Firearm Safety > Cleaning > Semi-Automatic Pistol Guidelines

Semi-Automatic Pistol Cleaning Guidelines

The NRA™ recommends that your firearm be cleaned after each use. Regular cleaning is needed to ensure that a firearm will operate properly and reliably. Cleaning also preserves the finish of a firearm and protects against rust.

The NRA™ also recommends that a firearm be cleaned prior to use if it has been stored for an extended period of time or if it has been exposed to dirt, moisture or other contaminants. Do not use a dirty firearm – make sure it is cleaned thoroughly prior to each use.

You should refer to the Safety & Instruction Manual, Operators Manual, Instruction Manual or other booklet/document that came with your semi-automatic pistol. These documents typically include specific instructions on the frequency of cleaning as well as cleaning and maintenance instructions for your particular semi-automatic pistol.

NOTE: If you do not have a manual for your particular semi-automatic pistol, simply contact the manufacturer of the semi-automatic pistol and they should be able to provide one to you or direct you to a web site where you will be able to retrieve the document. Be prepared to tell the manufacturer’s customer service representative the model number of your semi-automatic pistol. In some cases they may need the serial number and caliber as well.< /p>

 NOTE: Some manufacturers recommend cleaning a new firearm prior to its initial use as the firearm may be shipped with a preservative or excess oil to protect it during the distribution process. Refer to your manual to determine if the manufacturer of your firearm makes this recommendation.

At a minimum you will need the following materials to clean your semi-automatic pistol:

  • A cleaning rod
  • Cleaning rod attachments in the appropriate caliber for your semi-automatic pistol
  1. Bore brush (Bristles are typically bronze or hard nylon. Brushes with stainless steel bristles are available. However, some manufacturer’s do not recommend stainless steel bristles)
  2. Tips and/or jags to hold patches
  • A small nylon brush (a new or old, clean toothbrush works just fine)
  • Cleaning patches in the appropriate caliber for your semi-automatic pistol
  • A lint-free wiping rag
  • Cotton swabs
  • Bore cleaner(s)
  • Gun oil

NOTE: We recommend the Smith & Wesson® line of Firearm Care Products for all your firearm care cleaning needs.

CLEANING GUIDELINES

NOTE: Again, please refer to the manual that is applicable to your semi-automatic pistol for detailed instructions

CAUTION:

Use safety goggles when using any solvents, cleaners or lubricants

Fouling

Depending on the extent of fouling you have one of the following alternatives available:

WARNING:

Regardless of which alternative you use, ensure that the bore brush, or any tips attached to a cleaning rod, emerges from the barrel before attempting to pull it back through the bore!

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you disassemble your semi-automatic pistol prior to cleaning and that all cleaning is performed from the breech end of the barrel.
Caution: If you choose not to disassemble the pistol, be extremely careful when pushing the cleaning rod through the barrel from the muzzle end, to hold the cleaning rod as close to parallel with the barrel’s center as possible. Take all precautions to ensure there is no damage to the muzzle of the barrel,

There are many variations of semi-automatic pistols with respect to the manner in which they are disassembled. It is recommended that you use the instructions in the manual for your semi-automatic pistol for disassembly and reassembly as well as for detailed cleaning instructions.

 

Minimal Fouling

  • the next couple of steps and go to step 2, below

Light Fouling

  • Remove wood or rubber stock components from the semi-automatic pistol.
  • Attach a bore brush to the cleaning rod.
  • Spray Smith & Wesson® SYNTHETIC-SAFE BORE & ACTION CLEANER into the barrel
  • Pass the brush through the barrel  several times
  • Attach a tip to the cleaning rod and pass a clean patch through the barrel
  • Repeat until the patch comes out clean.

Heavy Fouling

  • Remove wood or rubber stock components from the semi-automatic pistol.
  • Attach a bore brush to the cleaning rod.
  • Fill the bristles of the bore brush with Smith & Wesson® PREMIUM BORE GEL and make several passes through the barrel
  • Let BORE GEL remain in the barrel for 1 to 5 minutes.
  • Attach a tip to the cleaning rod and pass a clean patch through the barrel.
  • Repeat until the patch comes out clean.
  • Unusually heavy fouling may require that the BORE GEL treatment remain in the barrel for a longer period of time - up to several hours – before cleaning with the patches in the steps above
  • Apply a drop of Smith & Wesson® PREMIUM LUBRICANT & PROTECTANT to the nylon brush to clean the breech area. Also clean the extractor, including the underside of the extractor. Ensure that dirt, powder particles and other debris are not left under the extractor.
  • Install a tip on the cleaning rod.
  • Attach a clean patch to the tip and apply a drop of Smith & Wesson® PREMIUM LUBRICANT & PROTECTANT to the patch.
  • Pass the patch through the barrel several times.
  • Attach a clean patch to the tip and pass it through the barrel.
  • Repeat until the patch comes out clean.
  • NOTE: If the pistol was not disassembled for cleaning, skip steps 8 through 16. Proceed to step 16
  • Use the nylon brush to clean the slide and the frame.
  • Use the nylon brush to clean the bullet feed-ramp and barrel throat.
  • Use the nylon brush to clean the outside of the barrel.
  • Use the nylon brush to clean the recoil spring assembly
  • Use the nylon brush to remove any residue from the frame.
  • Apply a drop of Smith & Wesson® PREMIUM LUBRICANT & PROTECTANT to either side of the slide.
  • Remove excess oil from the parts cleaned in steps 8 through 13 with the lint-free cloth.
  • Use the cotton swabs to remove any excess oil from any parts just cleaned.
  • Reassemble the pistol.
  • Apply a drop of Smith & Wesson® PREMIUM LUBRICANT & PROTECTANT to the lint-free cloth and wipe down the entire frame.
  • Use the cotton swabs to remove any excess oil from any part of the semi-automatic pistol that cannot be reached with the cloth.
  • If the stock components were removed, reinstall them.
  • You can choose to lubricate the UNLOADED magazine. Simply use the extension tube supplied with the Smith & Wesson® DRY LUBE and spray the DRY LUBE into the witness holes of the magazine. The fast evaporating aerosol carrier used in the DRY LUBE will quickly dry and leave a coating of dry lubricating film inside the magazine walls as well as on the magazine springs and following plate.
  • NOTE: If the magazine has been subjected to significant exposure to sand, dust, water or other visible contaminants or foreign matter, please refer to the manual for instructions on disassembly, cleaning and lubrication of the magazine.
  • If the semi-automatic pistol is to be stored, it is recommended that you avoid any skin contact with the metal parts. Chemicals in skin oil and in perspiration may cause rust.