new CZ-82 owner! cleaning tips?

[machinecraig]

Well - I finally got around to picking up a CZ-82! Mine came from SOG last week, and is great shape (I went with Handpick). A few small areas on the slide and frame show holster wear, but otherwise the finish is nice and strong.

What are people's thoughts on the best way to do a thorough initial cleaning (it's a bit greasy and gummy in some spots). I'm thinking of the following:

1) Field strip (not a detailed strip)
2) Soak and scrub all parts with Mineral Spirits
3) Dry off with compressed air
4) Reapply oil (Breakfree CLP) and lube the slide (Tetra Gun Grease)

Will this be OK - or do I need to do a detailed breakdown before soaking in the Mineral Spirits? I've been spooked by some stories of people detail stripping the CZ-82 and needing gunsmith assistance in putting it back together.

 

[doubs43]

Unless the internal parts are very dirty, I'd skip the mineral spirits soaking. The internal working parts of the frame are pretty well shielded from blowback residue and rarely need to be thoroughly cleaned. When needed, remove the grips and spray with brake cleaner. It quickly removes all oil, grease, crud etc. and dries very quickly. Protect your eyes and skin from contact though.

I'd field strip, clean the bore, the breech face etc and apply oil lightly where needed. More than that is generally unnecessary.

 

[machinecraig]

That's good to hear, thanks! I'll skip the bath and just do a more typical cleaning. It's not like they packed it in cosmoline, it's just a bit greasier than I'd prefer.