How to Clean a Stainless Steel Handgun

It is a common misconception that stainless steel will not rust. Stainless steel will rust, corrode and develop pits if not properly cared for. A stainless steel handgun needs to be cleaned as often as any other handgun. Bert Nelson of A & N Sports recommends using a Teflon or PTFE-based lubricant/cleaner to prevent stainless steel “galling” — the seizing or unnatural wear of stainless steel components. A stainless steel handgun that is properly cared for will retain its distinctive finish indefinitely.

Things You'll Need

  • Gun cleaning kit
  • Gun cleaning patches or pads
  • Teflon or PTFE-based gun cleaner/lubricant
  • Gun oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the handgun by removing the magazine or opening the cylinder and removing any cartridges. Check the chamber, as well. Double-check to ensure the handgun is unloaded.

    • 2

      Cover the work surface with an old towel or other cloth to keep oils and solvents from damaging the work surface.

    • 3

      Disassemble the handgun according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Inspect the handgun for any cracks or signs of excessive wear. A handgun that is damaged should be taken to a gunsmith for repair.

    • 4

      Saturate a cleaning pad with the PTFE-based cleaner/lubricant and pass it through the bore. Work from the breech end, when possible. When working from the muzzle end, use a muzzle guide to prevent damage to the crown.

    • 5

      Push the patch out of the bore on the opposite end. Do not pull the soiled patch back through the bore.

    • 6

      Repeat the process with another saturated cleaning pad. Allow the PTFE-based cleaner/lubricant to soak the bore for 10 minutes.

    • 7

      Push the bore brush through the barrel, working in one direction only, and removing it from the opposite end. Push the brush through 10 times.

    • 8

      Clean the loosened debris by pushing cleaning pads, one at a time, soaked with PTFE-based cleaner/lubricant through the bore. Continue pushing cleaning pads through the bore until the bore is clean.

    • 9

      Push dry pads through the bore, one at a time, until the bore is dry.

    • 10

      Apply a small amount of the PTFE-based cleaner/lubricant to a toothbrush and clean the exposed areas of the action. Do not allow any of the cleaner/lubricant to enter the enclosed action. Wipe off the cleaner/lubricant with a clean cloth.

    • 11

      Put a few drops of gun oil on a clean pad and pass it through the barrel to lightly oil the bore.

    • 12

      Use a clean cloth to apply a small amount of the PTFE-based cleaner/lubricant to all moving parts of the handgun.

    • 13

      Reassemble the handgun. Wipe down the components as they are reassembled with a lightly oiled cloth to remove fingerprints and apply a thin coating of gun oil to protect the surface.

    • 14

      Wipe down the assembled handgun with a clean, dry cloth. Wipe only enough to remove excess oil, as a light film of oil provides protection for the stainless steel finish.