I have just got news that my application for my first pistol, a pristine Feinwerkbau AW93, was approved. A little late in life at 60 to be starting out but I've plenty of time on my hands now.
What I need to know is what cleaning should I do to it and the best way to clean it?
I have a CZ 22lr rifle that I only clean very little will the hand gun be the same?
Funny, but we were discussing this just yesterday at the range while looking over the specs for an ultrasonic cleaner.
One of the shooters said that in his esperience the ultrasonic cleaners, while very effective, left the gun "dry" in every nook and cranny. This would make it susceptible to rust in hard to reach places. We all know the nastiness that can occur in hard to reach places.
He said, and I agree, that the gun should be periodically disassembled and scrubbed and relubed.
It is the frequency that one should do this is the question.
I therefore suggest that about every "brick" (500 rounds) you should give it a good cleaning. In between, brush off the accessible areas.
Like all target guns do try and clean the barrel from the chamber end. I know with some pistols this can be easier said than done but the extra effort in getting the barrel off can save possible muzzle damage.
Now, unlike bolt action target rifles fouling will tend to build up more rapidly in the chambering area, magazine area and slide, the more rapid buildup is mostly due to the case being ejected as more hot gasses are still present. How badly fouling build up depends on both the pistol and the ammo you are using. From that standpoint you have to keep an eye on how fast fouling builds up in what places on your pistol. Often, for day to day or week to week use just wiping out the areas that are exposed as the spent cartridges are ejected with a wet patch will keep you going.
Shooting a S&W Model 41, about once a case of mixed Federal, CCI and some RWS I will really go after everything with toothpicks and pipe cleaners. Also, on many pistols you will find it is possible to drop the floor from the magazine, take it apart and clean all the goop out of it as well. Does not have to be done often but this can be a nice touch in keeping a fine pistol functioning flawlessly.
Wait to hear from Isabel. She has a lot of experience with the AW93 and has made some discoveries. I know she is shooting a match this weekend, but you should hear from her in a day or two.
Ben
I don't know why it came up as Guest but Hi I'm CliveJ.
Thanks for your reply's. I'm looking forward to some competition shooting this coming summer with this pistol.
I had a go at T&P1 last week, shooting a friends S&W 41 with Doctor red dot sight. My first time to shoot a pistol, not easy to get here in Ireland. Did real well I think with a score of 274/300, so the eyes are not shot out yet.
I usually follow Larry Carter's instruction to the Air Force Pistol team. Link posted above.
It is easy to remove the recoil buffer of the AW-93 and clean those parts. Sonic cleaners are fine as long as you use a media for it that is a combination lube and cleaner and I would not think you would need to completely break down the gun more than every 5000 rounds or so.
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