All handguns are different, feature unique actions, and accept different handgun parts. However, this general guide will offer you some general good pointers to protect the integrity of your handgun so it will continue to serve you long into the future.
Thorough Cleaning Is Key
Arguably the most important aspect of handgun maintenance is to routinely clean your handgun. A thorough cleaning will protect your handgun from corrosion, prevent parts from wearing prematurely, and ensure smoother, more reliable cycling.
Make it a habit to clean your handgun any time you’ve been firing it. So, for instance, after a range day, give your handgun a thorough cleaning. Use bore solvent to scrub out the bore from breech to muzzle until it is shining, and then use a nylon or brass brush to loosen fouling deposits around the open action.
Periodically, drop the trigger group and clean that, as well as the voids around the sear and firing pin which can also accumulate fouling.
And don’t forget to clean your magazines, too. These will not function properly or feed smoothly if you allow fouling to accumulate.
Replace any Worn or Broken Handgun Parts
In addition to routine cleaning, it’s vital to replace any worn handgun parts when they fail, or when they start to show signs of wear.
The first parts that typically go on a handgun are springs. Specifically, the recoil spring, extractor/ejector springs, and mainspring/firing pin spring.
When the recoil spring fails, the handgun won’t cycle properly. When the extractor or ejector springs fail, the gun won’t extract or eject and may start to experience stovepipe jams. If the mainspring or firing pin spring fatigues, the gun won’t fire. Replace these as needed and consider installing a steel guide rod for your recoil spring to minimize kinking and fatigue.
Other fragile handgun parts that can break or fail include the firing pin, extractor, ejector, and slide stops. If these crack or break, they will need to be replaced immediately in order to restore operative functionality.
One more note: barrels wear, but most pistol shooters will never need to replace their barrels. It takes tens of thousands of rounds to adversely affect handgun accuracy, and even then, within 25 yards you’ll probably never notice. Either way, be cognizant of barrel wear, just in case you’ve purchased a particularly old gun. It’s possible that it may need a new barrel.
(Where to Get Handgun Parts)
ooking for handgun parts for your platform? Visit SARCO, Inc., online at SarcoInc.com. They carry a wide range of high-quality pistol parts and match-grade components from top manufacturers, such as Sig Sauer, Glock, and Colt.
Whether you’re looking for stainless steel accents, pistol triggers, night sights, or parts kits, they’ve got you covered.
Store Your Handgun Responsibly
Storing your handgun responsibly does not simply mean storing it safely. You should absolutely do so, but you should also make sure to store it in a cool and dry location as well.
Humidity is a gun-killer and can cause flash rust overnight (literally). If you live in a humid environment, consider adding a desiccant or a dehumidifier to your gun safe. It will protect your guns.
