Manual

3
CLEANING EQUIPMENT continued
Cleaning Solvent
There are many commercially available cleaning solvents that do an excellent job
of removing both powder residue and metal fouling. Cleaning solvents should be
used to loosen and remove powder residue, and copper or lead fouling. Use
cleaning solvents that are manufactured for weapon use only. If a cleaning solvent
is used, be sure all solvent is removed before applying any lubricant, as the solvent
will reduce the effectiveness of the lubricant.
WARNING: Some cleaning solvents and treated cloths may be detrimental to the finish of
your pistol. Always read the manufacturer's recommendation for use and the warning label
before using.
Wet Brush
A nylon toothbrush with a lubricant, preservative or similar material to dissolve and
remove firing residue can be used to clean areas of the weapon that are hard to
reach. For optimum results, this brush should have bristles located at each end
similar to today's issue military style brush. A moistened toothbrush works well on
the interior of the frame, the underside and face of the breechblock, behind the
extractor, the exterior of the slide, and any other location where firing residue may
accumulate. It is not recommended that solvent be used in areas where it may
collect and cannot be removed.
Dry Brush
A dry nylon brush, such as a toothbrush, makes the cleaning process easier in
areas where solvent is not desired such as the grips, and when removing lint and
minor fouling from the front and rear sights, trigger, etc.. Lint and fuzz that
accumulates in the holster can also be removed using a dry brush. A military style
brush not yet exposed to lubricant or solvent will best satisfy this requirement.
Screwdriver
A screwdriver of proper size should be used for tightening all screws. Correct
blade size prevents mutilation of screw head slots. For best results, the blade
must fit the slot snugly in both width and length.
Cleaning Cloth
A clean, absorbent, lint free cloth is necessary for cleaning the weapon and
protecting it from hard surfaces during the cleaning process. Cheese cloth is one
of the most widely recommended. Too often the effort to keep the weapon clean is
defeated by the contamination of dirt, grease, fouling, etc., from a soiled cloth.
Once the cloth becomes soiled discard it.
A mechanical stoppage while firing is less likely to occur if a clean lint free cloth is
used.