Comp Cleaning Made Simple

by
posted on July 6, 2021
comp_cleaning-1.jpg

Muzzle brakes and compensators are popular in the action shooting sports, whether they’re attached to a centerfire handgun, PCC, or rimfire rifles and handguns. They can provide competitive advantages. But they also have a serious disadvantage. Comps and brakes collect crud. That includes carbon, copper or lead fouling, which can adversely affect performance and even create a safety hazard. 

Copper, carbon and lead fouling will coat the inside of the comp—especially at the exit point. Lead is the worst. It will create a solid mass inside the comp. If that mass breaks loose during firing, gun damage can result. All the hard fouling must be periodically removed. But attempting to manually scrape out the hardened deposits is a tedious and not overly effective task. Chemicals make it easier.

If an ultrasonic cleaner is available, and the comp can detach from the gun, it takes only six to eight hours in the cleaner to get the crud into a manageable state.

Compensator cleaning tips
An overnight soak in penetrating oil will significantly soften the fouling. A pill bottle works, and a loop of string makes the comp easy to insert and remove. The oil can be saved for many more cleanings.


Lacking an ultrasonic cleaner—or a detachable comp—a soak in penetrating oil will be effective, although it takes longer. The penetrating oil will seep down between the fouling and metal and help raise it clear of the surface. It may not magically make it fall away in clumps, although some clumps will break free. There are a number of penetrating-type oils on the market. I have used Kano Labs Kroil, Liquid Wrench and CorrosionX with good results.

With detachable comps, an empty pill bottle filled with enough penetrating oil to cover the comp works. A loop of string through the comp makes it easy to get in and out. For non-detachable muzzle brakes, use a larger container with just enough penetrating oil to cover the brake, and no further. Stick the container in a corner and brace the barrel assembly in it. Soak overnight.

Brake cleaner for compensators
Once the penetrating oil does its job, the softened fouling can be removed with a variety of tools. A spray down with cleaner finishes the job.


There’s no need to throw out the penetrating oil after each use. If “clumps” are in it, simply strain it through a cloth. I pour the oil back into the pill bottle labeled “Comp Clean” and stick it on the cleaning bench. It’s just as good for additional cleanings and saves money.

With either cleaning method, my experience has been that while some fouling will break free, most of the fouling will turn into soft mush that can easily be scraped out. The ports can be cleaned out with a jeweler’s screwdriver, or other small item that can get in and knock out whatever mush remains. A small flat-bladed screwdriver, bore brush or even a 10-penny nail will dislodge the crud inside the comp body. A quick blast with carburetor or brake spray cleaner will finish the job.

The right chemicals can make life easier.


Read more: What’s The Best Way To Clean Brass?

Latest

Ammo Giftguide 1 Lede
Ammo Giftguide 1 Lede

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Ammunition

Let us help you find the perfect ammunition for the competition shooter in your life.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Shotguns

Our roundup of handpicked shotguns for competition shooting this holiday season.

Family At The Heart Of Competition: Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships

It’s not just the competition that makes the Inland Empire Sectional Championships a must-attend event, it’s also the families that bond through their shared love of action shooting.

Guide To Building Stage Speed

These tips for building stage speed in action shooting will help you rise to the top of the match leaderboard at your next competition.

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.