Cleaning/Maintaining a blued pistol

[ProtoformX]

Hey guys. My background with the US Army taught me how to use just about anything and everything at my disposal to scrape carbon off a weapon, but taught me very little about using the proper tools or maintainence techniques.

I own a new Beretta 92fs, and have brought it to the range three times now. I did a decent job cleaning it the first two times, but it's not sitting on my workbench. I'd like to inform myself to the best of my abilities before I clean it this time so that I can start developing good habits for firearm ownership.

In my cleaning kit, bore brushes and solvent were included. When, where, and how do I properly use these items? I have trepiditions about shoving this bore brush down my bore. I realize that this is probably what it's designed to do, but all I've ever been taught to do with m16's and m4's is to put a swab down the bore with a rod.

I've used baby wipes on issued weapons in the past (I was instructed to. Sorry if this was the wrong thing to do.) But am not sure when and where to properly apply solvent.

Furthermore, this is a blued weapon. Do I oil the barrel? Do I oil the frame? What is the right thing to do to help this firearm live a long, healthy life?

Thanks in advance for any input, and sorry for the newbish questions. (Also sorry if this was addressed in a previous thread. I wasn't able to readily find one that addressed all my major questions.)

 

[mstrat]

I keep things simple:
Solvent, bore brush (the brass can't harm it), and swabs down the barrel to get rid of most carbon. Then a coat of CLP in the barrel with swabs.

Then some CLP, a rag, and pipe cleaners for the rest of the parts. I'm pretty liberal with the CLP-soaked rag, and just give it a good wipe down for excess when I'm done.

Some extra CLP or regular rem oil for lubrication on any metal-to-metal contact points before reassembly, then a quick wipedown for excess oil after it's reassembled.

Don't overthink it or worry too much. As long as you're not using harsh abrasives (steel brushes, and the likes) you won't harm your firearm. Just make sure you wipe down every metal part with CLP or oil, to keep a thin layer of protection from rust.

 

[ProtoformX]

Thanks man.

I've noticed what looks to be some fogging or non-reflective stripes that follow the rifling in my bore. Looks greyish when I shine a light at it. I've put a cleaner soaked patch through, I've put the bore brush through (several times) and a good portion of it is still not coming off. Should I be concerned? Am I allowed to reverse direction or "scrub" with a nylon bore brush? What can/should I do to get this (presumed) gunk off?