[legion]

Yes, Hoppes #9 is still the best (IMO) for removing lead and copper fouling.

I generally put some barrel foam (you can get the stuff at Wal-Mart) down the barrel, let it sit for 20 minutes, then clean normally with Hoppes #9 and then some powder solvent. Only other modification from tradition is that I use a caliber-specific brass cleaning jag. It does a much better job of pushing the patch into the rifling.

That is, that's what I used to do until I bought an ultrasonic cleaner. Now I just field strip (and remove wood grips, if the pistol has them), toss it in for 40 minutes, run a few dry patches down the barrel to push out the very loose debris, blow dry with an air compressor, and oil. It takes longer as far as elapsed time is concerned, but it is a much more thorough cleaning and I'm only actually doing anything for 10 of the 50 minutes it takes to clean by this method.

You can pick up a cheap ultrasonic cleaner that will fit most sub-compacts for $100, or one with a built-in heater that will fit anything short of a Desert Eagle for $300.