How to Clean Instructions for the Beretta M9 Military Pistol

Cleaning swabs are useful for cleaning the firing mechanism of the Beretta M9.

A Beretta M9 pistol must be cleaned regularly to prevent rust and degradation of interior parts. Cleaning is an integral part of routine preventative maintenance and must be done immediately after firing. Using military-grade cleaner, lubricant and protectant (CLP), bore brushes and soft cloths which come in a commercially available weapon-cleaning kit, thorough M9 cleaning time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaner
• Lubricant
• Protectant
• Soft cleaning cloths
• Bronze bore brush
• Cleaning swabs
• Cleaning brush
• Cleaning rods

Instructions

Clear the Weapon

1. 

   Prior to cleaning a Beretta M9 pistol, clear the weapon.

   Place the safety lever in the down position while aiming the pistol in a safe, downrange direction and release the magazine.

2. Pull the slide mechanism to the rear to eject the chambered round and lock the slide in the rear position.

3. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure all rounds have been ejected.

Disassemble the Weapon

1. Ensure the weapon's safety mechanism is engaged and release the slide forward.

2. Depress the disassembly lever and pull the slide toward the front of the weapon until it is completely separated from the lower receiver.

3. Carefully remove the recoil spring and spring guide while covering them with your free hand to prevent the spring from ejecting.

4. Push the plunger in and remove the locking block and barrel.

Cleaning the Weapon

1. Remove loose carbon and debris from the weapon using a cleaning brush.

2. Insert a bronze bore brush in the barrel and vigorously scrub to remove carbon residue.

3. Thread a soft cleaning cloth through a cleaning rod and lightly lubricate it with cleaner, lubricant and protectant (CLP). Insert the cloth and cleaning rod into the bore of the Beretta M9 pistol and ensure no excess CLP is left behind.

4. Remove carbon residue and metal filings from the lower and upper receivers, using a soft cleaning brush.

5. Lubricate a soft cleaning cloth with CLP and wipe each component of the weapon. Use a cotton cleaning swab for areas that are difficult to reach with a cleaning cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Shaving cream removes carbon residue faster than CLP.

• If you find metal filings in your Beretta M9 pistol, take it to a licensed firearm repair shop immediately.

• Excess CLP left in a weapon can cause damage; ensure only a thin coating remains on your weapon before storage.

References

• U.S. Infantry Weapons Guide: M9 Pistols
• Army: FM 3-23.35, "Combat Training with Pistols, M9 and M11"
• Army: Army Regulation 385-63, "Range Safety"

Resources

• Online Army Study Guide: M9 Pistol Information