Why Cleaning Your Revolver Is Essential
The reasons to clean your revolver regularly are numerous. During firing, residue from the powder, primer, and the bullet itself accumulates within the barrel, cylinder chambers, and other parts. This residue, commonly known as fouling, can corrode the metal, leading to rust and diminished accuracy. In addition, excessive fouling can cause malfunctions, ranging from a failure to eject spent casings to a complete inability to fire. Regular cleaning removes these abrasive particles and prevents these issues from developing. Furthermore, a clean revolver is far more reliable than a dirty one. This reliability is critical for self-defense, target practice, or any other application where a functioning firearm is required. Proper maintenance also safeguards your investment, allowing your revolver to function flawlessly for years to come.
A quick note on revolver types: While this guide provides general instructions applicable to most revolvers, differences exist between single-action and double-action models. Single-action revolvers require the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot, whereas double-action revolvers can be fired by pulling the trigger, which both cocks the hammer and releases it. The cleaning principles remain the same, though the specific details of disassembly may vary.
*Safety First* – Always treat a gun as if it were loaded. Before handling any firearm, regardless of whether you believe it is loaded, immediately and unequivocally confirm that it is unloaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and observe all safety precautions.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and cleaning products. Having everything at hand before you start will make the process significantly smoother and more efficient. Here is a comprehensive list:
A gun cleaning mat or a suitable work surface: This provides a protected surface for your revolver and prevents scratches.
Cleaning rods: Ensure you have the correct caliber cleaning rod for your revolver.
Bore brush: This removes stubborn fouling from the barrel. Make sure the bore brush is of the correct caliber for your revolver.
Chamber brush: This smaller brush is specifically designed for cleaning the chambers in the cylinder.
Cleaning patches: These absorb the cleaning solvent and remove residue. Cotton or microfiber patches are commonly used.
Gun cleaning solvent (bore cleaner): This dissolves powder residue, copper fouling, and other deposits. Choose a quality solvent specifically designed for firearms.
Gun lubricant (oil or grease): This reduces friction between moving parts and protects against corrosion. Gun oil is generally used for most parts, while grease is often preferred for specific high-friction areas.
Toothbrush or cleaning brush: This is useful for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas and removing stubborn deposits from the frame and other parts.
Screwdriver: A screwdriver may be necessary for disassembly, depending on your revolver model. Check your manufacturer’s instructions to see if any disassembly is required.
Shop towels or rags: These are used for wiping down parts, cleaning up spills, and other general cleaning tasks.
Safety glasses and gloves: Protect your eyes and hands from cleaning chemicals and debris. This is highly recommended.
Safety Precautions – An Absolute Must
Safety is paramount when handling firearms. Before you even consider cleaning your revolver, follow these critical safety steps:
Double Check
Verify the Revolver is Unloaded. The very first and most important step is to confirm that your revolver is unloaded. Open the cylinder and visually inspect each chamber to ensure no cartridges are present. Additionally, examine the barrel to verify it’s clear.
Safe Direction
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. This is crucial for accident prevention. If you do not have a safe backstop like a berm, always point the muzzle towards the ground or in a direction where an accidental discharge would not pose a threat.
A Secure Workspace
Work in a well-ventilated area. Cleaning solvents and lubricants can emit harmful fumes. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated to prevent exposure to these fumes.
Handling Solvents and Lubricants
Handle cleaning solvents and lubricants with care. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid skin contact and eye contact.
Cleaning Steps
The exact cleaning steps will depend on your specific revolver model. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual for your firearm for detailed instructions. However, the following steps provide a general guide applicable to most revolvers.
Cylinder Release and Removal
Open the cylinder by pressing the cylinder release button (or lever, depending on your model). Swing the cylinder out of the frame, if applicable. This initial step is often necessary to clean both the barrel and the cylinder chambers.
Grips Removal
Some revolvers require the removal of the grips for thorough cleaning, particularly if the frame is susceptible to corrosion. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if grip removal is recommended for your revolver. If so, carefully remove the grips using the appropriate screwdriver (if required).
Frame Cleaning
After removing the cylinder and grips, you can proceed to clean the frame, using the appropriate cleaning tools and solvents. Use a brush to clean any surface accessible.
Cleaning the Barrel
Now it’s time to focus on the barrel:
Solvent Application
Apply cleaning solvent to a cleaning patch. Push the patch through the barrel from the *chamber* to the muzzle using the cleaning rod. This prevents debris from being pushed back into the action. Repeat this process until the patch comes out relatively clean.
