Proper cleaning methods

[rattus58]

But I haven't cleaned my barrels with hot soapy water in years. There is NOTHING wrong with murphy's, alcohol, or anything else that rids the bore of fouling.

I think soapy water works great, as long you follow up, which many folks apparently don't .

Back to saying use hot water only... that is absolute hogwash. You use what is available, convenient, and what works.

Personally if I am cleaning a barrel I do two things consistently whether with water or alcohol... and that is I use a brush to clean, I use a tight a patch as I can. I also use gun oil or LPS 3 to spray my barrel and after three days, I check that particular gun again just to make sure. Many times, especially with water, rust will still form, so going in with a tight patch again to make sure is a good idea in MY OPINION.