As with any piece of machinery or equipment, maintaining a handgun and its accessories is essential. Not only does proper upkeep ensure reliable function and safe operation, but it also preserves the value of your weapon. We’ve compiled this gun cleaning guide to review firearm and laser sight maintenance methods. So, whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a new gun owner, you can be ready for the unexpected by keeping these defensive tools in peak condition.
Why Cleaning Your CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) Regularly Is Important
There are several key elements to responsible gun ownership, one of which is ongoing maintenance. It’s a good habit to develop that will serve you well in the years to come.
Reliability and Safety
A firearm is useless and dangerous if it doesn’t function reliably when needed. Regularly cleaning a concealed carry gun is the best way to avoid these issues by:
Removing the dust, lint, and debris that accumulates from daily carry use
Preventing the build-up of powder residue that leads to feeding or extraction issues
Eliminating moisture that can cause corrosion in critical areas
Maintaining proper functioning of safety mechanisms
Ensuring consistent trigger pull and reset functions
Unlike a range weapon, which gets used (and hopefully cleaned) after each outing, a concealed carry weapon is exposed to more challenging conditions. Body heat, moisture from perspiration, and contact with clothing fibers create a perfect storm of contamination that can rapidly affect a firearm’s condition.
Extending Firearm and Laser Longevity
Maximizing the service life of your handgun and critical accessories, such as a laser sight, isn’t overwhelming. Simple steps lead to significant benefits, including:
Preventing rust and corrosion that can damage metal components
Maintaining the proper tolerances between moving parts
Preserving finish and appearance
Protecting laser sight electronics from moisture damage
While high-quality laser sights are designed for the rigors of concealed carry, they’re still vulnerable to moisture and contamination. Regularly cleaning maintains mechanical and electronic functionality.
Cleaning Supplies You'll Need
Begin the cleaning process with the right tools and supplies to speed up maintenance and minimize the risk of equipment damage.
Basic Gun Cleaning Kit
A properly outfitted cleaning kit should include:
Cleaning rod (preferably one-piece construction to avoid scratching)
Bronze or nylon bore brushes (sized for the correct caliber)
Cotton or synthetic cleaning patches
Gun solvent (to remove powder residue)
Gun oil (for corrosion protection and lubrication)
Nylon brush (for gentle scrubbing of exterior surfaces)
Cotton swabs (for detailed cleaning)
Clean, lint-free rags (for wiping down surfaces)
TIP: Don’t use household cleaning or lubrication products. They may contain chemicals that can damage surfaces or cause lubrication to deteriorate.
Microfiber Cloth for Laser Lens and Housing
Treat a handgun laser sight lens as you would a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses; all are vulnerable to scratching. Laser sight maintenance tips are based on using appropriate cleaning materials:
Microfiber cloth (to prevent damage to optical surfaces)
Lens-cleaning solution designed for optics (camera lens or eyeglass cleaner is ideal)
Cotton swabs (for accessing intricate areas around the laser housing)
Compressed air can (for removing debris on electronics)
TIP: Don’t use paper towels or rough-fabric cloths to clean a laser lens. These materials can permanently scratch the surface and affect beam quality.
Safe Work Area Setup
A haphazard firearm cleaning area can lead to improper maintenance techniques and compromised safety. Create a workspace with:
Sturdy, flat work surface
Well-ventilated area (to safely dissipate cleaning solvent fumes)
Good lighting (to aid with component inspection)
Clean, flat surface (for sufficient disassembly space)
Zone completely free of ammunition
Protective gear (safety goggles, nitrile or latex gloves)
TIP: A large, flat plastic box can be ideal for storing cleaning equipment and supplies. Using the lid on the work area can protect the tabletop, contain loose components, and is easy to wipe down.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Equally crucial to handgun maintenance is creating an organized cleaning method that emphasizes safety.
1. Unload and Disassemble
Safety is always the priority when preparing your gun for maintenance work:
Point the firearm in a safe direction.
Remove the magazine and set it aside. Make sure it’s empty. Any ammunition should be stored in a separate area.
Lock the slide open and visually inspect the chamber.
