Several gun cleaner manufactures say to use isopropyl alcohol to get rid of solvent residue. Can isopropyl alcohol cause rust? If left to dry on a gun could it cause corrosion/rust at all?

Does it prevent rust at all? Thanks!

It can help get rid of sovent residue, but most has water in it.  If you use it, get a high %, and make sure you dry & oil afterwards.  It will NOT stop rust, but it certainly can help it start if you aren't careful.

I get the CVS brand that is 91%  the stuff that they use for skin prep before injection works great and drys very quick


Drow

Yeap alcohol draws water from the air rather rapidly as it evaporates.It will also draw water from the surface of the metal and aid in evaporation.But as it and the water evaporates is when the corrosion starts.The isopropyl alcohol also takes the oil out and off the metal effectively.So its best to wipe on and wipe off and oil immediately.If you do,there is no problems.Leaving it on the surface and letting it air dry is a no-no.
I use 91%+ isopropyl and have not had a single problem.Its an excellent cleaner in most cases.If you want high concentration like 99%+ try your local electronics store.They will have it.
Also be careful with alcohol around oil finishes and some paints...especially denatured alcohol.It will take them right off.
The concern of corrosion from using alcohol is actually less than using water and soap or water based cleaners.The amount of water in or that is created by the alcohol is a much smaller percentage.Again the trick is to wipe dry and lube immediately.If you do theres no problems.
Mixing alcohol with some lubes like making the TW-25B EP works because the TW-25B displaces any moisture from the surface as the alcohol evaporates.Another example is Ballistol which uses isobutyl alcohol in the mix as a solvent.
hth
Raymond

What about 71% and such? I have been using this and what does the higher % do better and what bennifets do they(91%+) have over the lower %? Thanks!

IPA is a volatile organic solvent, and is miscible with water. The typical commercial 70-90% formulations contain lots of water (i.e. "70%" = 70% v/v IPA + 30% v/v water). As IPA is more volatile than water, it will leave residual water behind as it evaporates.

IPA is a great solvent for removing organic chemicals (solvents, grease, some markers and adhesives etc.), but it can promote rust on firearms by removing the protective oils and also by leaving water on the surface. This is easily avoided by wiping over the firearm's surface with a light layer of rust preventive (gun oil, Hoppes #7 etc.) after the IPA treatment.