Do i have to clean my 9mm before i shoot?

Question

Hi all,

I just bought a used Sig P225 today... it is "factory reconditioned" from sig. I striped the gun and it has been cleaned and oiled exceptionally well with the excpetion of the barrel.

I shined a light through and about half way down the barrel there appears to be some grunge/dust/something... and what im wondering is if i absolutly must clean the barrel before i shoot?

Answer 1

If its brand new it is a good idea to run a wet patch and a couple dry patches to remove any shavings that might still be in the bore.

If it's used I always clean a gun when I buy it used. 3 guns and 2 were nasty.

There are two kinds of cleaners: Those who clean the same day they shoot or those who clean when the gun starts acting up.

Answer 2

Yes, you should. At the very least, run a dry patch through the bore to remove the dirt. I have even torn off a piece of paper towel and pushed it through a pistol's bore with a pen or pencil, when I didn't have a cleaning rod handy.

Answer 3

I don't think I have ever cleaned a new gun before I shot it

I do do a thorough visual inspection like you did just to be safe and maybe run a patch through just to see how ell the other guy cleaned it

But then I am in Fatefingers second class of gun cleaners

That grunge is fairly common

It should be right about where the bullet seats in the chamber

Answer 4

It never hurts to clean a gun.  In fact,  if you never used it before,  by taking it apart and putting it back together, you have a better understanding of how it works.   You might actually find something about it you did not know...

However,  the best time to clean a gun is right after you use it.  That way it sits in storage nice and clear and without anything that could cause corrosion...

Answer 5

the factory has two choices with a new or reconditioned gun,

Apply some sort of protective coating on all metal surfaces

Leave the surfaces bare for the elements to work on.

I suspect what you are seeing in the barrel is some preservative grease that has attracted dirt or lint or whatever.  Be glad they didn't leave the inside of the barrel bare for it to rust and pit, and slide a few patches down it to clean it up.

why you'd strip and clean the gun but neglect the barrel is a mystery to me

Answer 6

No not really, but if you want to run a dry patch through the bore.*  

Answer 7

Yes, You have to clean it always or otherwise the gun will jam after fired several shots.

After using it , when time to put it away...always clean the gun and inside barrel before putting it away in safe place and out of the reach from children.

Answer 8

Congrats on the new pistol!

You made a fine choice. You really should take it apart to inspect it yourself, get to know your gun, yes you should clean it and oil it too. Start good habits now and you'll keep them as long as you keep your guns.

Factorys will often ship firearms with a thick oil on them, thicker than gun oil should be. (Not cosmoline) That needs to be cleaned off and gun oil applied.  

Answer 9

I have an HK and its easier to clean soon after I shoot. Then when I pull it out to go again its ready.  

Answer 10

Get in the habit of cleaning it after you shoot and it's always ready.

Answer 11

I would just to make sure the barrel is in good condition before you put rounds through it for safety reasons.  You can never have a gun that is too clean.

Answer 12

I always clean a new gun before I shoot it. just how I was raised I guess. never hurts.