Have some cleaning questions.. First time

[Frozenguy]

So I just got back from the range for the first time. Wow it was a great time. I shot 360 rounds through my new xd.45. So I got the hoppes cleaning kit and cleaned out the barrel and wiped down the outside.. Here are some questions..
1.) I wiped a patch with solvent on the outside of the barrel is that ok? I dried it off..
2.) I put a drop of lube on the two springs I could see in the frame and on one in the slide (on a spring i think was for the striker?). And on the slide grooves where it slides on the frame. Does that all sound ok? There isnt any dripping I was conservative (I think).
3.) I also cleaned and ran a dry patch over the spring and that cylinder under the barrel. Should I put a couple drops of lube on that spring mech?
4.) how do I clean the outside of the slide? Hoppes solvent? Dry patch?
5.) anything else I should clean?

[11Z50]

360 rds should result in a field-strip and good cleaning, especially in a new piece. In the case of the XD, disassemble and clean bore, slide and frame. Use a toothbrush to vigorously clean the breechface and under the extractor. Clean the underside of the slide and magazine well. and op rod and spring.
I'd advise a nice light coat of a good lube, such as break-free after you're done cleaning the bore and action.

A light coat of oil could be defined as a good amount wiped on, then wiped off so as to coat the metal surfaces, yet not to leave a signature on a clean rag.

[mike100]

for the outside of the metal part of the gun, I like to use those yellow silicone impregnated cloths that leave a thin film of moisture displacing oil on it. takes off the finger prints too. If you have an soaked cleaning patch or t-shirt, a thin film of CLP or whatever do-it-all cleaner rubbed on the blueing also works.

I use brass brushes in bulk almost. The fact that I shoot a fair amount of lead bullets leads to some leading and I do have a couple of different things for that, but mainly I like to make sure the inside of the bore is clean and shiny. If it isn't you need more cleaner vigorously brushed in followed by a film of oil as your last pass.

There are a few spots that need grease or oil on the slide and hammer. Lastly, I clean my gun good about every third outing, but otherwise just get the bbl and major dirt areas cleaned up.

[echang86]

I've got a few questions too...

Is there such thing as too much cleaning?

Can you rinse out the residue on your brushes and bores?

How do you know when it's time to get new equipment? (bores, brush, etc)

[The SoCal Gunner]

I've got a few questions too...

Is there such thing as too much cleaning?

Can you rinse out the residue on your brushes and bores?

How do you know when it's time to get new equipment? (bores, brush, etc)

I don't see a problem with cleaning off your bore brushes. I wash mine off with soap all the time but just make sure there's no more soap in the end and let them dry off nicely.

[Nemo]

How 'bout Boresnakes? They seem to be a faster cleaning solution, and allow cleaning from the breech end. Or is the traditional rod/brush/patches methodology superior?

[Ech0Sierra]

Boresnakes are amazing, but I still use rods. I'm saving up for more guns.

[rivviepop]

Is there such thing as too much cleaning?

In general no, other than wearing down a nice finish due to excessive scrubbing or something. Obviously - don't do that.

Can you rinse out the residue on your brushes and bores?

Here's my trick that works great - Oxyclean! (actually I use the cheap Safeway knock-off brand) Get yourself a regular pint glass, put a half-scoop or so of Oxyclean in there and fill the glass with hot tap water. Throw your stuff in there and swirl it around a little, let it do it's thing while you go clean other junk.

It only needs a few minutes - just pull out your tools, rinse off and wring out with your fingers and let 'em dry - clean as a whistle. A bonus is that you can pour the leftovers over your hands and scrub in the sink a little, it's good for taking the residue off your skin as well. I've noticed it's a little harsh on bore brushes (eats them away prematurely), so those I normally only swirl in the pint glass for a handful of seconds. Nylon though and regular brass bristle brushes fair well, no harm.

How do you know when it's time to get new equipment? (bores, brush, etc)

It'll be your bore brush that goes most frequently - now that you have one that's brand new, run it in and out of your barrel a few times and memorize the general tension and how hard you have to push/pull on it. When you start to feel that it's too easy, it's time to get a new bore brush. I'd say you'll need a new one every 20 cleanings or so, but I've never paid attention - I just go by feel.

tip: go buy a cheap model paintbrush with the nylon or horsehair bristles and use that to dab lube/oil into the harder places. works great for dipping a little lube into the trigger assembly and such, for instance.