Need some cleaning tips for my handgun.

[crenz66]

So I'm cleaning my smith and wesson 9mm sw9ve for the first time. I bought my cleaning kit and hoppes gun oil and hoppes gun cleaner. Now my question is, is there a difference between the gun cleaner and a solevent? I didn't put either of them on because I am not sure what to use. So please give me some tips on here.

 

[wolf_fire]

Hi crenz. Welcome to the forums.

Good question. Nearly all gun cleaners are solvents. Usually the cleaners that say "environmentally friendly" on them are not. The reason why they are solvents is because they are used to dissolve the carbon fouling and the copper and lead residue found in the barrel.

Here's an excellent video to show the proper way to clean a gun without getting too anxious about it. Cleaning a pistol is an easy task that some people over think way too much.

Good luck to you. If after this, you still have questions, feel free to hit us up.

 

[VT Patriot]

Crenz, this vid does a pretty good job of simplifying the process. Only caution, DON'T use solvents on the poly receiver. Some are known to weaken or disolve the poly. I've had a 9VE for many years, and have cleaned it maybe 3-4 times. Most of the time after a range day, I pull the slide and just wipe down anything that looks dirty.
Never let me down yet.

"If you like your president, you can keep your president"

 

[Geosan1030]

One more quick thing: if your firearm has a laser or fiber optic site, take care to ensure the solvent or cleaner does not come in contact with the emitter or the site.

 

[crenz66]

Thank you guys and thank you for the video! This helped me a lot.

 

[wolf_fire]

I'm glad we all could help. Know that if you don't know something, there is more than likely someone(s) that do know it here on this forum. We have some excellent people here. Be safe.

 

[gunnerbob]

Crenz,

To save money, use motor oil as your lubricant... I like Mobile 1 synthetic. For many rifles (such as an M1 Garand or AK) I actually use Hi-temp/All-purpose grease...

Just something to think about.