A revolver is an excellent weapon. Like all pieces of technology, it’s critical to care for your device so it will shoot accurately and last a long time. If you’re new to owning a revolver, it can be tricky to understand how to clean your gun. How do you clean your weapon to keep it in the best possible shape?
If you’re interested in learning about deep cleaning a revolver, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about what you need to clean a revolver, how often you should clean the weapon and the process for maintaining it. The more you know, the longer your gun will last.
How To Clean a Revolver
It’s critical to regularly clean a revolver, especially if you want it to last a long time. It’s possible to complete a simple cleaning of a revolver if you’re short on time.
The quick clean involves using a bore snake to push through gaps in an unloaded revolver, pushing out any grit and grime buildup. However, a deep clean is the best choice for people who love their revolvers.
A deep clean should only occur every so often. It doesn’t have to be every clean, but it is necessary.
Check out the Recommended Cleaning Supplies Page to see what I’ve found works after over a decade of testing out cleaning supplies and solutions.
Here are the necessary steps to clean a revolver if you want to complete a deep clean:
- Clear the revolver: Aim the gun in a safe direction and ensure the cylinder does not have bullets inside. Ensure there are no obstructions that could misfire during the cleaning process.
- Take apart the gun: Take apart your revolver. Ensure it’s empty, then remove and swing out the items that need a quality cleaning. Now, it’s time to clean the revolver.
- Clean the barrel: The barrel is an excellent place to start. Soak a brass bore brush and clean the barrel from the chamber end. Then, use the cleaning rod to apply a pre-saturated patch.
- Clean the cylinder: Next, move on to the cylinder. Use the bore brush and cleaning rod as with the barrel. Ensure every chamber is clean and lubricated.
- Wipe the frame: Last, wipe dirt off the frame with a gentle, wet rag. Once it’s clean, coat the metal with gentle lubricant.
- Reassemble: Once all components are clean, carefully reassemble the weapon and put it in a safe spot for future use.
After these steps, your revolver will look just like it did when it was brand-new.
Here’s a good video tutorial, with a lot more info below:
What Can You Clean A Revolver With?
If you own a revolver, it’s critical to clean it to keep it in the best possible shape. If it’s your first time cleaning, it can be tricky to determine the correct tools for the situation. What do you need to clean a revolver?
Here are the tools and materials you can use to clean a revolver:
- A rag
- Liquid for a gentle scrub
- A brass bore brush
- A cleaning rod
- Pre-saturated patch or a dry patch and cleaning fluid to saturate
- Gloves
- Lubrication
- Cleaning agent
These will be the most effective for the cleaning process.
You may need more or fewer tools depending on what type of cleaning you are performing. A quick scrub may use lubrication and a rag, while a deep clean will use all these items. A deep clean isn’t the correct choice every single time.
How Often Should You Clean Your Revolver?
Like all technology, it’s critical to clean your weapons regularly. Without proper care, issues will arise. New gun owners might not be sure about the timeframe for cleaning a revolver. How often should you clean your weapon?
It’s ideal to clean your revolver after every use at a firing range. This process doesn’t need to be anything crazy – it can be a quick wipe to remove anything that may have attached itself to the revolver.
It’s critical to be consistent with your cleaning. The better you care for your revolver, the better it will serve you in the future.
Do You Need To Disassemble The Revolver To Clean It?
Most of the time, there is no need to fully disassemble your revolver for it to work. You can wipe the cylinder and hit other components while leaving it in one piece, using special tools to hit areas that are a little trickier to touch. However, there are some cases where disassembly is recommended for your cleaning.
Every once in a while, you should perform a deep clean on your revolver. This process involves taking the weapon apart and wiping every component down, then coating it with a lubricant. Although deep cleans aren’t every clean, they are necessary.
If you notice excess grit and grime on your revolver, it might be time for a deep clean. If you avoid this process, bad things may happen.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean A Revolver?
Many people want to avoid cleaning their revolvers because it takes up time. Isn’t it easier to ignore the cleaning process and use the weapon as usual? Are there consequences if you don’t clean a revolver, or is it okay to leave it as is?
If you don’t clean your revolver, your weapon may experience the following troubles:
- Have inaccurate shots
- Fail to fire
- Rust much faster
- Become less safe to use
- Fail to load
It’s not worth the risk of leaving your revolver dirty.
If you are about your safety, the effectiveness of your revolver, and the lifespan of your weapon, regular cleaning is critical. Every time you use the gun, clean it. Every so often, take the components apart and complete a deep clean. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to remove grit from the system.
I use either Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, or Optics Planet to buy parts, that way I always know what I’m getting and that it will actually show up.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the quick or deep-cleaning method, it’s critical to care for your revolver. It will help it last longer and ensure every use is accurate. This gun is a practical weapon and one that has stood the test of time for gun owners everywhere.
