It's a benefit to have a weapon on or near you in case you need it, but if that weapon isn't properly maintained, then it won't do the job. It'll give you peace of mind to know that your weapon will be able to fulfill its purpose when you need it. This is just a friendly reminder to clean your gun to avoid any unexpected consequences. It only takes 5 minutes!
Supplies
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have open cuts on your hands, wear rubber gloves. If you choose to go glove-less, at least wash your hands at the end of this process. The responsibility for preventing toxin exposure lies with you.
A scrap of a clean T-shirt and a bottle of CLP (cleaner, lubricant and protectant) are my go-to supplies. Frog Lube is my favorite CLP; it’s non-toxic and even smells nice. Extreme Force Weapons Lube is a new CLP that may work better for folks who use their gun in extreme cold.
One thing you should NOT have is ammunition. Start with a gun that’s completely unloaded — magazine out, chamber clear.
The Task
Disassemble your pistol and lay the parts on a relatively clean surface. Pick up the slide, put a dot of CLP on the rag, and wipe out the entire visible interior surface. Once the rag is coming up from the grooves clean, put a fresh drop or two of CLP on each groove and smear it in with a fingertip.
Now, pick up the recoil spring/guide rod. Wipe both ends using a clean section of the rag. Wrap the spring/rod unit inside the rag and turn it in your tightly closed palm. No lube is needed here.
The barrel is next. With the rag moistened with CLP, rub the entire outer surface with pressure, getting off all the buildup. The feed ramp of the barrel is an important place to clean. Wipe dry.
Do the same around the locking lugs. Basically, any place on the barrel with sharp angles will have carbon accumulation. A nylon bristle brush like an old toothbrush, cleaned and dried, works great for such occasions.
Notice I didn’t talk about cleaning the barrel interior. At least take a look through the bore for any abnormal accumulations or damage.
Put one or two drops of CLP on the outside of the barrel, and smooth it all around with your finger, avoiding the feed ramp and muzzle ends. This is a high-friction, high-heat surface.
Finally, use the rag to clean the rails on each side of the frame. These match up with the grooves on the inside of the slide. Put a dab of CLP in each rail, and spread it along the rails’ length.
Reassemble your pistol. If any excess lube is seeping out the sides, wipe it off.
Do you have a certain process for cleaning your pistol? Let us know in the comments below!
Article Source: Off The Grid News
