Tech Tip: Suppressor Cleaning with Breakthrough

Introduction

Cleaning a suppressor isn’t the most exciting task, but it’s necessary. Over time, carbon, lead, and other fouling accumulate inside, reducing efficiency and making disassembly difficult.

While some suppressors are self-cleaning to an extent, manufacturers recommend cleaning every 500 to 1,000 rounds. However, many suppressors see thousands of rounds before ever being serviced. Today, Steve and Caleb put the Breakthrough® Suppressor Cleaning Kit to the test to see just how effective it is on a heavily fouled SilencerCo Saker 762 suppressor.

Overview of the Breakthrough® Suppressor Cleaning Kit

The Breakthrough® Suppressor Cleaning Kit is a complete system designed specifically for suppressors. It includes everything needed to remove stubborn carbon deposits and restore performance.

What’s Inside the Kit?

• Suppressor cleaning solution – A powerful cleaner that breaks down carbon and fouling.

• Scraping picks – Helps remove carbon deposits from tight spaces.

• Brushes – Includes stainless steel and nylon brushes for different levels of scrubbing.

• Sealable cleaning tube – A container to soak the suppressor, preventing spills and evaporation.

• Rubber plug – Used to seal suppressors with aftermarket finishes to protect the exterior coating.

Selecting the Suppressor for Cleaning

The suppressor chosen for this test is a SilencerCo Saker 762, a popular .30 caliber suppressor that has been used extensively. This particular suppressor has seen thousands of rounds, including full-auto and short-barreled rifle use, meaning it is severely fouled with carbon and buildup.

Disassembling the Suppressor

Before cleaning, Steve and Caleb disassemble as much of the suppressor as possible. While many suppressors are user-serviceable, others require complete soaking since the internal parts cannot be removed.

• The mount is removed to allow full access to the internal baffles.

• Any loose carbon and debris are shaken out before soaking.

• The cleaning tube is prepped by removing the cap.

Placing the Suppressor in the Cleaning Solution

To start the cleaning process, the suppressor is placed inside the cleaning tube with the baffles positioned so that the solution can fully penetrate the interior.

The Breakthrough® suppressor cleaning solution is then poured into the tube, completely covering the suppressor. The cleaning tube is then sealed to prevent evaporation and spills.

Letting the Suppressor Soak

The suppressor must soak for 6 to 24 hours depending on how dirty it is. Given the heavy use of this suppressor, Steve and Caleb opt for the full 24-hour soak to maximize cleaning effectiveness.

Checking the Results After 24 Hours

After soaking overnight, the cleaning solution has turned completely dark, indicating that it has broken down significant amounts of carbon and buildup.

• The suppressor is removed using the provided pick tool.

• The exterior and interior are inspected for loosened fouling.

• A quick rinse in water helps remove loosened debris before scrubbing.

Scrubbing the Suppressor with Brushes

Using the provided nylon and stainless steel brushes, Steve and Caleb scrub the interior and exterior of the suppressor.

• The nylon brush is used first to remove the loosened carbon.

• The stainless steel brush is used for stubborn deposits, but it is used carefully to avoid unnecessary wear.

• Inside the suppressor, carbon is easily removed, revealing shiny metal that was previously coated in thick fouling.

Comparing Before and After Cleaning

After a thorough rinse and scrub, the suppressor looks almost brand new inside and out. The most significant difference is inside the suppressor, where the baffles are now fully visible, and airflow is no longer restricted by carbon buildup.

• The previously blackened surfaces are now metallic and clean.

• The mounting area is free of stubborn carbon deposits, ensuring a proper fit when reattaching.

• The suppressor functions like new, making future maintenance much easier.

Final Thoughts on the Cleaning Process

Steve and Caleb agree that the Breakthrough® Suppressor Cleaning Kit is a simple and effective solution for maintaining suppressors.

Pros of Using This Kit:

✔ Dedicated suppressor cleaner designed specifically for heavy carbon buildup.

✔ Easy to use – Just soak, scrub, and rinse.

✔ No harsh scrubbing required – The cleaning solution does most of the work.

✔ Sealable cleaning container prevents spills and evaporation.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Suppressors with aftermarket finishes should use the included rubber plug to protect the exterior.

• Not all suppressors can be fully disassembled, so soaking is crucial for enclosed designs.

• Regular maintenance can prevent excessive buildup, making cleaning easier over time.

Conclusion

Cleaning your suppressor is an essential part of firearm maintenance, and the Breakthrough® Suppressor Cleaning Kit makes the job much easier. By soaking the suppressor, loosening carbon buildup, and using dedicated brushes, suppressors can be restored to like-new condition with minimal effort.

If you own a suppressor and want to keep it performing at its best, consider using this kit for regular maintenance.

For more details on suppressor cleaning, firearm maintenance tools, and gunsmithing products, visit Brownells’ website.