Running in a Pistol?

murph226

Hi lads, got some good news today about my recent firearms cert app for a Sig Sauer p226 9mm.

Should have it in a couple of weeks:D

Just wondering whats the procedure with running in a new pistol?

I am aware that they are tested at the factory, but is there any precautions to take regards cleaning a new pistol.

Also if there are any guidelines for regular cleaning, maintainance and storage?

Any recommendations for cleaning equipment?

Thanks in advance!

freddieot

I' sure you will get plenty of dirrerent advice regarding cleaning materials. I use M-Pro 7 for the main course and then Beretta Oil for dessert.

Usually with a new pistol I strip it down and take off all the factory sh*te. Then I lubricate with the oil, a LITTLE slide gel on the slide contact areas and good to go.

It might sound obvious but make sure the barrel has nothing stuck in it like foam pellets, cardboard form the factory etc.

I usually try to use heavier ammo fopr the first few hundred rounds as this helps the break-in but there is no process that is like breaking in a rifle barrel. You don't have to fire one then clean etc. just clean it very regularly and well each time you use.

enjoy

murph226

Cheers Fred, what kind of pistol do you own?

freddieot

No prob. I have a .40 HPS (STI frame with Les Baer upper) and I've also had a HK Expert in 40 and a 9mm CZ85.

A good idea would be to keep the pistol broken down for general storage, especially if you are going on holiday and that sort of thing.

Get yourself a good pistol cleaning kit but don't go overboard with the wire brush. Keep the mags clean as well. A lot of crap can build up in these over time and if what people tell me is true, some Sigs don't like dirt although they function perfectly if everything is kept reasonably clean.

I bought a mag cleaning brush and it was a good investment. also, push a silicone cloth through the mags with a plastic rod or some such thing as it helps the follower \ spring move easier.

You've bought a very reliable firearm so you should have no problems.

murph226

Nice, sounds like you're into practical pistol?

What club are you with?

Wouldnt be mad about the wirebrushing either, what about boresnakes?

Going to start putting together a good cleaning kit, know any good places for gear?

freddieot

Midlands and yes IPSA for Practical.

I have a 9mm boresnake but never really use it for the pistol. It's a bit awkward and a good clean at home usually puts it right anyway.

I get most of my stuff from James McBride in Athlone, a bit far for you. Most dealers have decent cleaning kits from about €20-30. I've also bought some stuff such as the mag brush by post from Saul Kirsch at Double Alpha :-

http://www.doublealpha.biz/

I use bits of toilet paper to get the worst of the muck out of the barrel (cheaper) and then I use some cloth patches that you can buy in most places for final cleaning. This gets the dust from the paper out of the barrel.
Clean everywhere really and don't forget the magwell. Push some kitchen roll into it with a plastic rod and then pull it back out and all the muck will be on it. Then push a silicone cloth through the magwell and out at the top - carefully so as not to damage the extractor and other more delicate bits.

Generally handguns should be oiled so that they are wet but not dripping wet. Use very small amounts of slide gel on the grooves of the slide. If loads come out when you rack the slide then you've put on too much ! Rob some of the babies cotton buds as they are also very useful for cleaning and oiling those hard to reach spots.

To finish, I also rub the outside of the pistol with the silicone cloth.

Treat it well and it will treat you well. Most of all, shoot it a lot, that's what they like !!

Dr_Teeth

I've put about 5000 rounds through my CZ75 since I got it in April with zero failures so far. I didn't do anything special to run it in, just wiped the factory gunk off and started shooting!

I clean it about once a week, using the Beretta oil and the Double Alpha cleaning kit. I only lightly oil the pistol after cleaning - a drop on the trigger return spring, sear, barrel lugs and wipe along the rails with my finger. I don't use any gels or greases. A wipe with a silicone cloth afterwards makes it nice and shiny.