Cleaning a polymer framed pistol

[Twigg]

I've just acquired a S&W .40VE and spent part of today shooting. Now I need to get this pistol cleaned. I’ve never owned anything polymer before so I’m not sure what to use. With my rifles & shotguns I usually scrub out the bore with Hoppe's #9 and give the rest a good blast of brake cleaner while it's disassembled and then reassemble using either Rem Oil or graphite. My concern is I don’t want to blemish or melt the frame. Suggestions ?

 

[codenamepaul]

I can't say as I've had any issue with any common solvents used for cleaning on my polymer frames. I don't soak the things but no issues

 

[Moderator]

The Hoppes never hurt my Sigma, but you may want to be careful of the break cleaner (I don't know if it will be to harsh on the plastic). There is Gun Scrubber made for polymer frames.

 

[Twigg]

Thanks guys.

I'm gonna just scrub out the bore tonight and get some Gun Scrubber tommorrow.

 

[matt]

I'm gonna just scrub out the bore tonight and get some Gun Scrubber tomorrow.

It's great stuff for quick cleaning. especially if you are shooting dirty ammo like Ultramax reloads.

 

[Cross-X]

For the frame, Simple Green, followed by careful, thorough air-drying.

 

[Lugnut]

Funny... I've never really cleaned my Glock frames other that a wipe down with a rag. Of course the mechanicals get cleaned plenty!

 

[Len-2A Training]

Nothing special, but I would NOT use brake cleaner on plastics. Some plastics may become damaged by it, so I wouldn't chance it.

 

[Weerd Beard]

I don't see why windex or M Pro 7 wouldn't work fine.

Arrrr

-Weer'd Beard

 

[MikeD]

For the frame, Simple Green, followed by careful, thorough air-drying.

+1
I've been using Simple Green for a few years now for all my gun cleaning chores and haven't had any issues with it.

 

[dreppucci007]

I use MPro7 on my H&K and Walther...They still work perfectly fine!

 

[Executive]

Put the frame in the dishwasher.


Chris

 

[Moderator]

Put the frame in the dishwasher.


Chris

Make sure it does not touch the heat element, it will melt for sure.

 

[Weerd Beard]

Make sure it does not touch the heat element, it will melt for sure.

And that the wife doesn't catch you! Will remove all the crud from your gun...and remove your marrage!

Arrrr

-Weer'd Beard

 

[Twigg]

Lotsa choices here and good advise as well. Thanks again guys !

 

[Scrivener]

Put the frame in the dishwasher.

I DON'T recommend that!

While heat is not an issue, so long as you use the top rack, the lead residue is NOT what you want to risk accumulating on your plates and flatware.

 

[SKS Ray]

I remember a while back I was watching American Shooter and they showed a product called Poly Dunk. It was in a bucket and all you had to do was toss the whole gun right in. I'm guessing a take down and drying afterwards is in order but being a guy who soaks milsurp rifle/pistol parts in Ed's Red to loosen comsmolene, the whole idea sounds good to me.
Heres an article I just found. http://www.cylinder-slide.com/dunkkittec.shtml

 

[JimB]

You'll really like the gun scrubber, i use it on my Glock, after that i use the Hoppe's and with the whole thing down. Your not gonna damage the polymer,
your really gonna have to go out of your way to do it.



JimB