Cleaning Your Handgun
I don’t know anyone who “loves” cleaning their handgun, but it is necessary task. In fact, many handgun owners spread unsupported statements to rationalize not cleaning their handguns when they should.
So when should you clean your handgun?
After every shooting session, whether you fired “1” round or you fired “1,000” rounds.
If you did not fire your handgun, but it was exposed to and compromised by the environment, check it.
This page was created to help make the task of cleaning your handgun a little easier. I’m at the range at least two days a week, I have been in this routine since 1999. Seldom do I actually shoot, I socialize with my friends who work there and occasionally I teach a handgun course. What I am witness to each week are people who have just purchased their first firearm or they were given a firearm by a relative. Most of them ask about cleaning it, they are usually referred to YouTube or GOOGLE University. I have heard that some ranges and firearm training schools will clean your firearm for a fee. I don’t know about this practice, I obtained my first firearm at age 7 years, I was taught to clean it the following day.
If you have suddenly become a handgun owner and are not confident with the instruction on YouTube or GOOGLE, then use the below form to reach out to me. If you have an old gun or one not fired in years, then reach out to me with the details. We will get the handgun up and running again. Give a verifiable name and phone number and I will call you back the same day. Will I charge you for this,,, NO.
I don’t keep emails, this form is only for contacting me.
“In 2023, 58% of all gun-related deaths in the U.S. were suicides (27,300), while 38% were murders (17,927). The remaining gun deaths that year involved law enforcement (604), were accidental (463) or had undetermined circumstances (434), according to CDC data.”
“463” - How many deaths were from cleaning a firearm?
Cleaning a handgun is not difficult, but it demands your full attention.
Keep your ammunition away from the cleaning table.
Revolver Cleaning Using The Smith & Wesson Model 642
Handgun Cleaning With The Smith & Wesson Model 642
Revolver cleaning options are shown in this video.
Handgun Cleaning With The Glock Model 19.
Handgun Cleaning With The Glock Model 19
Pistol cleaning options are shown in this video.
Handgun Cleaning Carts
Carts are especially good for keeping your handgun cleaning supplies in one place, move them from room to room when you are finished. They are not as expensive as you might think, Harbor Freight is the place to go for an affordable cart.
Gun Oils, Lubricants and Cleaners
These are the items that I have used without issues and they keep my handguns in top shape.
(Click on the photo for product details)
Every week I see at least one shooter place his handgun on the shooting bench, then walk up to the range master for assistance.
My gun is jammed.
My gun won’t fire.
My gun is broken.
My gun just stopped working.
There’s a problem with my gun.
Can you come fix my gun?
Often the problem was simply that the pistol needed lubrication. The shooter just purchased a new handgun and the handgun was dry. Their handgun may have sat in the manufacturer’s warehouse for years and then sat on a retail shelf for long time after.
Lubricate the handgun you just bought BEFORE you shoot it.
Note:
Rig Gun Grease I use as a “storage” protectant. I coated a rifle with Rig, placed it in a “gun sock” and stored it in a closet for 5 years. When I took it out, it was in great condition, with no issues.
I used the Breakthrough Carbon Pro for the first time today, 6/12/2025. The BEST carbon and lead remover I have ever used !! Hoppes # 9 just got Retired !!
Thank you Michael !!!
Handgun Cleaning Kits
Handgun Cleaning Tools
(Click on the photo for product details)
Birchwood Casey Lead Remover is for stainless steel finishes only. Do not use this product on a blue steel firearm
Marsh Fountain Brush
I have used the Marsh Fountain Brush for over 30 years, I still use the same brush(not the one in the photos). It is the best system that I have ever used for lubricating and maintaining my firearms. The brush was designed for painters, but the military and large police departments fill it with lubricant and maintain their weapon inventory. It might take an experienced gun handler 20 minutes to lubricate his weapon with a cloth and bottle of lubricant, it takes me just over 2 minutes with the Marsh Fountain Brush. I apply teflon plumber’s tape to the brush head and bottom cap, as lubricants are usually a lot thinner than paint, this keeps any lubricant from leaking out.
One of the best assets and the cheapest tool for cleaning my handgun is a cake pan and a shammy (cloth). It keeps the mess contained and easy to clean up. Each Secamax Shammy cost $1.48 and can be cut into sections for at least “8” cleanings. The scrap trimmings from the Secamax make GREAT swabs for the bore cleaning.
Be sure to cut the swabs the right size for the bore of your particular handgun. If you have a pack of factory manufactured swabs , like the ones shown below, use one as a guide.
“Son, only a pimp in a Louisiana whore-house carries pearl-handled revolvers. These are ivory.”
