MPro7 + Gun Scrubber = Vepr finish remover

[Ian]

I just finished cleaning my Vepr II .223 using Mpro7 cleaner and Gun Scrubber. I took off the forearm for the first time, and removed the FCG to give it a good cleaning. I used Mpro7 cleaner, which I normally reserve for the barrel, on the whole gun because I was out of Hoppe’s Semi-auto solvent. I cleaned the receiver first with Mpro7 and a nylon bristle brush. Dirty foam was soon whipped up, which I wiped off as best I could with a rag. I felt a film-like residue on the receiver, so I tried to spray it off with Gun Scrubber. At this point, a viscous pinkish-white substance appeared where the fluid dripped off the receiver. I then liberally sprayed Gun Scrubber over the receiver and in the rear sight block to remove this substance. When done, the receiver was clean, but the outside surface of the receiver didn’t feel as smooth as it used to be. It seems that either a residue was left on the surface, or part of the finish was unevenly removed; there is no visual evidence of finish removal.

I then (foolishly?) proceeded to clean the rest of the rifle with Mpro7. I didn’t encounter the pinkish-white substance again. However, I did remove some of the black finish on the bolt carrier, just behind the piston, when I scrubbed it with Mpro7 and the nylon brush. At first, I thought I was scrubbing away an Mpro7 residue. When I realized (too late) that it was the finish, I stopped and sprayed it clean with Gun Scrubber. (See pictures.) Fortunately, the bolt carrier was the last component I had to clean. I then oiled everything and reassembled it.

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/15211boltcarrier1a-med.jpg
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/15211boltcarrier2a-med.jpg
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/15211boltcarrier3a-med.jpg

I’m going to re-clean this rifle with Hoppes’s Semi-auto solvent before shooting it again. I’ll reserve Mpro7 for the barrel only. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Thanks,
Ian

[mack8384]

The Veprs finish is not very forgiving of harsh chemical cleaners. It is written in small print somewhere in the owners manual. I just use Hoppes 9 on mine and am extra careful of spilling any on the outside finish.

Mack M.

[Ian]

I couldn't find the warning in the small print because it's listed in bold, capital letters! It seems that Hoppe's solvent is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.

Ian

[Hamburger]

next time you randomly mix aggressive chemicals, don't forget to wear a gas mask.... :eek:

[00_buckshot]

Why don't you just stick with CLP for everything? That way you know your gun is getting cleaned as much as it needs to be without damaging any finishes. Then just add a thin coat over the exterior of the whole thing before you put her back in the safe and you know the whole thing will be protected.

[The Body Bagger]

I'll second the advice for use of CLP. I use FP-10 (only the best!!!) on every firearm I own. It does a great job of sealing out the crap in future range sessions. All I do is take slightly damp cloth with fp-10 on it to wipe down the exterior. The bore and barrel I let sit over night (penetrates better) with as much as possible an even application of it. The next day just brush and patch and you are all set!!!

[gibsonite]

I like Hoppes as a bore cleaner, but I don't clean my finish with it. It's pretty stout stuff! ;)