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Cleaning is one of
the most critical components of owning a handgun. With regular
cleaning and care, a quality handgun will last for years.
The first step
in cleaning your pistol is to purchase a high quality cleaning
kit. Cleaning kits are available at most sporting goods stores
and anywhere quality firearms accessories are sold.
Kits are
available for specific firearms, or specially designed for
certain types of firearms (i.e. rifles, pistols, shotguns,
etc.). Some gun owners choose to purchase a Universal Cleaning
kit – especially those who have more than one type firearm.
These gun cleaning kits are designed for used on almost any
type of firearm. As a rule, they come equipped with a cleaning
rod, cleaning solvent, oil, cleaning patches, and “end rod
accessories” (these are used to hold the patches on the end
of the rod). In addition to these tools, an old toothbrush and
plenty of old rags are also extremely helpful.
Be sure to select
a please to clean your gun that is very well-ventilated.
You will want a flat surface on which to work - a desk,
workbench, or tabletop works well for this. Spread a large
cloth over the work surface in order to protect both it and
your pistol. Lay out all of your cleaning equipment and your
pistol.
Now is the time
to make sure your pistol is absolutely, with out a doubt,
UNLOADED. This is definitely the most important step of
cleaning your pistol.
Your revolver
consists of four main parts: the frame, the grips, the barrel,
and the cylinder. It is not necessary and, in most instances,
not recommended to disassemble a revolver in order to clean
it. Take the toothbrush and dip it into the cleaning solvent.
Use it to scrub the inside of the frame and the cylinder. Use
a rag to remove the loosened fouling and the solvent.
Next, choose
the proper end rod accessory, attach it to the rod, and insert
a cleaning patch into it. The proper end rod accessory is
usually the largest one that will easily fit into the barrel.
Saturate the patch with cleaning solvent and push it slowly
through the barrel. Once it comes out the other end, remove
the patch.* Wipe the rod clean with a rag and insert a new
patch. Saturate the patch with solvent and use it to swab the
inside of the barrel back and forth a few times. Again, remove
the patch and wipe the rod clean with a rag. Insert a third
patch and push it through the barrel without any solvent.
Repeat this process until a dry patch comes out clean.
Once a dry
patch comes out clean, saturate a new patch with oil and
slowly slide it through the barrel.
Finally, apply
a very small amount of oil to all moving parts of the handgun.
Inspect the revolver to make sure it is clean and working
properly. Work the action several times to make sure it works
smoothly.
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