cleaning a parkerized slide/frame...

[Chris17404]

Hi all,

I just purchased my first 1911. It's a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec (built in August 2006) with a parkerized finish. I will be field stripping and cleaning it soon before I bring it to the range. I plan to give the slide and frame a nice soak in Breakfree CLP and massage it into the finish as I've heard this is good practice for a parkerized finish.

My question is... what type of material should I use to clean the CLP off the slide and frame? I usually just use those pre-cut 12 gauge Hoppes cotton patches you can buy at any gun store for general cleaning. I worry that they may leave cotton fibers behind since the finish somewhat rougher than say stainless steel. (This is my first parkerized weapon of anykind.)

Suggestions would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks!

Chris

 

[grendelbane]

Material ripped from an old T-shirt will work quite well for this application, especially if it is a black T-shirt. The black will not leave any contrasting fibers behind to spoil the look.

That is what I use, anyway.

 

[sm]

GI double ended nylon brush
or
Toothbrush. I actually buy inexpensive new , soft bristle tootbrushes for gun cleaning.
Best kept secret is the smaller "child" size - gets into places an adults cannot.

Apply oil of Choice or real light coat of RIG [Rust Inhibiting Grease] with a toothbrush.
Remove excess with another clean dry toothbrush, repeat as need.

Hot soapy water to clean toothbrushes, let air dry.

---

Shaving cream brush is also a good way to apply gun oil to internals and externals of firearms - on a 1911 like yours - this tip/ method has been used for a long, long, long time.

Just enough oil, not too much, in all the right places - and no need to worry about removing access.


Steve

 

[10-Ring]

I recently found a small bag of rags at the swap meet that I use for gun cleaning/ polishing...basically a couple of sweatshirts cut up into useable squares...works well