Cleaning Guide

AWC SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, LLC
January 1, 2013
GENERAL CLEANING OF RIMFIRE SUPPRESSORS
THREAD ON CAN TYPE: We suggest periodic cleaning at a minimum of every 500 rounds. Simply
perform a fast soak by plugging the front of the suppressor and pour denatured alcohol, mineral spirits or
hot tap water into the receiver or barrel end of the suppressor tube. Then plug the back of the suppressor
and shake for about 60 seconds, unplug and allow to drain from both ends. Perform the fast soaking
procedure twice. It is also advisable to blow compressed air into both ends followed by a spray of Rem-
oil or Break-free. Some smoking may occur on the first magazine until the excess oils are burned off and
expelled from the suppressor. Regular use of spray lubricant may assist in preventing fouling build-up.
INTEGRAL TYPE: For all cleaning and maintenance always remove the magazine, clear the chamber
and ensure the weapon is unloaded with safety engaged. After each firing session it is recommended to
introduce spray lubricant into the suppressor from both chamber and muzzle end. For a full cleaning, or
approximately every 200-500 rounds, follow the instructions below for the appropriate platform.
For rifles, remove the stock and receiver, see base gun manual. For pistols, remove the handgrip and bolt
assembly. Service the barrel and suppressor by introducing bore foam from the chamber end of the barrel
until foam starts to exit the muzzle of the suppressor. You may wish to test the selected brand of bore
foam on a small area of the finish to ensure it does not discolor it before beginning the soak. Allow the
foam solvent to soak for 30 minutes followed flush/rinse to remove any sticky residue left behind by the
solvent foam. This is accomplished by plugging the chamber and pouring denatured alcohol or hot tap
water into the front of the suppressor tube. It may take a few pours to fill the chambers. Use a chamber
plug to block the front bore of the suppressor and shake for about 60 seconds, remove the chamber plugs
and allow to drain. It may be advisable to perform another fast rinse. Allow the suppressor to drain from
both ends. It is also advisable to blow compressed air into both ends of the suppressor after cleaning to
dry the internals. After cleaning a quick spray of Rem-Oil or Break-free in the suppressor and action is
recommended. Dry the chamber of the barrel and action prior to firing. Some smoking may occur on the
first magazine until the excess oils are burned off and expelled from the suppressor. Regular use of
spray lubricant may assist in preventing fouling build-up.
Although it is not necessary, if the user insists on cleaning the barrel with a bore brush it is accomplished
by using the proper .22 rimfire bore brush only. A bronze brush works best and Shooters Choice is our
favorite bore solvent. Always insert the bore brush through the chamber end. This eliminates the
possibility of crown damage. DO NOT FORCE the brush as it may become misaligned and lodge in the
suppressor baffles. After cleaning with bore brush follow the flushing/rinsing procedures described above
to remove any residue left behind by the solvent. DO NOT attempt to use a patch, EVER!
REMOVABLE CORE INTEGRAL TYPE: After each firing session service the suppressed barrel by
carefully unscrewing the muzzle end of the suppressor and pulling it from the outer barrel. Traditional
cleaning methods may now be used to clean the barrel bore, always cleaning from the chamber end. The
interior of the suppressor tube and the cone stack may be cleaned with traditional solvents and brushes.
USE CARE NOT TO DAMAGE THE CROWN OF THE BARREL OR THE THREADS ON THE END OF
THE BARREL. After cleaning a quick spray of Rem-Oil in the suppressor and action is recommended.
Dry the chamber of the barrel and action prior to firing. Regular use of lubricants of this type in the
suppressor will assist in cleaning and reduce fouling. Visually inspect the O-rings for damage. Exercise
care when reinstalling the cone stack into the outer barrel. Careful alignment with the threads on the
barrel is critical. RETIGHTEN THE CONE STACK HAND TIGHT—DO NOT USE A WRENCH.
Centerfire suppressors typically do not need to be cleaned internally, however the thread/mounting area
should be kept clean and lubricated. The exception is for the piston on the handgun caliber models, it
should be kept clean and greased to ensure proper function and reduce wear.