I found this test of rust preventatives for firearms useful:
The Gun Zone -- Corrosion Test
For those using HOPPE's #9, which exact product (name) are you using? HOPPE's #9 is a product line.
I am using:
- M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner for cleaning
- Breakfree CLP for cleaning & rust protection
- HOPPE's #9 Lubricating Oil for lubrication
- Tetra Gun Grease for lubrication
For a quick cleaning after a range trip, I am field stripping the gun and cleaning it with Breakfree CLP. Then I apply a small amount of HOPPE's #9 Lubricating Oil at specific points using a Q-tip.
For a more deep cleaning (every 6-12 months), I am detail stripping the gun (including magazines) and clean all parts with M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner. Then I apply Breakfree CLP to those parts. I apply a small amount of Tetra Gun Grease to specific internal points using a Q-tip. Then I apply a small amount of HOPPE's #9 Lubricating Oil at the same specific points as in the quick cleaning process using a Q-tip.
Here are a number of tips:
- Detail stripping your gun too often can wear out pins. Don't detail strip your gun after every range trip. However, detail stripping also helps to identify wear and tear, which is important for parts replacement.
- Don,t "clean" your gun with lubricating oil. (That's why my question above about HOPPE's #9.) Lubricating oil is not a solvent. It also can cause malfunctions if applied to the wrong places. Never put lubricating oil in the barrel or the firing pin channel.
- Gun grease vs. gun oil: There is lot's of information on the internet about that. I am using grease on the parts that I won't clean and oil regularly, but need lubrication (the extractor spring/channel for example).
- How much oil and which parts to oil: RTFM. Also, to quote James Yeager, people tend to overlube their handguns and underlube their rifles.
- If you carry IWB without a barrier between the metal parts of your gun and your body, wipe down the outside of your gun with Breakfree CLP regularly (daily or weekly) to remove sweat deposits.
- ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE GUN IS UNLOADED WHEN CLEANING, even when just wiping down the outside of your gun with Breakfree CLP.