Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover Review

First Impressions of the Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle

Carbon buildup is the bane of any serious shooter’s existence. Over the years, I’ve tested countless solvents, each promising to dissolve away the blackened residue that accumulates in firearms after repeated use. Many fell short, leaving me scrubbing for hours or resorting to harsh chemicals that damaged the finish of my prized possessions. When I heard about the Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle, from Wilson Combat, I was cautiously optimistic, especially considering the brand’s reputation for quality.

I was looking for a carbon remover that would quickly and effectively clean my firearms without damaging their finishes. The promise of a nonflammable formula that also loosened copper fouling was very appealing. My initial unboxing revealed a no-frills, straightforward 4 oz. bottle – nothing flashy, just a product that looked ready to get to work.

Compared to other carbon removers I’ve used, like Hoppe’s No. 9 and CLP Break-Free, the Wilson Combat product immediately stood out due to its claim of being ammonia-free, a feature that’s crucial for protecting firearm finishes. I chose this product hoping for a gentler, yet equally effective, cleaning experience. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle at my local shooting range after a day of putting rounds through my AR-15 and 1911. I applied the carbon remover to the bolt carrier group of my AR-15, which was heavily fouled with carbon, and to the frame rails of my 1911. The range was relatively clean but the air was dry and dusty.

The application was simple, and I followed the directions, letting the remover sit for about 4 minutes before wiping it clean. I was immediately impressed by how easily the carbon loosened, requiring minimal scrubbing compared to previous cleaning sessions. There were no initial issues, and the remover seemed to perform as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, I’ve found the Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle to be a consistent performer. It effectively removes carbon buildup from all my firearms, including my pistols, rifles, and shotguns. I haven’t noticed any signs of wear or damage to the finishes of my guns after using this product repeatedly.

Maintenance is a breeze; a quick wipe down after application is all that’s needed. Compared to previous carbon removers I’ve used, this product significantly outperforms them in terms of speed, effectiveness, and safety for firearm finishes. It’s become an indispensable part of my cleaning kit.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle

Specifications

The Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle is a specially formulated, nonflammable solvent designed to remove carbon and firing residue from firearms. It comes in a 4 oz. bottle, making it compact and easy to store in a range bag. The remover contains no ammonia, ensuring it won’t harm the metal components of your firearm.

This product is manufactured by Wilson Combat, a respected name in the firearms industry known for producing high-quality parts and accessories. The 4 oz. container volume is sufficient for numerous cleaning sessions, making it a cost-effective solution. The product is especially effective on black powder residue and can also loosen copper fouling.

Performance & Functionality

The Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle excels at its primary task: removing carbon buildup. It dissolves carbon deposits quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of time and effort needed for cleaning. The product’s ability to loosen copper fouling is an added bonus, simplifying the bore cleaning process.

One minor weakness is that heavily caked-on carbon may require a second application or a bit of scrubbing. However, overall, it meets and often exceeds my expectations for a carbon remover. The fact that it doesn’t harm firearm finishes is a huge plus.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle is packaged in a simple, no-nonsense bottle. The design is functional, allowing for easy dispensing of the solvent. The 4 oz. size is convenient, making it easy to handle and store.

The solvent itself has a mild odor compared to some of the harsher chemicals I’ve used in the past. There’s virtually no learning curve involved; it’s straightforward to use right out of the bottle.

Durability & Maintenance

As a solvent, durability isn’t really a factor. However, the bottle is made of a sturdy plastic that should hold up well to being transported in a range bag. As for the firearms, this product extends the life of your firearm parts because it will prevent damage and corrosion caused by carbon build up.

Maintaining the Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle itself is simple; just keep the cap tightly sealed to prevent evaporation. Proper application of the carbon remover to your firearm prevents wear on gun parts, thus helping them last longer.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it’s designed to be used in conjunction with other cleaning products. Wilson Combat recommends using their Bore Polish after the Carbon Remover for a complete cleaning system. The product is compatible with most bore brushes, cleaning patches, and other standard firearm cleaning tools.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle

Pros

• Quickly and effectively removes powder fouling and carbon build-up, saving time and effort.
• Contains no ammonia, making it safe for firearm finishes and preventing damage to metal components.
• Loosens copper fouling, simplifying the bore cleaning process.
• Compact 4 oz. bottle is easy to store and transport.
• Mild odor compared to harsher solvents.

Cons

• Heavily caked-on carbon may require a second application or some scrubbing.
• Only available in a 4 oz. bottle; a larger size option would be beneficial for frequent users.

Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II Carbon Remover, 4 oz. Bottle?