‘Weapon Shield’: The new standard in firearms cleaning.

If you shoot often you also clean your firearms often.  There are many fine products out there, but, wouldn’t you like to have just one do it all?  I think I have finally found that one.  Weapon Shield by Steel Shield Technologies is that one.

Cleaning products for firearms are plentiful.  Knowing which ones to use is often a matter of opinion.  In recent years synthetics have come to the fore front of firearms cleaning and protection.  The advantage of synthetic lubricants is that they can withstand higher temperatures, don’t evaporate like petroleum based products, and don’t attract dust like regular gun oil does.  The obvious choice was Break Free CLP.

Break Free CLP is a fine product and does the job well.  I have used it for quite a while, but, have always been concerned about two things.  First, it does clean the bore, but, not as well as a dedicated product like Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent.  Second, Break Free CLP contains solvents and you need to take some precautions with ventilation when using it.  Consequently, I used both Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent and Break Free CLP to effectively clean my firearms.  This worked well, but, I still wanted a single product to do it all.

I was watching a YouTube video by Nuntnfancy, Gunsmithing the 1911:  Trigger Job by “Terry G”.  In this series of videos, Terry Gardner of Impact Guns tunes-up a model 1911 Taurus and uses a new lubricant…Weapon Shield.  He spoke highly of it, so, I thought I would give it a try.

I was placing an order with Midway USA and saw that they had Weapons Shield.  The price was right, $8.79, so I ordered the 4-oz. bottle.  When it arrived, I noticed the the information of the bottle said Weapon Shield contains no solvents and was non-toxic.  I must admit, the first thoughts after reading this was, “this will not clean a gun”.  But after using it on my new Ruger 10/22 Tapco Tactical rifle (review coming), I was sold!  Weapon Shield pulled all the gunk and grime out of the barrel.  There was no harsh smell while using Weapon Shield.  This cleaner/lubricant/protectant has considerable viscosity.  It wouldn’t just run off during storage.  Since Weapon Shield is a synthetic, there was very little dust attraction like with petroleum products.

I looked up the material safety data sheet for Weapon Shield and it confirms that no solvents are used, it is not flammable under normal conditions, and is non-toxic.  None of this would be important if it didn’t work, but, it does work…And works well!

I think I have found the perfect weapon cleaner.  Steel Shield Technologies has a real winner.  I recommend that you give it a try.  I don’t think you will be disappointed.

IO AK-47C: Mixed Results

UPDATE: A complete UPDATED review of the IO AK47-C can be found here. (Click on any image to enlarge)

I went out today to fire my new IO AK-47C. Before going, I cleaned the rifle thoroughly. I don't like firing a weapon with the factory lubricant on it. I pulled out my cleaning kit and Break-Free CLP. Now I can give the rifle a good test.

I loaded-up the 30-round polymer magazine. I have never used polymer magazines before and wondered how well it would perform. I soon found out. After two rounds the magazine dropped from the magazine well. If you are familiar with an AK-47 you know that accidentally actuating the magazine release is almost impossible! I brushed the dirt off and rocked it back into place. The next shot it fell out again! I hope this is not indicative of all polymer magazines. The Thermold AK-47 magazine just doesn't cut it!


Since I only had the magazine that came with the rifle, I had to resort to using an AK-47 in single shot mode. I would hold the bolt open and shove a round into the chamber. The rifle functioned very well. The accuracy was decent and just fun to fire. The rifle worked great. I wish I could say the same for the magazine.

I did two things when I got home. I sent an email to IO Inc. and ordered two 30-round metal magazines. One good thing about AK magazines. They are plentiful and cheap!

After venting to IO inc. about the magazine, I cleaned the rifle. The first thing I noticed was how clean the receiver was. I have fired many semi-automatic rifles including the SKS and have never seen a receiver this clean after a shooting session. This must be because of the locking bolt and gas piston system. Both keeps a great deal of the gases out of the receiver. Take down and cleaning an AK-47 is very simple. To my surprise it was nothing like the SKS that I own. At first glance, you would think that the AK-47 and the SKS are of similar design. No, they are not. The SKS is not a locking bolt system and gets much more dirty in the receiver than the AK-47. I can see why the AK-47 has its reputation for reliability...If they are using metal magazines!

When I get my metal magazines I will go out and try again. I just found a source of inexpensive 7.62 x 39mm ammo. That's great because I was getting real tired of paying $0.75 a round!