[ElMonoDelMar]

I'm thinking about getting a semi-auto pistol, but I'm not sure how complicated it would be to clean and maintain.

What type of cleaning is required for a semi after each outing at the range?

Is there ever a need for the average shooter to take the pistol all the way apart to oil or clean grime off of the internals?

I'd like to hear some of the cleaning regimens that you veteran shooters use for your semis.

 

[Paul F.]

I am meticulous. I "field strip" the .45 everytime I shoot and clean it well - then lube it. That's just me. Some I know run a bore swab thru theirs when they shoot and don't "clean" it everytime. Theirs shoot as well with as few problems as my own.

For the time invested... I think it's a good idea to clean a gun every time - but I'm sure many, many don't. :wink:

 

[wwb]

.....I "field strip" the .45 everytime I shoot and clean it well - then lube it.....

Couldn't have anything to do with having been a Marine, could it?

(Spoken by an ex-army guy who was NOT a clerk, a truck driver, an aircraft mechanic, etc...... and who is also anal retentive about clean firearms)

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

I am meticulous. I "field strip" the .45 everytime I shoot and clean it well - then lube it. That's just me. Some I know run a bore swab thru theirs when they shoot and don't "clean" it everytime. Theirs shoot as well with as few problems as my own.

For the time invested... I think it's a good idea to clean a gun every time - but I'm sure many, many don't. :wink:

From the diagrams I've seen, a field strip doesn't look hard to do.

Have you ever found a need to disassemble the gun beyond a field strip?

 

[Paul F.]

I have never gone beyond a field strip. If my gun needed that, it would go to a reputable smith. :shock:

On a 1911A1... a field strip takes about 3 seconds. For your first time, it might take 30 seconds. :wink:

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

That makes me more comfortable about semis now.

I might be able to pick up a 92fs cheaper than a S&W wheelgun.

 

[hoashooter]

Every new gun comes with instructions on dissasembly.If you get into trouble use your computer to ask questions.Most guns are not difficult to field strip.Knowing WHEN to quit is the real key.I have seen almost every make brought into gunshops in a shoebox or worse--often missing pieces :shock: :evil:

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

Every new gun comes with instructions on dissasembly.If you get into trouble use your computer to ask questions.Most guns are not difficult to field strip.Knowing WHEN to quit is the real key.I have seen almost every make brought into gunshops in a shoebox or worse--often missing pieces :shock: :evil:

That's what I'm trying to avoid.