new gun cleaning

[257WM_CDL-SF]

hello I just bought a new Springfield 1911.This is my first pistol.Ive always cleaned my rifles,before I shot them.Should I do the same with it?

 

[mljdeckard]

I would. At least make sure that the barrel doesn't have any preservative goop in it, run a few wet brushes, followed by a few dry patches. If the factory left any goop in it, it will be easier to remove BEFORE you shoot it than AFTER.

I might brush the whole thing out just to make sure that I knew what condition it was in, but the truth is, 1911s don't come packed in cosmoline anymore. I THINK, the main benefit from a thorough cleaning at the start is to know up front that it was clean. You also get to eyeball the whole thing. It can't hurt.

 

[Mad Magyar]

I agree. Field strip, acquire familiarity with the parts-weapon...Good shooting...

 

[gwnorth]

A new pistol will not come from the factory properly lubricated for function. If it has anything on it, it will be primarily a rust inhibitor of some kind. I always field strip, clean as necessary, thoroughly inspect, then reassemble and lube to my standards every new gun I buy.

Pay particular attention to fit and finish, as if you have any issues you want to take up with the manufacturer, it's always best to do so promptly after taking posession, not months and many rounds later.

 

[257WM_CDL-SF]

thank you all I came with a brush but id like to get a toothbrush for the slide and just use brush that came with it for the barrel. would you use hoppes everywhere or butches bore shine

 

[.45Heater]

Hoppes is for the bore however, some on the breech face and the extractor won't hurt either.

 

[mfcmb]

I would definitely clean and lube it before shooting it. Some new guns will contain metal filings or other debris from the manufacturing process. Others will have too much or too little oil, not always in the right places.

 

[kostyanj]

I shot my Springfield before cleaning it and it worked perfectly for those 100+ rounds.

 

[257WM_CDL-SF]

is CLP ok to put on slide and wipe it down

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

i've never cleaned a gun before shooting it, only lubed. never had any issues.

 

[Lv4snobrdg]

many schools of thought on this but you want to ensure that CLP is okay for your firearm. I find CLP far too viscus (thin, doesn't really stick well, you put it on the slide rails and find it in the mag well) I use rem most of the time.

a field strip
patch the barrel, don't "clean" it
lube all the bearing surfaces (where metal meets metal) don't forget the bushing!!

Shooooooooooooot!

Now some will say:

Fire 500 rds before you clean it again. Bearing surfaces may need to "seat" through some normal wear...