Cleaning. What to use and when?

[n0ukf]

Whether talking about my 3-week (from the factory) old SD9VE or my 46 year old Savage Springfield 187R, or anything else for that matter, when (and how often) should I use a brass, nylon or cotton bore brush? I've used Hoppe's cleaning kits occasionally before but used ones without instruction sheets giving their recommended process (did a brass brush pass followed by wet and dry patches).

I'm thinking about getting a 9mm pistol bore snake but right now only have the three brushes (and rods, powder solvent, oil, etc from my .22 kits).

 

[martybee]

Whether talking about my 3-week (from the factory) old SD9VE or my 46 year old Savage Springfield 187R, or anything else for that matter, when (and how often) should I use a brass, nylon or cotton bore brush? I've used Hoppe's cleaning kits occasionally before but used ones without instruction sheets giving their recommended process (did a brass brush pass followed by wet and dry patches).

I'm thinking about getting a 9mm pistol bore snake but right now only have the three brushes (and rods, powder solvent, oil, etc from my .22 kits).

Depends on how often and how much you shoot. I shoot about 2-times a month at the LR and only about 75-100 rds. I use the bore snake with a little Hoppie's #9 followed by a clean patch. It works for me.

mb

 

[Arik]

There is no set time frame for cleaning a gun unless you shoot corrosive ammo, which you're not going to find in 9mm or in a 22lr. Unless you are using pre ww2 ammo or old foreign military ammo.

There is no set time or amount of cleaning. Some people will disassemble the gun and clean everything and everywhere and every part to new condition even after shooting one bullet. On the other end of the spectrum you have people like me. I'll clean it when I clean it. My feeling is that since powder doesn't corrode the gun and modern guns have generous tolerances whatever little dirt is in there from a few hundred rounds isn't going to effect anything.

That being said I use this a a guideline. Meaning that if I shot a thousand rounds today I don't rush home to clean instantly because nothing is going to change if I clean it tomorrow.

I use CLP or Hopes simplybecause this is what I have on hand. First I run a patch with a few drops of cleaning solution down the barrel to get it wet. Then a brass brush followed by a few passes with a clean patch. Then repeat till barrel is clean (dry patches come out clean or almost clean). For the internals I do the same. Run a wet patch over the surface, brass brush or a regular tooth brush then wipe off with a clean patch. There is no set amount of drops or patches. Just clean. Think of it as washing dishes or cleaning something. You just clean

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

I clean my guns after every range session. I use a brass brush, Weapon Shield Solvent, Weapon Shield CLP, and Wilson Combat Grease (only on certain areas). My guns look brand new.

 

[n0ukf]

Thanks, guys. I wasn't worried I was cleaning too seldom, just wanted to see some guidelines and personal preferences (for myself and newbies).

 

[DWalt]

Regarding the brass brush. It's preferable to always pull it through the bore from chamber to muzzle. Never push unless there is no alternative, such as a muzzle loader. I usually dip the brush in whatever solvent and pull it through two or three times as the first thing I do. Then I follow with clean patches (I always use paper toweling, not cloth). I hate cloth. Also best to always go from chamber to muzzle if possible. Avoids damage to the rifling at the muzzle. For a .22 rimfire rifle or pistol, some competitive shooters will never clean the bore - they feel it is seasoned by firing. Just like some women who use cast iron skillets will never wash them with soap and water, and only wipe them. Many trap and skeet shooters do likewise with their shotguns, just run a dry patch, etc., down the barrel every so often, no solvent. Some use those long fuzzy rods, and nothing else.

 

[2152hq]

I think it can be over done. I like to at least run an oily patch down the bore followed by a couple dry ones. Then one more very lightly oiled one and that's it.
I figure the bore is bone dry unprotected plain steel after firing. Maybe a coating of firing residue is all and I wouldn't call on that as a protective sealant.

I rarely use a brush unless the bore happens to be a little rough. Then I start out the above process with a brass brush coated with oil.

When done I wipe the outside surfaces down and put the gun away.

Nothing fancy in the oil dept. Outers Gun Oil was always a favorite. Mobile 1 works very nicely too.
It doesn't take much to be a decent gun oil actually.
Look at Ballistol,,,nothing but Mineral Oil (Baby Oil, Vaseline, ect) as it's main lubricant ingredient. A WW1 creation.
It does do a good job but being Mineral oil makes it safe on leather, wood, cloth and you.