What Is Gun CLP? How It Cleans, Lubricates, and Protects Firearms

CLP stands for Cleaner, Lubricant, and Protectant and is one of the most widely used firearm maintenance products. Learn how CLP cleans carbon fouling, lubricates moving parts, and protects guns from rust.

Applying CLP gun cleaner to an AR15 bolt carrier group during firearm cleaning.

What Does CLP Stand For?

CLP stands for Cleaner, Lubricant, and Protectant. It is a firearm maintenance product designed to perform three functions in one formula: cleaning carbon fouling, lubricating moving parts, and protecting metal surfaces from corrosion.

CLP was originally developed for military firearm maintenance, where soldiers needed a single product capable of maintaining rifles, pistols, and machine guns under harsh conditions.

CLP vs Gun Oil

How CLP Cleans Firearms

When a firearm is fired, carbon fouling, powder residue, and metal debris accumulate inside the barrel and action. CLP works by penetrating these deposits and loosening them so they can be wiped away with a patch or brush.

The cleaning action of CLP helps remove:

• carbon fouling
• powder residue
• light copper fouling
• dirt and debris

This allows firearm components to function smoothly and reliably.

How CLP Lubricates Moving Parts

Proper lubrication is critical for firearm reliability. CLP leaves behind a thin protective film that reduces friction between moving components such as the bolt carrier group, slide rails, and trigger mechanisms.

Lubrication helps prevent:

• excessive wear
• metal galling
• cycling failures

This is especially important for high-cycle firearms like AR-15 rifles and semi-automatic pistols.

How CLP Protects Against Rust

Moisture and oxygen cause corrosion on firearm surfaces. CLP forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture from contacting metal components.

This protection is important for:

• long-term firearm storage
• humid environments
• firearms exposed to rain or sweat

When CLP Works Best

CLP works best for routine firearm maintenance and cleaning after range use. Many shooters prefer CLP because it simplifies the cleaning process by combining multiple maintenance products into one.

CLP is commonly used on:

• AR-15 rifles
• pistols
• shotguns
• bolt-action rifles

When a Dedicated Cleaner May Be Needed

In situations involving heavy fouling, such as suppressor carbon buildup or extreme copper fouling, a dedicated cleaner may sometimes be required. However, for the majority of firearm maintenance tasks, CLP provides an effective and efficient solution.

Choosing a High-Quality CLP

Not all CLP formulas perform equally. A quality CLP should provide:

• strong carbon removal
• long-lasting lubrication
• reliable rust protection

Forsaken Industries CLP was developed specifically for shooters who demand dependable firearm performance in real-world conditions.