I have been looking around learning about hand gun cleaning and I pretty much figured out what i have to do but I do have a question.

 

Is a good CLP the only product that is really necessary or is it better practice to use specific solvents/lubricants to clean and oil the gun?

Clp is good for handguns

Havent used CLP, but have had good luck using Hoppes #9 for handguns and rifles. Follow up with hoppes gun oil.

 

For tougher stuff, started using Ballistol as per USNMars' recommendation.

CLP will get the job done. Being a 2 in 1 product it will never be as good as a stand-alone cleaner/solvent or oil/grease, but it is certainly enough to keep a handgun running. I personally use MP7 Solvent to clean, a whisper of Militec on a patch through the barrel and SlideGlide on all moving parts.

I live in an apartment, so I use the MPro-7 products because they are not toxic and do not smell up the place. Keeps the wife happy

Yeah that's the only thing that sucks about #9, it STINKS!

 

I still use it nonetheless because it works great. Then I follow with Hoppes Oil.