How To Clean a Revolver | Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Firearm Reliable at All Times

Learning how to clean a revolver is an essential task for maintaining its functionality and preventing potential malfunctions. 

According to my own personal experience, the process involves two methods: quick clean and deep clean, each with specific procedures.

Below, I will outline the steps required to effectively clean a revolver. 

By following this guide, every proud revolver owner can ensure the longevity and reliability of their firearms without compromising personal liberties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Applying lead and copper remover is essential for removing residue
  • Proper reassembly requires aligning grooves and engaging levers
  • Using silicone gun cloth or clean cloth provides additional protection
  • Regular cleaning ensures optimal functionality and prevents rust and corrosion
  • A quick clean should be performed after every couple of hundred rounds, while a deep clean is recommended after 2,000 rounds.

Applying lead and copper remover is essential for removing residue

Proper reassembly requires aligning grooves and engaging levers

Using silicone gun cloth or clean cloth provides additional protection

Regular cleaning ensures optimal functionality and prevents rust and corrosion

A quick clean should be performed after every couple of hundred rounds, while a deep clean is recommended after 2,000 rounds.

How to Clean a Revolver - Simple Steps to Keep Your Revolver Reliable at All Times

Before you start anything, you should know that disassembling the revolver allows for easier access to all parts for effective cleaning.

Also, quick cleaning with a bore snake provides a convenient method for removing debris from the barrel and charge holes.

Deep cleaning involves more thorough processes such as using lead and copper remover and multiple passes with a bronze brush through the barrel.

After cleaning, reassembling the revolver once it is thoroughly dry ensures the revolver works properly.

Disassemble Your Revolver

To disassemble a revolver, you must first push the short end of the spring into the mortice and then start the hand back in the mortise. 

Please do this with great care, as this step is crucial for proper revolver cleaning.

Once disassembled, you can clean the revolver using cleaning solvent and cleaning patches to remove dirt, debris, and residue that may accumulate during use. Cleaning a revolver is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity.

If you regularly clean your revolver, you ensure that the firearm operates smoothly and prevent gun jams and malfunctions.

A person disassembling a revolver

By disassembling your revolver and cleaning it regularly, you can ensure its reliable functionality, which is vital for individuals who value freedom and personal safety.

After disassembling your revolver, I recommend proceeding with a quick clean using a bore snake for efficient maintenance without compromising on quality.

Quick Clean With a Bore Snake

The necessary materials for this process include a nylon brush, bore snake, old t-shirt, and cleaner.

The first step you must complete in the quick clean method is to scrub under the extractor star to remove dirt and debris.

After that, you should run a bore snake through the charge holes and barrel to effectively clean these areas.

A revolver and a bore snake

Necessary Materials

Necessary materials for cleaning a .38/.357 revolver include:

  • A nylon brush
  • A 9mm/.357 bore snake
  • An old t-shirt
  • Some kind of cleaner

To ensure the proper functioning of the firearm, it is essential to clean the barrel thoroughly. 

Additionally, you should carefully clean the rear cylinder and cylinder areas.

Scrub Under the Extractor Star

Based on my experience, scrubbing under the extractor star is an important step in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the firearm.

I suggest you begin by ensuring that the gun is unloaded. 

Next, hold the extractor rod with the cylinder open so the star faces upwards.

Apply cleaner to the area beneath the star and use a brush to scrub it thoroughly. 

Afterwards, wipe it down with a clean patch or t-shirt. This process ensures that any debris or residue is effectively removed from this critical area.

The revolver detail

Run a Bore Snake Through the Charge Holes

I found out through testing that running a bore snake through the charge holes is an effective method to remove any debris or residue from this specific area of the firearm. Also, you should be aware that this step is extremely important for maintaining the functionality and reliability of a revolver.

By using a bore snake, which is designed to clean the barrel and charge holes, you easily ensure that these areas are free from any buildup or obstructions.

Once you have thoroughly cleaned the charge holes, it is then important to proceed with running a bore snake through the barrel for further cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Run a bore snake through the barrel

I realized that the process of effectively maintaining a revolver involves utilizing a bore snake to thoroughly clean the barrel, ensuring that any residue or buildup is properly removed. To run a bore snake through the barrel, follow these simple steps below:

  • Insert the bore snake into the barrel from the muzzle end.
  • Pull the bore snake all the way through using steady and even pressure.
  • Repeat this process multiple times to ensure thorough cleaning.
  • Pay attention to areas near the barrel shroud where debris may accumulate.
  • Finish by using wet patches to remove any remaining residue.
Revolver cleaning

Deep Clean

When performing a deep clean on a revolver, there are several necessary materials that should be used.

