Cleaning is one of the most basic and important parts of owning a gun. With regular cleaning and care a quality gun will last for many years. 

The first step in cleaning your gun is to purchase a gun cleaning kit. Kits are available for specific firearms, or specially designed for certain types of firearms (i.e. pistols, rifles,  shotguns, etc.), but usually the best value is to purchase a universal cleaning kit (like the Big Shot Gun Cleaning Kit) – especially if you have more than one firearm. This kit is designed for used on almost any type of modern firearm.  It comes with a cleaning rod, cleaning solvent, oil, cleaning patches, and “end rod accessories” (used to hold the patches on the end of the rod). In addition to these tools, an old toothbrush and plenty of old rags are also very helpful.

To begin, choose a workspace in a well-ventilated area. You will need a surface on which to work - a desk, workbench, or tabletop work well for this. Spread a large cloth over the work surface in order to protect both it and your pistol. Lay out all of your cleaning equipment and your pistol.  Next.. make sure your gun is absolutely, with out any doubt, UNLOADED. This is definitely the most important step of cleaning your pistol!

As an example, a revolver consists of four main parts: the frame, the grip, the barrel, and the cylinder. It is not necessary and, in most instances, not recommended to disassemble a revolver in order to clean it. Take the toothbrush and dip it into the cleaning solvent. Use it to scrub the inside of the frame and the cylinder. Use a rag to remove the loosened fouling and the solvent.

Next, choose the proper end rod accessory, attach it to the rod, and insert a cleaning patch into it. The proper end rod accessory is usually the largest rod that will easily fit into the barrel. Saturate the patch with the cleaning solvent and push it slowly through the barrel. Once it comes out the other end, remove the patch. Wipe the rod clean with a rag and insert a new patch. Saturate the patch with solvent and use it to swab the inside of the barrel back and forth a few times. Again, remove the patch and wipe the rod clean with a rag. Insert a third patch and push it through the barrel without any solvent. You can repeat this process until the dry patch comes out clean.