MARYLAND STATE POLICE

DATE January 24, 1991

On l/21/91, I received the attached report from Sgt. S.W. Jessee regarding testing of several firearm lubricants. This test was conducted to determine if the cleaner/lubricant currently in use (Breakfree) was the best available product for Agency use. Breakfree had been adopted for M.S.P. use in 1987 and was at that time widely used by the U.S. military services and was recommended by Beretta U.S.A. Agency experience with this CLP (cleaner, lubricator and preservative) has been mixed. Breakfree provided the convenience of solvent and lubricant in the same bottle; however, unless the solution was shaken before use, the full benefit of the product was not obtained.

Experience has shown that Breakfree would not remain on metal surfaces more than 60 days without drying up or allowing fouling to become hard. Because of the improper use of this product, approximately 10 pistol malfunctions have occurred within the last two years, which left the firearms inoperable until proper maintenance was performed.

During late 1989 and early 1990, many departments and agencies began moving away from Breakfree and toward other products, the most popular being Militec. Both the U.S. Army and Beretta USA are strong advocates of Militec. Because Militec is a lubricant/preservative and not a solvent, a separate solvent such as Hoppes 9 would be required to complete the cleaning process.

After reviewing Sgt. Jessee's report, I strongly recommend that the Agency adopt Militec as the issued lubricant and preservative for all agency weapons. I believe Sqt. Jessee's test was well conducted, and the results were conclusive. Militec is clearly a superior' product which will assure the proper operation of all Agency firearms.