Quick Tip: Post Range Trip Gun Cleaning

In this video, Jude from Brownells demonstrates a simple, effective way to clean your handgun after a day at the range. It’s not a deep clean or full teardown—just a practical, post-range routine to keep your firearm running smoothly between major cleanings. If you shoot regularly, this quick method helps prevent buildup and wear, and keeps your pistol ready for the next trip.

What You Will Learn 

In the Brownells Quick Tip video on post-range trip gun cleaning, viewers will learn essential steps for properly cleaning and maintaining their firearms after a range session. The video covers practical techniques to remove residue, lubricate key components, and ensure reliable performance. 

Benefit 

By watching, gun owners will gain the knowledge to extend their firearm’s lifespan, prevent malfunctions, and maintain safety, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced shooters.

Introduction and Safety Check

Jude opens by emphasizing the first and most important step in any cleaning process: making sure the firearm is unloaded. He performs a safety check and then disassembles the striker-fired pistol (a SIG, in this case) into its main components:

• Slide

• Barrel

• Recoil spring

• Frame

This type of quick field-strip is all you need for a post-range wipe-down.

Cleaning the Barrel Exterior and Bore

With the barrel removed, Jude begins by wiping off any visible fouling on the outside. This includes:

• Carbon buildup near the chamber

• Residue around the muzzle

He then runs a bore brush through the barrel a few times, followed by a patch soaked in CLP or a similar cleaner. The goal isn’t to make it spotless—just to break up and remove surface fouling that can accumulate quickly after even a few magazines of shooting.

Slide Cleaning

Next, Jude moves on to the slide. Using a nylon brush and cleaning patches, he tackles:

• Breech face and extractor area

• Inside the rails

• Any other carbon-prone areas

A quick scrub followed by a few wipes is usually all it takes. Jude mentions you don’t have to overdo it—just remove the loose debris so it doesn’t build up over time.

Frame and Rails

The pistol’s frame is often neglected during quick cleans, but Jude shows how easy it is to give it a quick once-over. He uses a patch to:

• Wipe down the rails

• Clean any dust or fouling around the fire control group

• Remove grime from hard-to-reach areas with a brush

You’re not detail cleaning here—just making sure the high-friction points are clean enough to function reliably.

Light Lubrication

Once everything is wiped down, Jude applies a very light coat of oil to key friction points:

• Barrel lugs

• Rails

• Slide contact areas

He stresses the importance of not over-oiling—a little goes a long way, especially in striker-fired pistols. Too much oil just attracts dirt.

Reassembly and Function Check

Jude reassembles the handgun and performs a quick function check to ensure:

• The slide cycles smoothly

• The trigger resets properly

• The firearm is functioning as expected

Everything checks out, and the pistol is ready to be stored, carried, or taken back to the range.

Final Thoughts

This type of quick clean is ideal after range sessions where your gun isn’t absolutely filthy, but you still want to maintain it properly. By doing this light maintenance regularly, you can:

• Extend the life of your pistol

• Prevent long-term buildup

• Avoid surprises next time you hit the range or carry the firearm

It’s fast, easy, and helps you build good habits—without needing to break out a full cleaning kit every time.

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