Auto cleaner on guns?

[B.D.Dubloon]

I have a 1911 which has a problem. Every other round or so it doesn't strike the primer hard enough to fire. It barely dimples. I am hoping it is just gunky build up in the firing pin. Is it okay to just spray it out with carb or brake cleaner?

Thanks

[Beelzy]

No.....your issue really requires a complete field stripping. The slide assembly is a piece of
cake.

Turn slide up push in disconnector pin (series 80 types), then push in firing pin, then slide
the firing pin stop out. The firing pin and spring will slide right out. Assemble in reverse order.

FWIW, JMB's Commandment # 6 : Always know how to completely strip thy weapon, and
doing so while blindfolded with one arm tied behind your back is preferred.

[RandyD]

Try cleaning the firearm first. If that does not work, try replacing the main spring, which is the spring that gives the hammer its velocity.

[Rob454]

U use carb cleaner and a toothbrush to clean my guns. I just remove the stock and clean away. I get this 1 gallon carb cleaner in a can that has a metal mesh basket. That and a toothbrush works wonders. Cleans it all very well.

[sseric75]

I use brake cleaner and a tootbrush also.

[railroader]

I have a 1911 which has a problem. Every other round or so it doesn't strike the primer hard enough to fire. It barely dimples. I am hoping it is just gunky build up in the firing pin. Is it okay to just spray it out with carb or brake cleaner?

Thanks

What kind of 1911? I know when I had a armscor they used an extra heavy duty firing pin spring to make sure that the gun would pass the cali drop test. I changed out the spring for a standard one from wolf. If your gun doesn't have a firing pin safety you can remove the firing pin really easy and clean out the channel. You just use something point to push in the firing pin. While it's in, slide the firing pin stop plate down and out of the slide. Watch you don't launch the pin. As for using brake cleaner I use it all the time just not on ruger polymer.

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Just buy a can of Breakfree CLP, you bum.

[oddjob]

Strip & clean your weapon and try again. I use Liquid Wrench and let it soak while I watch a movie. Come back and scrub and clean off with brake cleaner. Lube it up and back to shooting.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Brake cleaner is great for cleaning out gunk. It's the same thing as "Gunscrubber" but at 1/4 the cost. But if it comes into contact with any plastic parts they will be toast!

[B.D.Dubloon]

What kind of 1911? I know when I had a armscor they used an extra heavy duty firing pin spring to make sure that the gun would pass the cali drop test. I changed out the spring for a standard one from wolf. If your gun doesn't have a firing pin safety you can remove the firing pin really easy and clean out the channel. You just use something point to push in the firing pin. While it's in, slide the firing pin stop plate down and out of the slide. Watch you don't launch the pin. As for using brake cleaner I use it all the time just not on ruger polymer.

It's a ParaOrdnance. I found some field stripping instructions online, I'll give it a shot later tonight. If cleaning it doesn't work, I'll change the spring.

[Call_me_Tom]

Use starting fluid to clean it. It won't hurt anything regardless of the material.

[oddjob]

The other idea I have to to use a small air pump source (like a fish tank one), stainless tubing, wire mesh to hold the parts and use air bubbles to do the cleaning for me. The solvent I can make from purchases at Lowes (old Red's). But thats on the back burner till I fix my Dillon 1050.

[swerv512]

i've used brake cleaner on every firearm i own during the cleaning process. it is meant to break down carbon buildup. perfect for flushing out other chemicals in the barrel/chamber. just dont use it on most plastics is what i hear.