easy to handle. The product’s weight is minimal, as it’s primarily a liquid, and it’s comfortable to use without any specialized equipment.

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. Simply submerge the suppressor, let it soak, and rinse.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner itself will last a reasonably long time with proper maintenance. Filtering the used cleaner after each use helps extend its life. The product is designed to maintain the integrity of the suppressor’s materials, ensuring that regular cleaning does not cause damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner doesn’t come with accessories. However, its effectiveness can be enhanced by using it with a sonic cleaner for a deeper clean. The cleaner is compatible with various sonic cleaning devices.

Pros and Cons of Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

Pros

  • Effectively dissolves and neutralizes combustion residues.
  • Suitable for intricate suppressor designs.
  • Can be used in a sonic cleaner for enhanced cleaning.
  • Relatively low odor compared to other solvents.
  • Easy to use with minimal effort.

Cons

  • Soaking time may vary depending on the level of fouling, requiring some experimentation.
  • Doesn’t include any accessories, requiring users to have their own cleaning containers and brushes.


Who Should Buy Ballistol Supressor Cleaner?

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is perfect for firearms enthusiasts who regularly use suppressors. This includes hunters, tactical shooters, and competitive shooters. It’s also beneficial for anyone looking for an easier and more effective way to maintain their suppressors, especially those with intricate internal designs.

This product might not be necessary for individuals who rarely use suppressors or those who are content with more basic cleaning methods.

Must-have accessories include a suitable container for soaking the suppressor, a brush for scrubbing stubborn areas, and a filter for extending the cleaner’s life.

Conclusion on Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is a high-quality product that delivers on its promises. It simplifies the often tedious task of suppressor cleaning, making it more efficient and effective. At $17.99, the price is justified by its performance and ease of use.

I would personally recommend the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner to anyone looking for a reliable solution to maintain their suppressors. It’s a worthwhile investment that will keep your suppressors performing at their best. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!


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