Here’s a simple guide on how and when to do a function check so you can keep your handgun in good shape.

What is a Function Check?

A function check is a quick, hands-on way to make sure your handgun operates properly. It involves inspecting key components, like the trigger, slide, and safety, to see if everything is in proper working order. After you clean or reassemble your gun, or add new parts, things might not fit just right. A quick check can catch those issues before they cause trouble, like misfires or jams. Plus, doing them regularly will make sure your firearm is ready when you need it.

Function checks should never involve live ammunition - they are supposed to be dry runs to confirm that all mechanical parts are functioning smoothly.

Why Function Checks Are Important

Performing regular function checks is crucial for firearm safety. If your gun isn’t working properly, it could malfunction when you need it most. For example, a faulty trigger or slide could result in failure to fire or even dangerous malfunctions. Additionally, a function check ensures that new parts, like sights or grips, don't interfere with the gun's ability to fire properly. By doing a quick function check after each cleaning or modification, you can catch problems early and avoid accidents at the range or in self-defense situations.

When to Perform a Function Check

After cleaning or making any changes to your gun, running a function check makes sure everything is reassembled correctly and ready to fire when needed. It’s helpful to know when a function check is needed because it keeps your handgun working safely and avoids surprises. Here’s a basic guide to follow:

• After cleaning your handgun: Anytime you take apart and clean your firearm, you should run a function check to test that all parts are reassembled properly.
• After reassembly: Whether you’ve disassembled the gun for cleaning or maintenance, always do a function check before using the firearm.
• After installing new parts or accessories: If you've added a new component, like a trigger, magazine release, or recoil spring, a function check makes sure those changes haven’t affected your handgun’s operation.
• Before every range session: Even if your gun hasn’t been disassembled, it’s a good habit to check functionality before every range session. That may seem like overkill, but parts can loosen up over time, so it’s good to check everything before you start shooting.

Basic Steps of a Function Check

Doing a function check is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. After triple checking to make sure your gun and mags are unloaded and there’s no ammo in the room you are working in, do the following checks:

Check the trigger - Point the gun in a safe direction, rack the slide, and pull the trigger. The trigger should engage smoothly. After the trigger has been pulled, rack the slide again to make sure it resets properly.

Test the slide lock - The slide should lock into place smoothly and firmly, indicating the locking mechanism is functioning as intended.

If you have one, check the safety mechanism - Engage the safety and try to pull the trigger. The safety should prevent the trigger from moving. Disengage the safety and check to see if the trigger functions normally.

Inspect your sights - If you have iron sights, they can come loose over time, which can throw off your accuracy and ruin a range session. Visually inspect them to make sure you don’t have any gaps on one side or the other. Feel free to give them a light tug to make sure they’re securely mounted.

Inspect your optic - if you’re running an optic, check your screws to make sure the optic is still mounted correctly, then visually inspect everything to make sure it’s free of any dirt or debris on the lens.

If you have snap caps, grab a few and load them into one of your magazines. Insert the mag into the gun, rack the slide, pull the trigger, then rack the slide again to make sure the snap cap ejects properly and the slide returns to its normal position. This simple test helps confirm everything is working properly without needing live ammo.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your handgun doesn’t pass the function check, You’ll need to diagnose and fix the issue before taking it to the range. Some common issues include:

Trigger not resetting properly - this could indicate a problem with the trigger assembly or spring.

Slide not locking back - check for any dirt, debris, or misalignment in the slide lock mechanism.

Safety not engaging - if the safety doesn’t work properly, it may need adjustment or replacement.

Never use a firearm that fails any part of the function check

If you still have issues after performing these tests, it’s time to take your gun to a gunsmith for a closer look. They should be able to identify any problems, fix them, and then make sure everything is working properly.

Since the answer to how often you should clean your gun is "it depends," we’re going to focus on some specific times when you should be cleaning your pistol. Knowing when you should be giving your gun a good cleaning will help you keep your handgun in great shape without overdoing it.

Before You Fire the First Shot

Before you shoot your new handgun for the first time, give it a thorough cleaning. This helps get rid of any leftover debris from manufacturing, like metal shavings or dust, plus any grease or oils you don't want in there. It also gives you the opportunity to inspect everything and familiarize yourself with your new handgun. Once cleaned, make sure to grease and oil it properly to make sure it runs smoothly and protects the moving parts.

When You Start Having Malfunctions

If your handgun starts acting up, a good cleaning might fix the problem. Dirt and residue can cause jamming, misfires, or feeding issues. When you clean after a malfunction, make sure to inspect all parts closely. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or heavy buildup that might need more than just a standard cleaning.

When You’re Going to Put It in Long-Term Storage

Planning to store your handgun for a while? You'll want to thoroughly clean and lightly oil it first. This removes any residue and can protect against rust and corrosion, which will certainly cause issues. Firearms in storage can gather moisture and dust, which can harm the internal parts. A good cleaning and proper lubrication before storage will keep your handgun in great shape until you need it again.

After Exposure to Adverse Conditions

If your handgun gets exposed to rain, mud, high humidity, or dust, clean it as soon as you can. Moisture can cause rust, and dirt can lead to malfunctions. Disassemble your firearm to the level you're comfortable with and clean all parts thoroughly, making sure everything is dry before applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Taking these steps will maintain your handgun's reliability and longevity.

