Procedures For Cleaning A Revolver

By Sherry L. Goucher, Sr. CTOOklahoma Dept of Corrections

District V – Community CorrectionsApproved on July 9, 2001

ORACLE Course Code D5PI202100Training Credit: 2 hours

Course Objectives

To understand the importance of preventive maintenance and cleaning

To understand what can happen if a revolver is not cleaned

To choose a safe location for revolver cleaning

To understand the steps to insure the revolver is unloaded

How to select and use the proper cleaning tools and solvents

After finishing this course, participants will be able:

Why Regular Maintenance?

The greatest cause of firearm malfunction is POOR MAINTENANCE.

Have a qualified armorer check the weapon before firing (even a factory-new weapon can malfunction).

After a weapon has been fired . . .

Residue in the bore (barrel) and cylinders after firing consists of

Primer and powder residue“Leading” from the bullet

Primer and powder residue collect moisture and promote rust.

Primary considerations are prevention of rust, preservation of the finish, and to ensure reliable operation.

Dirty Firearms

On the Range

May cause jams or damage the weapon

May affect accuracy & dependability

On the Job

The risk of malfunction may cost your life, or the life of an innocent bystander.

If possible, clean it at the range after firing.

Choose a location which protects others from unintentional discharge of the weapon. The location should include an area with solid walls, or barriers which would trap a fired bullet.

The location for cleaning a firearm is also an important consideration . . .

Cleaning Equipment

Soft clothBore solvent or cleanerGun oil or lubricant/preservativeBore and cylinder patchesCleaning rod and attachments (patch holder and bore brush)ToothbrushDental pick

Notes:Cleaning rods with attachments and bore/cylinder patches are made for specific calibers. Make sure to use the proper size to permit proper cleaning and to avoid damage.A screwdriver should only be used if it is a gunsmith’s model. A standard screwdriver may damage the screw slots.

Step 1: Empty Your Revolver

Unload the revolver, remove the ammunition to a separate location, and leave the action (cylinder) open. Visibly check each chamber to ensure the cartridges have been removed. Count the cartridges as an additional safety measure.

Step 2

Attach the bore brush to the rod and dip the brush in bore solvent. Pass the brush through the barrel from the muzzle end 8-10 times.Make sure the brush emerges from the rear of the barrel before drawing it back through, and take care not to damage the muzzle end of the barrel through contact with the bore rod.

Step 3

Remove the bore brush from the rod, and attach a patch holder and clean patch.

Dip the patch in bore solvent and pass it through the bore several times.

Step 4

Remove the wet patch, and attach a clean, dry patch. Pass the clean patch through the bore from the muzzle end several times.

Step 5

Inspect the dry patch for residue, and, if dirty, repeat until the dry patch comes out clean.

Step 6

Perform steps 1-5 for each cylinder chamber of the revolver, passing the brush and patches through the chambers from the rear face.

Step 7Using the toothbrush soaked in bore solvent and the dental pick, clean and remove all debris from under the extractor, rear cylinder face, front cylinder face, and the breech end (forcing cone of the barrel). Residue left under the extractor may cause malfunctions.

NOTE: Inspect for, and clean any residue which may be present on all other visible surfaces, e.g. top strap, breech face, firing pin hole, etc. Ask your facility armorer if you need help identifying these components.

Step 8

Using a clean cloth, dry all solvent residue from under the extractor, front and rear cylinder faces, and breech end of the barrel. Solvent left under the extractor may cause malfunctions.

Step 9Using a clean cloth, apply a light film of gun oil to all exterior surfaces of the revolver. Ensure that the barrel bore and cylinder chambers remain dry of oil if the revolver is being returned to immediate duty. Oil left under the extractor or in the firing pin hole may cause malfunctions.

If being stored, lightly coat the chambers and bore with gun oil. Using a clean patch, dry the chambers and bore prior to future use of the revolver.

Step 10

Check tightness of the grip screws using the proper size screwdriver. Do not overtighten. DO NOT attempt to tighten side plate screws unless using a gunsmith’s screwdriver - screw damage may result.

The Last Step

Now that your revolver has been cleaned, avoid skin contact with the metal surfaces of the clean revolver to reduce the risk of rust due to perspiration and skin oils.

Self-Test #1Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

True

False

1. Even a factory-new revolver can malfunction when fired.

Self-Test #2Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

True

False

2. The most-frequent cause of firearm malfunctions is poor maintenance.

Self-Test #3Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

True

False

3. Primer and powder residue in the barrel and cylinders will not collect moisture and promote rust.

Self-Test #4Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

Cause jams and damage the weapon

Affect accuracy and dependability of the weapon

4. Using a dirty firearm on the range may:

Both A and B

Self-Test #5Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

True

False

5. Cleaning rods, rod attachments, and bore/cylinder patches are made for specific caliber sizes.

Self-Test #6Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

True

False

6. After unloading a revolver, it’s a good safety measure to visibly check the cylinder chambers and to count the cartridges you have removed.

Self-Test #7Click on the letter by the answer you think is correct.

True

False

7. Dirt and oil residue left under the extractor can cause a revolver to malfunction.

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