Use your finger to feel inside the chamber and confirm the space is empty.
Close the slide and pull the trigger (if required for disassembly).
Field strip the weapon according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Most modern pistols are designed to disassemble into four core components: frame, slide, barrel, and recoil spring assembly. The exact disassembly process varies by model. Consult the owner’s manual for complete instructions. Many manufacturers and gun enthusiast publications produce YouTube videos with model-specific field stripping instructions.
TIP: If this is your first time disassembling a pistol or a particular model, you may find it helpful to take photos or a video of your steps for reference during reassembly.
2. Clean the Barrel and Action
How to clean a handgun step-by-step starts by concentrating on areas most susceptible to fouling:
Apply a small amount of solvent to a bore brush sized for the gun’s caliber.
Run the brush through the barrel from breech to muzzle 10-15 times.
Follow the same action with a cleaning patch (multiples may be required) until the patch is clean.
Clean the feed ramp with a brush and solvent.
Wipe down the slide rails and contact surfaces.
Clean the breechface and extractor area thoroughly.
Remove all solvent residue with clean patches.
3. Wipe Down the Laser Sight
Laser sights require gentle cleaning to avoid damaging sensitive components:
Detach the laser sight if it can be easily removed (follow the manufacturer's instructions).
Remove external dust and debris with a dry microfiber cloth.
Using an appropriate lens cleaner and cotton swab, clean the laser lens (apply the cleaner to the swab, NOT the lens directly).
Use compressed air to blow out any debris from crevices.
Open the housing and inspect the battery and contacts for signs of corrosion, looking for a powdery, greenish buildup. Dirty battery contacts can be cleaned with a pencil eraser. Check that the compartment seal is intact. Reinstall the battery and close the housing.
Inspect the activation switches for proper function.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts
Metal-on-metal contact areas require the most attention, but over-lubrication can attract dust and debris. Remember that a bit of lubrication is all that’s needed to support reliability and longevity:
Apply a thin layer of gun oil to the slide rails.
Lightly oil the barrel exterior where it contacts the slide.
Place a small drop of oil on pivot points and springs.
Avoid getting oil on the grip or laser sight.
Wipe excess oil with a clean cloth.
5. Reassemble and Function Check
Give reassembly the same attention you gave to the field stripping process:
Ensure there is no ammunition in the work area or in any components.
Reassemble the handgun in the reverse order of disassembly.
Ensure all components fit properly.
Check that the slide cycles smoothly.
Verify that the trigger resets properly.
Reattach the laser sight if it was removed.
Test laser activation and beam alignment.
Once the gun has been fully reassembled, perform a function check using dummy rounds (also known as snap caps or drill rounds).
TIP: You’ll want to ensure that feeding, extraction, and ejecting happens flawlessly using dummy rounds. A function check can reveal assembly problems before they become safety issues.
Maintenance Best Practices
Learning how to clean a pistol includes following good maintenance habits. Here are the essentials to consider:
Cleaning Frequency
Daily carry guns: Quick wipe-down every few days to remove lint and moisture
After range sessions: Complete cleaning to remove powder residue
Monthly maintenance: Thorough cleaning even without range use
Environmental exposure: Clean immediately after exposure to rain, snow, or saltwater
Battery Care for Laser
Remove batteries if storing the firearm for an extended period.
Check battery charge quarterly and replace annually.
Keep spare batteries and access tool (like a screwdriver) in your range bag or gun safe.
Storage Tips
Store the weapon and laser sight in a cool, dry environment with a gun safe and a dehumidifier.
Avoid storage in leather holsters for extended periods (leather retains moisture).
Check stored firearms monthly for signs of corrosion.
Advanced Laser Sights for Home Defense
ArmaLaser offers precision-engineered handgun laser sights for dozens of popular pistol models. You’ll find options for red and green lasers at the ArmaLaser store. Customer support is available online or at (800) 680-5020.
Check out the ArmaLaser blog for articles on real-world concealed carry issues, understanding laser sight myths and facts, critical self-defense topics, and more.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on correct firearm handling and lawful use. This information is not a substitute for proper training.