ultrasonic cleaning

[fastarget]

I have been reading that some gunsmith are using ultrasonic cleaners to clean barrels and slides. what solutions are being used in the ultrasonic, and what are the risks/benefits. Any problems with finish, or components?
Thanks

[BrianNJ]

I have used an ultrasonic in the past. Even with brand new solution in the tank, there are certain areas on the gun that did not come as clean as I like. Then I would end up bringing out the gun cleaning kit and re-doing those areas. It never seemed to really get the barrel all that clean or the areas around the chamber. I know a guy (dummy) who cleaned his Glock in the ultrasonic, dried it off without re-lubing and fired around 30-40 rounds until the gun completely locked up. The gun was cooled down, field stripped and oiled. Then it was ok after that.

[Ric4509]

Don't use ultrasonic if the firearm is nickel plated, chrome plated, or aluminum frame. My friends S&W .22LR aluminum revolver got pitted because of the ultrasonic. I'm surprised the Glock's frame as mentioned by BrianNJ didn't get affected.

[BrianNJ]

Yea I know what your saying, but they claim the ultrasonics are polymer safe. We never had any problems with the frames on the Glocks.

[fastarget]

ultrasonics maybe hard on the aluminum, we use a piece of aluminum foil to check their efficency, if it blows a bunch of holes in it, it is still working well. Thanks for the input.

[Pappy]

I don't think it's the ultrasonic unit that's causing the problems but the solutions used...Pappy

[fastarget]

what should be used for a solution, just bore cleaner???? And I am assuming that if you dip the frame it should be completely dissambled and lubed, slide and barrel are easy.

[BrianNJ]

There was a specific solution that came in a gallon container. You would mix the solution with water. It ended up to be almost soapy in appearance and translucent.
Once the gun came out of the solution, you would have to rinse everything off in hot water. Compressed air was necessary to dry everything off. Then of course you had to apply oil.