cleaning pistols in varsol bath

Last year I did a range qualification with C7 and 9mm Browning. The cleaning regime was quite unlike any I'd done before. Hot, soapy, nontoxic water-based cleaner and plenty of drying rags. The room didn't smell so horrible you gagged and had a headache for the rest of the day. Once the obvious carbon or grit was off and an even sheen of CLP applied, the staff would inspect the weapons.

One Sgt even said the heretic words that I thought would never be said, he would accept a dirty weapon as long as it was clean. Which I took to mean, brass shavings or dirty barrel were a No-No, but tiny fragments of carbon in the corners were fine. He urged us not to clean too vigourously because that was how the finish got worn off and why parts didn't fit well anymore! For a Browning HP owner who leaves his guns half-caked in 'running surface' carbon, that attitude was a revelation.

** This same young Sgt had a Meritourious Service Medal from AFG for leading his convoy escorts regularly into bad guy country and bringing everyone through safely. **
 
You will strip the oil completely from the internals. That is not a good thing unless you tear it down and relube all required internal points. Not sure which pistol you are referring to, but generally the internal components such as trigger, hammer and double action parts need lube.
 
Yup, as long as you re-lube everything. Flushes everything away as you brush.

Just take note... years ago mechanics never wore gloves with the parts washers. Now they have to for health/compensation reasons. Get some latex gloves. :)
 
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