Ed’s Red? Found on the LGS shelf.

[joshb]

Is this the good stuff like the old stuff or is it the new stuff, not as good as the old stuff?

 

[nicholst55]

I'd check the SDS from Brownells and see what it contains.

Edited to add: Looks like it does:

ACETONE 25%
KEROSENE 25%
MINERAL SPIRITS 25%
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, 25%

It sure ain't cheap though, at nearly $7 for 4 ounces!

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I'd check the SDS from Brownells and see what it contains.

Edited to add: Looks like it does:

ACETONE 25%
KEROSENE 25%
MINERAL SPIRITS 25%
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, 25%

It sure ain't cheap though, at nearly $7 for 4 ounces!

The "petroleum distillates"= automatic transmission fluid. Seriously! Good stuff, especially on carbon. You can make a gallon for about $30.
The acetone will evaporate off faster than the other ingredients. I add some periodically, to freshen it back up.
Just be careful around some stock finishes with it.

 

[232]

I don't think there has been any Gibson's around here for 20 some yrs or better.
Used to be a good variety discount store to shop in.

 

[lb-ft]

Gunsandgunsmithing, tell us more!

So do you make your own 25/25/25/25 brew? Is it used as a general bore cleaner/carbon buster? Any specifics on application methodology aside from caution on certain finishes?

I’m always a sucker for practical homebrew chemistry.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Gunsandgunsmithing, tell us more!

So do you make your own 25/25/25/25 brew? Is it used as a general bore cleaner/carbon buster? Any specifics on application methodology aside from caution on certain finishes?

I’m always a sucker for practical homebrew chemistry.

Yep, that's pretty much it. There have been a couple of variations of the formula. One calls for naphtha. I've used charcoal lighter fluid in place of the mineral spirits. The old stuff used to contain naphtha.

I use it like I do any carbon cleaner. Couple of wet patches followed by a few strokes with a good and wet bronze brush. Let it soak a bit..a wet patch or two, then dry patch it out.

That's when I go after any copper, with a good copper solvent.

It works for me and yes, I've got 3 bore scopes. Lol!

 

[mauser284]

Originally ED's red was Acetone and ATF 50/50. Usually the Acetone Separates out so you have to shake it before each use. That is probably why it is only 25% acetone and 25% mineral spirits.That is how I learned it any ways in the 1990's. I used 50/50 B12 Chemtool liquid in the metal can and Mobil-1 0W40 motor oil for a decade. Today I use 50/50 Schafferes Neutra 131 and M1 0W40. I still use the B12/Oil for cleaning from time to time just not my goto any more.

Straight M1 0W40 is fantastic for lubing hand guns and AR's almost zero wear and cold weather functions in all but artic environment good to go. I used it down to -30F no function issues.

 

[farmerjohn]

I wish I knew what hoppes puts in theirs to make that smell...
John

 

[lb-ft]

Fantastic information here gentlemen, thank you!

 

[SDWhirlwind]

For the ATF don't use the Dextron(GM) type. Least that was what I was told many yrs ago. Don't seem to get around to using it much anymore, however I don't choot as much as back in the 80's and 90's. Always used it to clean all the powder residue and crap off my revolvers. Just wipe them off with a rag with a dab on it.

 

[WyleWD]

Originally ED's red was Acetone and ATF 50/50. Usually the Acetone Separates out so you have to shake it before each use. That is probably why it is only 25% acetone and 25% mineral spirits.That is how I learned it any ways in the 1990's. I used 50/50 B12 Chemtool liquid in the metal can and Mobil-1 0W40 motor oil for a decade. Today I use 50/50 Schafferes Neutra 131 and M1 0W40. I still use the B12/Oil for cleaning from time to time just not my goto any more.

Straight M1 0W40 is fantastic for lubing hand guns and AR's almost zero wear and cold weather functions in all but artic environment good to go. I used it down to -30F no function issues.

The "original" formula is one of the best things ever concocted to use on a rusty bolt and nut, roller chain, or screw. We used it on the farm and quit buying the spray cans of stuff from the stores. Put it on, let it soak for a while and if it was going to come apart in one piece that was the stuff to use.WD

 

[J.J. Coe]

Here's a little more on Ed's Red

 

[HTSmith]

Deja Vu all over again. I make it up by the gallon but leave out the acetone. This cuts back on its effectiveness but takes a lot of fear factor out of it. Acetone will do a number on stock finishes and I mean quick.

 

[Fuj]

Substitute the ATF for Brake fluid, and substitute the
Acetone for de-natured alcohol then throw in a little
Marvel Mystery oil for color.

 

[1885Winman4590]

You know you're gettin old when you prefer the smell of Hoppes#9 to Chanel #5. Uff da

 

[JMayo]

I fear stock damage specks so much ....but I may have to try some of the stuff mentioned here.
The price of the stuff being peddled out there really sucks.

 

[Cemetery21]

I make mine without acetone too. I've heard acetone can help clean shotgun wad residue, but I don't want to have to worry about what else it eats.
a quart each: ATF, odorless kerosene (lamp oil), odorless mineral spirits.

 

[jepp2]

Acetone will do a number on stock finishes and I mean quick.

That is what I use to strip the finish on stock I want to refinish. Works on most but not all.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Brake Fluid WILL do a number on a stock finish as well as the paint on a car.

 

[stork]

Tagged.