I've been shooting cast lead bullets in most handgun calibers for over 40 years. My cleaning routine is simple and works, blued guns, stainless guns, parkerized guns.
Step 1: Using a dry bronze bore brush each chamber and the bore are given 50 to 100 strokes. This takes only a few minutes.
Step 2: Bronze bristle brush (like a big toothbrush), dry, scrub off the cylinder face, rear of barrel and frame recesses.
Step 3: Snug cleaning patch with solvent, about 20 strokes each. Wipe down frame recesses and cylinder face. Then let it sit for an hour or so.
Step 4: Dry bore brush again, about 20 strokes.
Step 5: Snug cleaning patch with solvent, about 20 stokes.
Step 6: Dry clean patches until they come out clean.
Step 7: Wipe down all exterior surfaces with a lightly oiled rag.
Fairly quick and easy. No expensive tools to purchase. New bore brush will usually do about a dozen cleanings before it starts to lose effectiveness. I buy bronze bore brushes in packs of 10 or 12, usually about $1 each that way.
The dry brush cuts lead residue very well. Any solvent during the brushing just serves as a lubricant and reduces the effectiveness of the brush.
My 6" Model 19 has been with me for 38 years, used in dozens of competitions and fired tens of thousands of rounds. Still as accurate and tight as it was when new. Other than a little holster wear it still looks great.
