Regular cleaning ensures reliability and extends your firearm's life. Here's how to do it right.
Essential Supplies
- Solvent: Breaks down carbon, copper, powder residue (Hoppe's #9, CLP)
- Lubricant: Reduces friction on moving parts (oil or grease)
- Bore brush: Caliber-specific bronze or nylon
- Patches and jag: For applying solvent and wiping bore
- Cleaning rod: One-piece preferred over segmented
Basic Process
- VERIFY UNLOADED—magazine out, chamber empty
- Field strip per manufacturer instructions
- Bore: Solvent soak, brush, patch until clean
- Action: Wipe carbon, apply light lube to contact points
- Exterior: Wipe down, light oil on metal surfaces
- Reassemble and function check
How Often?
After each range session is ideal. At minimum: before storage, after exposure to elements, and if carry gun has been neglected.