One of the most important steps in the cleaning process is to clean the cylinder face with a bronze brush, as this area can accumulate residue and debris from firing.

Additionally, it is crucial to clean the forcing cone and frame face with a bronze brush to ensure proper functioning of the revolver.

Another effective technique I discovered is to use lead and copper remover in the muzzle, which helps remove any buildup of these materials for improved performance.

Necessary Materials

Regular cleaning of a revolver requires the use of supplies such as a nylon brush, bore snake, old t-shirt, and cleaner. These materials are essential for maintaining the performance and functionality of your firearm. I recommend a  cleaning kit with a variety of tools to ensure thorough cleaning.

A revolver next to the cleaning kit

Additionally, you should use a suitable cleaning agent to remove dirt, debris, and residue from the gun's components. A clean cloth can be utilized to wipe down surfaces after applying the cleaning agent. I also noticed that the proper lubrication with gun oil is also crucial for preserving the revolver's longevity and smooth operation.

Clean the cylinder face with a bronze brush

You can thoroughly clean the front of the cylinder with a bronze brush to remove carbon fouling and ensure proper rotation. Please be cautious here as this step is essential in maintaining the functionality even of the best revolvers.

The cleaning process for the cylinder face involves the following:

  • Apply cleaning fluid to the bronze brush.
  • Scrub the front of the cylinder vigorously to remove carbon fouling.
  • Pay close attention to areas where carbon buildup is prominent, such as around the barrel shroud.
  • Repeat this process until all visible residue is removed.

Clean the Forcing Cone and Frame Face With a Bronze Brush

The forcing cone is located at the front of the barrel, where it meets the frame. Also, the frame face, where the firing pin comes through, can be effectively cleaned using a bronze brush. 

This process effectively removes any residue or debris that may affect the revolver's performance. To ensure regular cleaning of these areas, I recommend having a revolver cleaning kit that includes a bore brush and a bronze brush.

Based on my experience, cleaning these parts thoroughly is crucial for maintaining optimal functionality and accuracy of the firearm.

Cleaning the parts of a revolver

Use Lead and Copper Remover in Muzzle

To clean off the muzzle, I recommend applying lead and copper remover using an appropriate cleaning tool. This step is crucial in removing any built-up lead or copper residue that may affect the performance of the revolver. By following this process, you can effectively clean the muzzle and maintain optimal functionality.

After applying the remover, proceed with running a dry cleaning patch through the barrel to remove any remaining residue from the metal surfaces. Once this step is completed, you can move on to reassembling the revolver after thorough drying.

Reassembly Of The Revolver After Thorough Drying

After drying the revolver, reassemble it by aligning the grooves on the frame with the slots on the side. Then, slowly move the slide back while pushing down on both sides to engage the levers. This step is crucial in ensuring that the gun is ready for use after cleaning.

As a responsible gun owner who desires freedom, it is important to maintain your firearm properly to prevent rust and ensure its longevity. By following proper reassembly procedures after thorough drying, you are taking necessary steps towards protecting your revolver from rust and maintaining its optimal performance.

However, reassembling alone may not be sufficient in safeguarding against rust. To provide additional protection for metal surfaces, I recommend using a silicone gun cloth or clean cloth as they effectively shield against moisture and other elements that can cause corrosion.

A revolver next to the gun cloth

Use of silicone gun cloth or clean cloth to protect metal surfaces

Using a silicone gun cloth or clean cloth is an effective method for providing additional protection to metal surfaces against moisture and other elements that can cause corrosion. These cloths are specifically designed to create a protective barrier on the surface of the metal, preventing the penetration of water and other corrosive substances. 

In my experience, the use of silicone gun cloths or clean cloths can significantly prolong the lifespan of metal surfaces by reducing the risk of rust formation and deterioration.

To illustrate this point further, consider the following table:

Method

Description

Benefits

Silicone Gun Cloth

Made from high-quality silicone material, these cloths provide a waterproof seal

Protects metal surfaces from moisture

Clean Cloth

Utilizes microfiber technology to effectively remove dirt and excess cleaning agents

Ensures proper cleanliness of metal surfaces

By incorporating these cleaning tools into your maintenance routine, you can ensure that your revolver's metal surfaces are adequately protected from potential damage caused by moisture and other environmental factors. This level of protection is crucial in maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of your firearm.

