Newbe gun cleaning...

[Target_Shooter]

hello, I bought a hi-point 380 compact yeserday and put a 100 rounds though it. I plan on putting 300 more though it sat. when do I need to clean it?
lol how do I clean it? This is the first gun I have owend and love it, but i want to know how to take care of it.

I noticed that the aluminum that runs around the gun has started to change color and the muzzle(?) end of the gun. It looks kinda dirty. is that from the gun powder?

also what ammo should I be using? I bought blazer ammo yesterday when I bough the gun and didnt have any problems with it. (other than the price! hehe)

Like i said i love the gun, its a blast to shoot. so far the only thing I have bought for the gun is a extra magazine.( that way my brother can reload one while I shoot the other! ) what else should I get for it?

thanks, mike

 

[gharsh]

My first centerfire hangun was a Hi-Point compact 9mm. Still have it, but do not shoot it much anymore. The only cleaning I ever did to that gun was run a rag with some WD-40 down the barrel a couple of time and then use another rag to clean the breach face some. I never took it apart to clean it and I never had a problem with its function. I don't think I even know how to tear it down. I've probably put about 1000 rounds through it.

Now, how often do I clean my guns is depending on how much I've shot and how dirty I got from the ammo. I usually use the 300 mark as a good estimate unless I've gotten really dirty from the ammo, then it is right after I'm done shooting. It's like changing oil in my truck; once I hit the 300 mark it gets cleaned whether it looks dirty or not, but I might do this much shooting in one session with my reloads. This is what I use and I do not mind cleaning my guns, enjoy it frankly. Others may feel differently. Now, if I'm going to be storing a gun for awhile, I'll tear it apart and give it a good cleaning and oiling before putting it away. However, I did not do this with the hi-point.

Get yourself one of those boresnakes. They really help remove a lot of gunk from the barrel before I leave the range. This helps later when I am cleaning it.

As for ammo, I usually use Winchester white box 9mm from Wal Mart. Can get it in 100 round boxes. For my .45, I usually use my own reloads. For me it is a cost thing. I'd try to stick with some of the better name brands, Winchester, PMC, Blazer, UMC, Federal, although, Federal can be kinda expensive. Try a lot of different ones and find what shoots best in your gun and then you'll know what kind of ammo to use.

Now that you've got your first pistol, you'll need to get at least three more to help balance things out.

 

[10-Ring]

Get yourself a nice cleaning kit. They're usually packed w/ everything you'll need to clean you pistol. Then just follow the instructions (how to disassemble & how to properly clean & lube) in the owner's manual.

 

[BevrFevr]

definitely read the owners manual. but a kit and get a boresnake. Boresnakes kick ???. I would suggest you find a range and make friends with some of the guys and have them teach you the ins and outs of guns safety and maintenance. An NRA course or two won't hurt ya either. Most states have a hunters education course. You can learn alot for free in one of those.

-bevr