I bought my first revolver, a S&W 629-4 MG, and am researching the best way to clean this gun. Can anyone help me out or point to a good cleaning kit? I'm used to using an Otis pull through with jag kit for my semiautomatics (Glocks, etc.) and for my rifles I use carbon fiber rods with bore guides, brushes, etc. I also use bore snakes for quick field cleaning.

I'm a little leery about cleaning a revolver using a brush from the crown in. I don't want to risk damaging the crown. Are you guys using pull through kits or brushes with some sort of crown protector?

Thanks!
Eric

Just be careful and you'll be fine. If you're capable of cleaning the firearms you have, you can clean your revolver. You can get one of these if you are worried:
Pro-Shot Brass Muzzle Guard 22 to 26 Cal Rod

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I think the materials used in any cleaning kit will be a lot softer than the steel of a revolver barrel, but if it concerns you the Bore Snake is a good option for maintenance cleaning, then reserve the rods and such for when it is really dirty.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Also get yourself some lead remover cloth for the front of they cylinder, some nylon brushes for the forcing cone area and some Ballistol. There's also some good videos on Youtube.

You need a cleaning rod with bristle brush (brass), a toothbrush (not the one you or your wife uses to brush your teeth ), cleaning patches, some Hoppes No 9 solvent and some Break Free CLP.

Use the bristle brush moistened with Hoppes and run the brush in the barrel and each charge hole. While the solvent is "working," use the toothbrush moistened in solvent to lightly scrub the exterior surfaces of the revolver. Then, use a shop rag to wipe off the exterior surfaces of the revolver. Make sure the area under the ejector star and the face of the cylinder are free of debris.

Now, go back and dry out the barrel and charge holes using a dry patch affixed to the cleaning rod with a jag. Then, using a patch, apply a very light coat of Break Free CLP to the barrel and charge holes. Use that same oily patch to apply a light coat of oil to the exterior surfaces.

Do not worry about the black rings on the end of the cylinder. It is all but impossible to clean them off with traditional methods, and it is not necessary.

You are now ready to go and the total time spent cleaning is 5 to 6 minutes.

I use Mpro-7 but sometimes get Hoppes out because I like the smell when cleaning the guns.

I know I'm not the only out there who feels the same way....

I am late convert to bore snakes.

It makes barrel and charge hole cleaning a breeze.

Bore snakes are also a handy thing to have when your gun starts getting cruddy at the range.

Hoppe's 9 - The Gun Care People

I use a brass rod with bronze bore brush and hoppes!

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Rob

Brass brush works much better than lead removal cloth.

Just buy a pistol cleaning kit and a toothbrush. Don't worry about cleaning from the crown in. As long as your're not pivoting and rubbing against the barrel crown with a steel cleaning rod the gun will be fine.

Take some paper towel or a cloth, fold it up, and wrap it around the surface with the firing pin - opposite the forcing cone. When you push the brush through it may strike against the opposite side, and the cloth/towel will prevent the cosmetic dings.

I've used the same brush to clean the cylinder as well. It's a looser fit, but it works.

(I wonder about the baby-sensitive crowns. I've yet to meet a person that destroyed accuracy by *careful* cleaning through the crown. And most cleaning rods are aluminum now, so I doubt they are going to do much to carbon steel. Be careful, push straight, and the gun's accuracy will outlast you.).

I clean the cylinder holes with a .40 cal bronze bore brush. I attach it to an electric drill and it makes very short work of cleaning.

Great tips, everyone. Much obliged!!

Happy New Year!

Eric

I use a brass brush with Hoppes first to knock the big chunks off, wipe down with a rag, then finish with the lead removal cloth. Out comes the rag again; then wipe down with CLP, store it in a synthetic sock until it comes out to go play and get dirty again.