Ballistol Supressor Cleaner Review

First Thoughts on the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner promises to solve a significant pain point for anyone who regularly uses suppressors: the dreaded carbon buildup. Ballistol is a well-known and respected name in firearm maintenance, so I was eager to see if their suppressor cleaner lived up to the brand’s reputation. My suppressors, especially those on my AR platform rifles, often become heavily fouled after even moderate range sessions, and disassembly for cleaning isn’t always an option.

I was driven to seek out this product because manual scrubbing is tedious and sometimes ineffective, especially in hard-to-reach areas of suppressors with complex baffle designs. The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner‘s claim of dissolving and neutralizing combustion residues sounded like a welcome alternative to elbow grease. Upon receiving the bottle, I immediately noticed the no-frills packaging and straightforward labeling. It wasn’t flashy, but it conveyed a sense of purpose – a tool designed to do a job, not just look good on a shelf.

Compared to other suppressor cleaning methods I’ve tried, such as soaking in harsh solvents or using ultrasonic cleaners with homemade solutions, the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner offered the potential for a safer and more convenient solution. Many solvents are environmentally unfriendly and require careful disposal, while homemade ultrasonic solutions can be hit-or-miss in terms of effectiveness. I chose the Ballistol option because it seemed like a reputable, dedicated product that wouldn’t damage my suppressors or pose significant health risks with proper ventilation. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I was excited to try it out but also skeptical of any product that claims to make cleaning that much easier.

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

First Use Experience

I put the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner to work on a particularly dirty suppressor that I had used extensively on a suppressed .300 Blackout pistol. The suppressor was visibly caked with carbon and lead deposits. I applied the cleaner liberally, following the instructions on the bottle, which involved filling the suppressor and letting it soak.

Initially, I tested it outdoors in a well-ventilated area. The fumes were noticeable but not overwhelming, a definite improvement over some harsher solvents I’ve used. After letting it soak for the recommended time, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of residue that simply poured out. A quick rinse with water, followed by a light scrub with a nylon brush, removed the remaining stubborn deposits.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner on various suppressors, including those on my .22LR and 5.56 rifles, I found it to be a reliable and effective cleaning solution. Regular use definitely prevents excessive carbon buildup, making subsequent cleaning sessions easier. I noticed no signs of damage or discoloration to the suppressor finishes.

The cleaner is easy to maintain; simply ensure proper ventilation during use and store the bottle in a cool, dry place. Compared to my previous cleaning methods, Ballistol Supressor Cleaner has been a significant time-saver and has reduced the need for aggressive scrubbing. It outperforms basic solvents in dissolving carbon fouling, and it is far less messy than using an ultrasonic cleaner.

Breaking Down the Features of Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

Specifications

  • The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is designed to dissolve and neutralize combustion residues inside suppressors. This includes carbon, lead, and other common fouling agents.

  • The cleaner is formulated to be safe for use on various suppressor materials. Including stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, without causing damage or discoloration.

  • It is suitable for both suppressors that can be dismantled and those that cannot. Offering flexibility in cleaning different suppressor designs.

  • The cleaner is also compatible for use in sonic cleaners. Enhancing its cleaning power when used with this technology.

  • It comes in a convenient bottle and the price is $17.99, making it an affordable option for regular suppressor maintenance. This represents a reasonable investment for extending the lifespan of a suppressor.

Performance & Functionality

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner excels at its primary function: removing carbon and lead fouling from suppressors. It significantly reduces the need for manual scrubbing, saving time and effort. The cleaner’s effectiveness is particularly noticeable on suppressors with intricate baffle designs, where reaching all areas for cleaning can be challenging.

The product’s strength lies in its ability to dissolve carbon buildup. Its weakness is that heavily encrusted deposits may still require some light scrubbing. It generally meets my expectations as a convenient and effective suppressor cleaner.

Design & Ergonomics

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is packaged in a simple, functional bottle. The product is easy to handle and pour. The liquid itself has a thin consistency, allowing it to easily penetrate into the tight spaces within a suppressor.

There isn’t a significant learning curve to using this cleaner; it’s straightforward to apply and rinse. It provides clear instructions on the label.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner itself doesn’t “wear out” suppressors; instead, it helps prolong their lifespan by removing corrosive residues. The solution remains effective over time when stored properly. Maintenance involves ensuring proper ventilation during use and storing the bottle securely.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner doesn’t come with accessories per se. However, its effectiveness can be enhanced with tools like nylon brushes for scrubbing stubborn deposits, or an ultrasonic cleaner for deeper cleaning. The cleaner is compatible with virtually any suppressor, regardless of brand or design. It increases its versatility as a cleaning solution.

Pros and Cons of Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

Pros

  • Effectively dissolves carbon and lead fouling, reducing the need for extensive scrubbing.
  • Safe for use on various suppressor materials, including stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum.
  • Suitable for use in both suppressors that can be dismantled and those that cannot, offering versatility.
  • Compatible with ultrasonic cleaners, enhancing cleaning power.
  • Affordable at $17.99, making it a cost-effective solution for regular suppressor maintenance.

Cons

  • Heavy carbon buildup may still require some scrubbing, it is not a complete “hands-off” solution.
  • Fumes are noticeable and require proper ventilation. It needs responsible handling.


Who Should Buy Ballistol Supressor Cleaner?

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner is perfect for shooters who regularly use suppressors and want to simplify their cleaning routine. It is particularly beneficial for those with suppressors that are difficult to disassemble or have intricate baffle designs. Tactical shooters, hunters, and competitive shooters who rely on suppressors will appreciate the time-saving and effective cleaning capabilities.

Those who should skip this product are individuals who rarely use suppressors or those who prefer extremely harsh solvents for cleaning, despite the potential risks. Someone seeking a completely hands-off, no-scrub cleaning solution might be disappointed. A must-have accessory to consider is a set of nylon brushes in various sizes to aid in scrubbing stubborn deposits.

Conclusion on Ballistol Supressor Cleaner

The Ballistol Supressor Cleaner offers a convenient and effective solution for maintaining suppressors. It dissolves carbon and lead fouling efficiently, reducing the need for extensive manual scrubbing. At $17.99, the price is justified by the time saved and the extended lifespan of your suppressor.

I would definitely recommend the Ballistol Supressor Cleaner to anyone who uses suppressors regularly. It is a valuable tool for maintaining peak performance and prolonging the life of your investment. Take the hassle out of suppressor cleaning and give Ballistol a try – you won’t regret it.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top