How to Clean a Glock 22

The .40-caliber Glock 22 was designed to be the primary sidearm of law-enforcement agencies. Thanks to its black plastic construction and simple boxy design it is one of the most recognizable handguns in the world. Like all pistols, the Glock 22 needs to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it remains in good working condition. Thanks to the simplicity of its design, the Glock 22 can be broken down, cleaned and reassembled in a matter of minutes.

• 1

  Point the barrel of the Glock 22 in a safe direction and eject the magazine from the grip. Pull back the slide to ensure there are no live rounds loaded in the firing chamber.

• 2

  Pull the slide back just slightly so that the spring pressure is removed from the slide-stop switch. Keep pressure on the slide, then push the slide-stop switch down.

• 3

  Push the slide all the way forward and off the Glock frame.

• 4

  Push the recoil spring and spring tube forward slightly in the slide, then lift it up and backwards out of the slide.

• 5

  Pull the barrel back and out of the slide.

• 6

  Apply an amount of gun solvent to a clean cloth and wipe down the inside of the slide as well as the spring and spring tube.

• 7

  Dip your bore brush in the solvent and scrub down the inside of the barrel to dislodge any grime or particulate buildup.

• 8

  Apply a small amount of solvent to several cloth swatches and run them through the barrel one at a time until they come out clean.

• 9

  Push several dry cloth swatches through the barrel until it is completely dry.

• 10

  Apply solvent to another cloth swatch and use it to wipe down the rails on the pistol frame, then dry it with a clean cloth.

• 11

  Use the cloth swatches to apply a small amount of gun oil to all moving and metal parts--including running one through the inside of the barrel. This will ensure proper lubrication and will also help guard against rust.

• 12

  Reassemble the Glock 22.