5906

[Rflshootr]

I have a 5906 that a buddy wants me to clean and function test.
It looks like it was never cleaned. I had a hard time getting the slide off from all the built-up gunk. I had to give it a good yank to get it to break loose. I'm inclined to get an old toothbrush and some Hoppe's and start scrubbing. I'm worried about the solvent getting trapped in nooks and crannies that I won't be able to get out. Then I had the idea of, after the bore solvent, to scrub it down again with mineral spirits and blow it out with the compressor. What's the best way?

 

[ken158]

I wouldn’t use mineral spirits - there are numerous cleaners designed for the job - toothbrush and canned air works well.

 

[rosewood]

I use carburetor cleaner or brake parts cleaner. It won't hurt metal parts. Keep it off anything plastic or painted, i.e. sights, or red safety dot. Cleaned many 3rd gen guns with this method. Use brush on stubborn crud, spray again then used the compressed air you mentioned. Relube necessary parts. There is a post somewhere on this forum on recommend lube points on the 3rd gens. Parts cleaner will dry and not linger in crannies like the Hoppes will. Do clean the firing pin/spring and tunnel and do not lube it with wet lube. Most recommend leaving it without lube. I have started using Hornady One shot lube. It dries and doesn't "attract" dust.

I am sure someone will chime in and tell me how wrong my method is, but done many this way and have had no issues.

Rosewood

 

[Rflshootr]

Such as gun scrubber or one or the other aerosols?
Any preference to one or another for carbon build up?
I guess carb cleaner will work if I take the grips off first.

 

[sigp220.45]

If its really nasty I’d go 50/50 acetone and ATF mixture in a clean paint can. Take off the grips, soak it for a couple of days, and blow it out. Normal maintenance after that.

 

[JohnHL]

I have a 5906 that a buddy wants me to clean and function test.
It looks like it was never cleaned. I had a hard time getting the slide off from all the built-up gunk. I had to give it a good yank to get it to break loose. I'm inclined to get an old toothbrush and some Hoppe's and start scrubbing. I'm worried about the solvent getting trapped in nooks and crannies that I won't be able to get out. Then I had the idea of, after the bore solvent, to scrub it down again with mineral spirits and blow it out with the compressor. What's the best way?

The "best way" is a complete tear down aka "detail strip".

If you are mechanically inclined, go to the "notable thread index" at the top of this page, scroll down until you see "S&W 3rd gen complete disassembly video".

Clicking on that will bring you to a thread that will launch 4 of the absolute best tutorials on complete disassembly and reassembly of S&W 3rd gen pistols by our own Forum member, BLUEBELLYYANKEE.

You will NOT be disappointed.

And, of course, Welcome to the Forum!

John

 

[rosewood]

Such as gun scrubber or one or the other aerosols?
Any preference to one or another for carbon build up?
I guess carb cleaner will work if I take the grips off first.

Gun scrubber works, but cost a lot more. I use Supertech carb cleaner or brake parts cleaner, which ever one is closest.

Supposedly "throttle body cleaner" is safe for plastics also.

I think the grips are immune to the cleaner, but I would remove them anyway to be safe.

Rosewood

 

[Rflshootr]

Thank you.

 

[easymoney72]

Look up Blubelly2 on YouTube. He has some good videos that might help you.