This is kind of random but I learned something over the holiday.  I shoot my pistol with a mounted light since it's my primary HD gun.  I found that if I put a thin layer of my cleaner (Fireclean) on the bezel before I shoot, the build up from the range session just wipes right off after I'm done.  I'm wondering if others have found this to work for them as well with their cleaners?

This is kind of random but I learned something over the holiday.  I shoot my pistol with a mounted light since it's my primary HD gun.  I found that if I put a thin layer of my cleaner (Fireclean) on the bezel before I shoot, the build up from the range session just wipes right off after I'm done.  I'm wondering if others have found this to work for them as well with their cleaners?

I've been using FireClean on my ARs for the past couple of years and they do a great job at preventing carbon build-up.  The "wipe away" with a paper towel that they state is pretty close.  I've never tried putting it on the light on my Glock 17, but I could see that being a good use.  FireClean is just to expensive that I try to use it just for lube and not for cleaning or protection.

For the Surefire X300 on my Glock 17s, I put a light coating of chapstick on the lens.  I would recommend being careful not to use solvents on the lens.  I used some on one light and noticed that the seal for the lens failed and some of the solvent got in between the two lenses.  I sent the light back to Surefire and they replaced it, but they also recommended using just a simple eraser to remove carbon from the lens, which actually works quite well. 

As for the bezel of the light, I typically just give it a wipe with some household degreaser/cleaner and that's about it.  The bezel is seems to be discolored due to carbon or even the heat from the muzzle, but as long as the light works, whatever. 

I wonder if other lubes like froglube would work too?

I've just been cleaning mine with windex after I shoot it.

Toothpaste.  Seriously.  Takes it right off, even built up hard to remove carbon.

Toothpaste.  Seriously.  Takes it right off, even built up hard to remove carbon.

Will toothpaste work on comps too?

Will toothpaste work on comps too?

Never tried it on a comp?  Works on the lens and the outer sides of the lights bezel. 

Toothpaste.  Seriously.  Takes it right off, even built up hard to remove carbon.

Hmm. Will have to give that a try. I have plenty of samples from the dentist that I don't use all of them.

Do you out anything on the lens prior to shooting?

Hmm. Will have to give that a try. I have plenty of samples from the dentist that I don't use all of them.

you still have the toothpaste samples?
i always wonder what patients do with them
i know most of them don't use the floss i give
 

Hmm. Will have to give that a try. I have plenty of samples from the dentist that I don't use all of them.

Do you out anything on the lens prior to shooting?

I don't put anything on the lens or light body.  I just use toothpaste to clean as needed. 

you still have the toothpaste samples?
i always wonder what patients do with them
i know most of them don't use the floss i give
 

I usually use them when I travel, but I always seem to have a few lying around. I sometimes throw the floss in my travel toiletry bag, but I usually have a full spool in there.

I don't put anything on the lens or light body.  I just use toothpaste to clean as needed.

I see. Cool. Thanks!

I don't put anything on the lens or light body.  I just use toothpaste to clean as needed.

toothpaste is more abrasive than you think
i put a thin layer of vaseline over the lens

Cleaning with a pencil eraser works too.

toothpaste is more abrasive than you think
i put a thin layer of vaseline over the lens

yup thats why people are able to use toothpaste to buff oxidation off their headlights.

most toothpaste is equal to about 10k grit. its about the same as plexiglass polishes, but those are designed to break down finer and finer as you buff and i dont think toothpaste's grit was designed like that specifically.

I believe the grit is from the baking soda found in most toothpastes