Bore Brushing
Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod. Again, insert the brush into the barrel from the *chamber* to the muzzle. Scrub the barrel using a back-and-forth motion (though some prefer a single pass). Be sure to scrub the entire length of the barrel with the bore brush to remove built-up residue.
Patching
After brushing, switch to clean patches and repeat the patching process. Push clean patches through the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle until the patches come out completely clean and free of any residue or discoloration. This indicates that the barrel is thoroughly cleaned.
Cleaning the Cylinder and Chambers
The cylinder and its chambers are crucial areas to keep clean:
Chamber Cleaning
Use the chamber brush to scrub each chamber in the cylinder. Apply cleaning solvent to the brush and insert it into each chamber, rotating the brush to remove fouling.
Patching
Use a cleaning rod with a patch to clean the chambers and wipe away any remaining residue after brushing.
Face of Cylinder
Clean the face of the cylinder with a patch and a cleaning solvent to remove any carbon buildup that can affect the revolver’s performance.
Cleaning the Frame and Other Parts
Carefully clean the frame and other accessible parts of your revolver:
Frame Cleaning
Use a brush and cleaning solvent to clean the frame, forcing cone, and any other accessible areas. Pay close attention to the area around the forcing cone, where carbon buildup can be significant.
Inspect
Inspect the firing pin to ensure it is free from debris.
Remove Excess Solvent
Remove any excess solvent from all cleaned parts with a clean patch or shop towel.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential for smooth operation and corrosion resistance:
Lubrication Points
Apply a light coat of gun lubricant (oil or grease) to moving parts. The key areas for lubrication include:
Cylinder crane and hinge
Trigger mechanism (lightly)
Hammer
Other specific points depending on your revolver type (check your owner’s manual)
Wiping Excess Lubricant
Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean shop towel or patch. Over-lubrication can attract dirt and debris, leading to malfunctions.
Reassembly
If you disassembled any parts, carefully reassemble your revolver, following the disassembly steps in reverse order. Ensure all parts are correctly seated and secured.
Verify Proper Function: After reassembly, conduct a function test. Check that the cylinder rotates smoothly, the trigger pulls, and the hammer cocks and releases correctly.
Replace Grips: If the grips were removed during the cleaning process, reattach them, ensuring they are securely fastened.
Final Check and Inspection
Once reassembly is complete, perform a final check:
Function Test
Perform a function test. Ensure the revolver operates as intended. The cylinder should rotate smoothly, the trigger should function correctly, and the hammer should cock and drop without issue.
Visual Inspection
Carefully visually inspect the entire revolver for any remaining debris, residue, or imperfections.
Safety Check
Perform a final safety check by opening the cylinder and visually inspecting the chambers to verify they are empty. Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Post-Cleaning Maintenance
After cleaning, you should always keep your revolver stored properly:
Storage: Store your cleaned revolver in a safe place, away from children and unauthorized individuals. Consider using a gun safe or lockable case.
Frequency: The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you fire the revolver. As a general guideline, clean your revolver after each shooting session. If you only fire a few rounds, a more superficial cleaning may suffice.
Special Situations: If you’ve fired corrosive ammunition, it’s especially important to clean your revolver as soon as possible after shooting. This will help to prevent damage from the corrosive salts.
Troubleshooting
Cleaning your revolver should be a straightforward process, but you might encounter some issues:
Common Cleaning-Related Issues: If you experience difficulty rotating the cylinder, it may be due to excessive fouling or lubricant buildup. Disassemble the cylinder and clean it thoroughly.
Seeking Help: If you encounter any persistent problems or are unsure about any step in the cleaning process, it’s always best to consult a qualified gunsmith. A gunsmith has the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve any issues you may encounter.
Conclusion
Cleaning your revolver is not merely a chore; it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible firearm ownership and care. By following this step-by-step guide, you can effectively clean your revolver, ensuring its safety, reliability, and longevity. Remember that consistent cleaning leads to a well-functioning revolver, keeping it ready for whatever you might require of it. Regular maintenance is an investment in both your firearm and your safety.
Remember, always treat a firearm as if it were loaded, and follow all safety guidelines. Cleaning is an essential part of responsible firearm ownership, and mastering this process will keep your revolver in top condition for years to come.
Resources
Online videos on cleaning revolvers: Search YouTube for “how to clean a revolver” or similar search terms.
Articles and guides on firearm maintenance: Many websites and online forums offer detailed guides on firearm maintenance, including cleaning revolvers.
Recommended cleaning products: Visit your local gun store or online retailer to find recommended gun cleaning solvents, lubricants, and tools. Look for products from reputable brands.
