Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

[AxialLoading]

Hey everyone,

Just curious to how often people clean and oil their pistols, and any general tips or good practices I should be following that you've discovered. I own a polymer frame 9mm and a ruger mark iv. Also wondering how should I prepare my pistol for storage and avoid rust. Things like how much oil and where should I be using? Steps or procedures you usually follow? And anything in specific I should look out for?

Thanks in advance

 

[Ganderite]

I find that a toothbrush and a spray can of brake cleaner will clean out the action very well.

When done, I spray the action and parts with some G96 for lube and protection.

I do this about twice a year, for the pistols I shoot a lot.

When I transfer the pistol from bag to locker, I give the barrels a few strokes with a brush, to get the lead out.

 

[Mr.Subzero]

Yeah! Brake cleaner spray is also good for shotguns and rifles before a good lube.

 

[Scamaniac]

Are there any issues with getting brake cleaner or acetone on the poly frames?

 

[pizzadigest]

Are there any issues with getting brake cleaner or acetone on the poly frames?

A bunch of plastics (polymers) are either disolved or at least softened up by acetone. I'd be careful and do some serious research before applying it to a poly frame pistol. Not meaning to be alarmist in any way though, a lot of plastics stand up to acetone just fine.

 

[Magellann]

I started out years ago cleaning my guns after every outing, now I only clean after they have been used a lot and start having cycling issues. Or after they have been out in wet weather, I will dry them and wipe them with an oily cloth.

 

[Magellann]

Are there any issues with getting brake cleaner or acetone on the poly frames?

Ive thought about this as well, I don't have any polymer framed guns yet, but wouldn't risk using brake clean, or other cleaners unless they are proven to be safe . On my metal guns I use all kinds of sprays and oils.

 

[silverfoxdj]

A bunch of plastics (polymers) are either disolved or at least softened up by acetone. I'd be careful and do some serious research before applying it to a poly frame pistol. Not meaning to be alarmist in any way though, a lot of plastics stand up to acetone just fine.

I use Ballistol there is no danger with plastics using it and it lubs well

 

[silverfoxdj]

I try to clean my pistols around 500 rounds and the mags maybe each year

 

[Eddie Dean]

I use this stuff, works like a charm.
https://www.eezox.com/