Take the time to apply Gun Cleaner, Gun Oil & Grease, cotton patches and accessories like brushes to get your handgun into fire-ready condition.

When it runs properly, a semi-auto pistol has a few spots that need regular lubrication, with some variation based on the make and model of your pistol. For example, a Sig does have many more parts than a Glock for good reason, though gun care won’t be a factor beyond the parts in common. And no, I will not elaborate on that comment on the two approaches to building this class of firearms. And, I don’t mean to leave out the many other brand options in the category offered by Ruger, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, and alike.

I think the firearms industry consensus is that the slide rails are critical as high wear parts that experience sheer friction (parts moving back and forth) vs. the trigger, which experiences more of an impact event in metal-to-metal contact. In both cases, that is where friction takes place. Additionally, wear will be evident when you see discoloration on the hood of the barrel. So, lube those friction points and exposed surfaces. Grease for the rails.

Lubricating the slide involves treating the areas where it makes contact with the frame. Those contact points need some love. Also, the locking block rail and seer housing can use a little lubrication. Always avoid over-lubrication because you don’t want excess lube to migrate and make a mess. And don’t forget the locking jam area and unlocking geometry. Different companies and gun users overall use different names and references for these points, so don’t get confused. Always default to a gun company’s user’s manual.

Always clean gun bores — pistols and long guns — from breech to muzzle. In other words, from the end closest to you, moving away from you. The point being, you don’t want to draw debris back into the action. Also, keep the striker channel clean and dry. That means avoid lubrication, especially as you get towards the firing pin, which an absolute prohibited zone for gun oil. You do not want to interfere with it engaging the primer, right?

Other popular parts that get mentioned for lubing include the mag catch, main spring, locking lugs, trigger group, and on top of the disconnector. It is true that a semi-auto has four main disassembly parts, namely: the frame, the barrel, the slide and the guide rod / recoil spring assembly. For that last one, you want to at least dry wipe off carbon, which will be easier if it is lightly pre-lubricated. And, on the slide-to-frame fit, a little oil goes a long way. Every nook and cranny, as well as any gunmetal surface, can use oiling, even if only for peace of mind.

Beyond that, the magazines attract powder residue as well. Follow your instruction guide, but you do want to at least wipe down the outside. And, if you take the time, remove the floor plate and wipe clean the spring.

Not to ignore revolvers, which are simpler in design, cleaning buildup on the chamber’s throat and forcing cone are good areas for care. Also, the face of the cylinder, and then don’t forget fouling under the extractor star. Lastly, oil the extractor rod thru the bore and down each of the chambers. That should do it other than wiping down the gun inside and out.

After you are done, remember to thoroughly clean your hands of lubricant, cleaning and lead, etc.

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