Most of us gun sluts know that the major ingredient in smokeless powder is nitrocellulose(also known as cellulose nitrate). Less well known is that nitrocellulose is a plastic and even is used to formulate varnishes and glues. It occured to me while I was formulating a special fuse varnish of clear cellulose nitrate sheets dissolved in acetone that organic ketones had a high affinity for cellulose nitrate. I got to thinking that gun fouling might be stabilized by uncombusted but melted nitrocellulose. Anyway all of this thinking lead to me trying clear plastic pipe cleaner, which is methyl-ethyl-ketone, as a gun cleaner. IT WORKED big time. Not only did it work, but it is available in small cans with a little dobber to apply it with. A can of this stuff is all you need to super clean 38 snubbies. You don't even need a cleaning rod or patch. Now this stuff also might attack even remove finishes including the clear coat on alloy frames, varnish, waxes, oils etc. It can be very useful to remove built up residues. It does not seem to affect metals except to strip them of lubricants and corrosion preventers. It is extremely flammible and volitile and stinks. When not in use keep the lid on it TIGHT or it will evaporate. Check the lable often to make sure you get CLEANER not CEMENT!!! You should oil the gun after.
