[woad_yurt]

If I took the grip off the pistol, would I hurt it if I were to simply dunk the thing to clean it, like they do with engine blocks or heads? I know I'd have to blow it dry & lube some stuff afterwards but is there anything in there that would be harmed from a good solvent bath?

[lee n. field]

Everything else is metal. I don't see how anything would be hurt.

You should probably swab out the firing pin channel before you use it.

[M2 Carbine]

When mine needs a good cleaning I squirt it good with WD40. Let it set for a few minutes and blow it off good with a air gun (compressor in the barn). That air will blow the crud out of the smallest place.
Then lube it and put the grips back on.

On some guns you have to be careful that a part, spring, etc won't be blown away.

[woad_yurt]

I knew there'd be a drawback. I have to swab out the firing pin channel, too? That's going to take at least 45 seconds.... ;)