How Often Should You Clean Your Revolver?

You should clean your revolver every 2,000 rounds, although it can be done anytime as needed.

The frequency with which you should clean your revolver largely depends on its usage and the conditions in which it's used. As a general rule, after each revolver shooting session, basic cleaning is advisable to ensure that residues, such as gunpowder, lead, and other contaminants, are removed from the barrel and cylinder. 

This not only preserves the functionality and accuracy of the firearm but also prolongs its lifespan. Additionally, immediate cleaning is crucial to prevent rust and corrosion if the revolver is exposed to adverse conditions like rain, mud, or excessive humidity. 

For revolvers that are seldom used but kept for home defense or other purposes, a thorough cleaning and inspection every few months is wise to ensure they remain in optimal condition. 

Regardless of frequency, regular maintenance is key; a well-maintained revolver is more reliable, safe, and accurate when you need it most.

A clean revolver on the table

Benefits Of Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning of a handgun ensures optimal functionality, prolongs its lifespan, and reduces the risk of malfunctions. Based on my firsthand experience, the importance of regular cleaning cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in maintaining the performance and safety of the firearm.

Cleaning a revolver involves various methods that include using a gun cleaning solvent and following specific techniques. By following the basics of revolver cleaning, such as scrubbing under the extractor star and running a bore snake through the charge holes and barrel, you can effectively remove debris and fouling that could potentially affect the revolver's operation.

The benefits of regular cleaning extend beyond immediate functionality. I noticed that it also helps prevent rust and corrosion by removing moisture or residue that may have accumulated during use or storage. Additionally, regular cleaning allows for lubrication to be applied properly, ensuring smooth operation while minimizing friction-related malfunctions.

It is crucial to consider different factors such as frequency of use, environmental conditions, and type of ammunition used when determining an appropriate cleaning schedule for other firearms.

How Often Should You Clean Other Guns?

A person preparing for the pistol cleaning

It is important to consider how frequently firearms should be cleaned. While the previous subtopic focused specifically on revolvers, it is essential to understand that different firearms may require varying levels of maintenance. I concluded that the frequency at which a gun should be cleaned depends on several factors, such as the type of firearm, its intended use, and individual preferences.

For cleaning the semi-automatic pistols and rifles, I generally recommend them after every shooting session or at least once every few hundred rounds. This way you ensure that any residue or debris accumulated during firing does not hinder the weapon's performance. To clean these guns effectively, you must first ensure they are field stripped according to manufacturer guidelines. By disassembling the firearm into its major components - slide, frame, barrel - access can be gained to crucial areas where fouling may accumulate.

A competent gunsmith or an experienced shooter can provide guidance on disassembly procedures specific to each model. In most cases, a basic cleaning kit consisting of a bore brush, wire brush for small parts like slides and frames, patches or cloth material for wiping away excess oil and solvents will suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific cleaning products or solvents that are recommended for cleaning a revolver?

Yes, there are specific cleaning products and solvents that are recommended for cleaning a revolver. These include lead and copper removers, bronze brushes, bore snakes, and cleaners. Using these appropriate tools ensures effective removal of residue and maintains the performance of the firearm.

Can I use the same bore snake for different revolver calibers?

No, you cannot use the same bore snake for different revolver calibers. Different bore snake sizes are designed to fit specific revolver calibers and using the wrong size may not effectively clean the barrel.

Is it necessary to disassemble the revolver for a deep clean?

No, it isn't necessary to disassemble the revolver for a deep clean. The deep cleaning process involves using various supplies to clean specific areas such as the cylinder face and forcing cone, ensuring optimal performance without the need for disassembly.

Are there any specific safety precautions that should be taken while cleaning a revolver?

Yes, there are specific safety precautions that should be taken while cleaning a revolver. These may include wearing protective eyewear and gloves, ensuring the gun is unloaded, and following proper handling techniques to avoid accidental discharge.

Can I use a regular cloth or paper towel instead of an old t-shirt for cleaning?

No, you shouldn't use a regular cloth or paper towel instead of an old t-shirt for cleaning. An old t-shirt is preferred as it can effectively remove dirt and residue without leaving any lint behind.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning of a revolver is crucial for its proper functioning and longevity. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your revolver keeps spinning flawlessly.

Remember to clean it regularly, with a quick clean every few hundred rounds and a deep clean every 2,000 rounds. This will help prevent potential issues and maintain the gun's performance.

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