Any reason NOT to have an 'ultrasonic cleaning'?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:35 pm

A local gunsmith offers ultrasonic firearms cleaning - I'm considering this for my IZH 35. But I don't know much about the process. Is there any reason to avoid subjecting a match firearm to the forces a/o chemical solutions employed in this process?

Steve Swartz · Post by **Steve Swartz** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:14 pm

Not sure about benefits . . . Besides cleaning junk out of places you can't reach (and don't matter anyhow), what are benefits of ultrasonic cleaning?

As far as "harm" goes, it has been rumored that ultrasonic cleaning removes all the tens from the gun . . . =;^)

Steve

[I am assuming that the 'smith will properly disassemble all parts, clean them ultrasonically, and lube/reassemble properly]

Fred Mannis · Post by **Fred Mannis** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:38 pm

I think Steve has put his finger on the important issue: unless the gunsmith is familiar with your IZH35, which is not a common pistol, I would be wary of allowing him to take it apart for cleaning and lubrication. Ultrasonic cleaning will remove all dirt, debris, and all lubrication, so proper reassembly and lubrication is essential.

Spencer · Post by **Spencer** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:42 pm

Anonymous wrote:A local gunsmith offers ultrasonic firearms cleaning - I'm considering this for my IZH 35. But I don't know much about the process. Is there any reason to avoid subjecting a match firearm to the forces a/o chemical solutions employed in this process?

The process is great - with the following provisos:

- Remove, electronics, timber and plastic parts.

- the 'chemical solutions' bit needs some consideration; there are some whizz-bang solutions available that can damage bluing and other finishes.
I use either water (spraying the parts to be cleaned with window cleaner first), or white spirit.
Blow dry with compressed air and re-lubricate ASAP - those clean surfaces will rust if unprotected.

- the ultrasound can (will?) loosen parts and probably can remove some screw locking compounds. Trigger settings, etc. need checking afetrwards.
I am still looking for the ejector from my HiStandard...

- Definitely get the magazines done as well.

Looking at the amount of crap (a technical term?) that comes out from some pistols can be an enlightening experience.

Spencer

solomon grundy · Post by **solomon grundy** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:23 pm

Well I'm glad that I'd asked. In my imagination, the pistol remained largely assembled and the magic bubbles simply lifted the grime away. But then I also neglected to consider the need to re-lube.

Frankly I have a dred fear of gunsmiths. There are only a few who I'd let disassemble and reassemble my IZH.

ColinC · Post by **ColinC** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:08 am

I know a guy who used to regularly strip down his Match Gun and give it an ultrasonic bath. He was a watchmaker and assured me that it was the perfect thing to do for such a finely tuned precision instrument as an MG.

I haven't seen him around lately - not sure if he's given up shooting at opens in frustration at having his super clean MG malfunction all the time or maybe that strange recoil spring might actually belong on one of his clocks and not his pistol.

Re the IZH-35M - I have one which has never malfunctioned yet. I just struggle to comprehend what the word "cleaning" means. I'll have to look it up in the dictionary. It is certainly a treatment my pistol never receives.

solomon grundy · Post by **solomon grundy** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:14 am

BTW: does anyone know where I can find instructions on detail stripping the IZH 35? I've never done more than field stripping.

Fred Mannis · Post by **Fred Mannis** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:40 pm

solomon grundy wrote:BTW: does anyone know where I can find instructions on detail stripping the IZH 35? I've never done more than field stripping.

I have never seen any instructions for detailed stripping.
I would be interested in the names of gunsmiths you know who are familiar with and could detail strip and clean an IZH 35.

solomon grundy · Post by **solomon grundy** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:06 pm

I would be interested in the names of gunsmiths you know who are familiar with and could detail strip and clean an IZH 35.

I'm thinking of Scott Pilkington and Larry Carter, but I've never inquired w/ either of them on this matter specifically. It's just that I expect that they could be trusted to approach the job w/ the proper care and diligence.

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:45 pm

We ultrasonic clean firearms every day in my shop.
It is always surprising the amout of crud that comes out of a otherwise "clean" gun.
The cleaning solution is water based (4 to 1).
It is also hot (150- 180 deg. F.)
It is followed by a 15 min. ultrasonic bath of water displacing oil.
The oil does dry up and leaves a protective coating but, the firearm must also be properly lubed, slide rail and etc..
I commenly do my IZH-35M, FAS's and others.
You do have to watch what materials you put in the tank.
The common use of plastic trigger guards, action & etc. in alot of our common rifles and shotguns is a problem.
The finish will flake completely off those parts.
You also have watch painted parts. Baked finishes are generaly OK but, you have to stay away from them if you are not sure.
A good hose down with brake cleaner usually does a good job on them.

TargetTalk

Any reason NOT to have an 'ultrasonic cleaning'?

Any reason NOT to have an 'ultrasonic cleaning'?

Re: Any reason NOT to have an 'ultrasonic cleaning'?