Tips for Cleaning a Pistol

Cleaning a pistol is a necessary skill if you want to start collecting guns. Not only does this ensure your guns look shiny and new each time you take one from the gun cabinet, but it also prevents problems associated with corrosion, dirt and build-up. Although many guns look complex to the untrained eye, cleaning a pistol gets easier each time you practice, so make sure to take your guns out as often as possible to clean and polish them.

Wear Gloves

Many of the cleaning solvents used for cleaning a pistol are corrosive and can damage, abrade or irritate the skin. Latex or vinyl surgical gloves are best for this task because they are thin and fitted enough to not restrict your fingers, but will protect your skin from harmful chemicals. According to Les Bengtson of CustomPistols.com, Hoppes Number 9 is still the best solvent to use, but you might find specialty brands at your local gun or outdoor store.

Empty the Gun

You should never attempt cleaning a pistol if there is any possibility that it might be loaded. Regardless of how careful you are, it is still possible to accidentally discharge the weapon and injure yourself or someone else. For safety’s sake, double- and triple-check your pistol to make sure there is no ammunition inside. Don’t just assume that you removed the magazine last time you used the weapon.

Use Q-Tips and Cloth

Some gun enthusiasts prefer cleaning a pistol with Q-Tips, while others prefer cloth. My advice is to use both, as they each have benefits depending on what part of the gun you’re cleaning. Broad, open areas are best addressed with a clean cloth soaked in solvent, while ridges, grooves and parts of the slide fair better with a Q-Tip. When you’re finished with the solvent, make sure to mop up excess solvent so it doesn’t sit in your gun after cleaning.

Soak the Barrel

When cleaning a pistol, the majority of your time should be focused on the barrel. First, use a gun-cleaning brush with solvent to loosen any debris that might have built up inside the barrel. Then stuff a solvent-soaked cloth inside the barrel and let it sit while you clean the slide, spring and other parts of the gun. This will ensure the cleanest barrel, and will help soak off any excess debris.

Watch the Spring

The most dangerous aspect of cleaning a pistol is the spring, which can pinch your fingers if you aren’t careful with it. When you remove the spring, keep your fingers away from the head so they don’t get caught between the gun and the spring. If necessary, have an experienced friend or relative do this part for you before cleaning the pistol.

It is advisable to clean your pistol after every use, plus once every three-to-six months if it is not in use. This will keep the gun functioning properly should you need it on a moment’s notice.

Les Bengtson, Cleaning the Handgun, CustomPistols.com