How to Clean a Revolver

OK, Clint Eastwood, you've got yourself a revolver and you've been making regular trips to the gun range to practice. But frequent use means frequent cleaning. Regularly cleaning your revolver is a necessary and responsible part of being a handgun owner. Like the engine of a car, a revolver needs to have its parts cleaned and maintained. It will keep your revolver working like new for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rags
• Cleaning solvent
• Bore brush
• Cleaning patches
• Cleaning rod
• Old toothbrush
• Oil

1. Check that the revolver is unloaded. Never clean a loaded handgun.

2. Tie a rag around the rear of the cylinder opening. Squeeze a few drops of solvent into the barrel, and clean with a bore brush.

3. Wet a cleaning patch with solvent, and run it several times through the barrel with a cleaning rod. Repeat with a dry patch. When dry patch comes out clean, place a few drops of oil on a patch and run through the barrel, followed again by a dry patch.

4. Place a few drops of oil on the bristles of an old toothbrush and clean the extractor assembly. Then wipe the assembly with a solvent-dampened patch. Remember to press the extractor rod to clean underneath the assembly, following the same process.

5. Brush out the cylinder using the same procedure used to clean the barrel. Wipe the interior and exterior with solvent-soaked patches, then follow with a dry cloth. Lubricate extractor shaft, cylinder crane and possibly the cylinder release. Check the owner's manual for specific details.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a cleaning kit. Kits are available at most sporting goods stores.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Contact a gunsmith to check the interior parts of the handgun.
• Do not disassemble the revolver in order to clean it.
• Keep solvent away from grips of any kind, including wood, rubber or plastic grips.