Before Major Competitions

Before any big competition, give your handgun a detailed cleaning. A clean gun performs better and can boost your confidence since you'll know you can depend on it. Just make sure that after you clean it, take it out for a little practice to make sure it's working perfectly. If there are any issues, you'll have time to fix them before the big match.

On Your Decided Maintenance Schedule

This one is up to you, but it's important to create a general maintenance schedule (especially for your carry guns). Decide on a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. Figure your out your schedule based on how often you use your gun and the conditions it's exposed to. If you shoot frequently, a weekly cleaning might be best. If you shoot less often, monthly maintenance could be enough. Sticking to your schedule helps prevent residue buildup and catches any potential issues early.

Don't Forget Deep Cleanings

Besides your regular cleaning routine, it's a good idea to give your handgun a deep clean every so often, like once a year or every six months. This means stripping the firearm down close to completely and giving it a thorough inspection and cleaning (if you're not comfortable with this, consult a gunsmith). Think of it like spring cleaning for your gun. You’ll get rid of any gunk that might have built up in hard-to-reach places and catch any wear and tear that might need fixing. It’s a great way to keep your handgun in tip-top shape and it gives you a chance to really get to know your firearm inside and out.

To keep your firearm functioning smoothly and safely, it's essential to clean and lubricate it regularly. But if you're new to firearms, how do you learn the proper techniques for cleaning your gun? Here are some helpful starting points:

Consult your firearm's manual: The manual that came with your firearm should include basic maintenance instructions. Begin with this resource, as it's tailored to your specific gun.

Visit your local gun store: Many gun stores have gunsmiths on site who can clean and lubricate your firearm if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. Additionally, some stores offer gun cleaning classes at a reasonable price, providing hands-on experience under expert guidance.

Explore online resources: Look for manufacturer-specific videos on their websites or YouTube channels that demonstrate the cleaning process for your particular firearm. These videos often provide clear, step-by-step instructions. Be cautious about relying on unofficial or amateur videos, as they may not adhere to proper safety standards or best practices.

Now that you know where to find reliable information, let's dive into the cleaning process for a semi-automatic handgun.

First, choose a suitable location for cleaning your handgun and gather all the necessary equipment. You will need:

• A cleaning mat of some sort to lay all your equipment on. The cleaning mat can be an inexpensive rubber doormat or something similar.  Some people use carpet samples but they can add lint and fuzz to the equation which is not desirable. 
• A bore rod and brush. The bore rod and brush are generally caliber specific.
• Some cotton cleaning patches and jag. Cotton cleaning pads can be purchased in bulk at most sporting goods stores that carry gun supplies along with the jag which is a tool that holds the patch.
• A nylon bristled brush. Do not use a metal brush.
• A microfiber towel or washcloth. Microfiber has less lint, but a cotton washcloth will work fine.
• A pair of nitrile gloves. Most cleaners are not toxic, but they generally aren’t very good on your skin.  And you’ll find that as your cleaning your firearm, a lot of that dirt and grime will end up on your hands.
• Safety glasses. These are a good idea to keep the cleaning products or the dirt from getting into your eyes.
• Gun cleaner. There are multiple brands on the market that work well.  Preferred gun cleaner is a personal decision so go with what works for you. If the bottle says it is a CLP, which stands for Cleaning, Lubricating and Protecting so you don’t have to get a separate product for cleaning and one for lubricating.
• Cotton swabs or sponges (like a makeup applicator) on a stick.

Cleaning

How often should you clean your gun?  That depends on who you ask.  The National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Class recommends that you clean your firearm every 200 rounds. Some prefer to clean it after every trip to the range. In order to clean your handgun, you have to disassemble it. Before you do that, clear the firearm.  Make sure there is no ammunition near you, in the room, in a magazine…anywhere.

Take the magazine out, pull the slide back and check that it’s clear. Have someone else check for clear if you can. Recheck for it to be clear yourself. You just can’t be too careful here. Follow the instructions in your manual or the manufacturer’s video. Take your time. There is no rush. As you disassemble, lay the parts on your cleaning mat. Put a little bit of the firearm cleaning product or CLP on your nylon brush.  Gently scrub the parts of the action that are visibly dirty and accessible with the brush. No need to dig or super scrub. Gently wipe down those parts with your microfiber towel or Q-tip without leaving lint behind. 

Place a few drops of the cleaning product on the bore brush attached to the bore rod. Pick up your barrel and run the brush in ONE direction from the chamber side of the barrel to where the bullet comes out. Do not scrub back and forth as this can damage the rifling inside the barrel. Make this pass several times, always in one direction, exiting the barrel where the bullet would normally exit. Next, put a cleaning patch into the eye on the end of the jag. Run it in the same direction down the bore.  Repeat until the patch comes out clean.

With a little bit of CLP on your microfiber towel, clean the underside of your slide and the recoil spring and guide rod. These should not be wet with CLP when this task is complete. Wipe everything down until the rag you are using doesn’t pick up any more grime.  Now that your firearm is clean, it’s time to lubricate.

Lubricating

If you are using an all-in-one CLP product, you’ll use the same thing for lubricating the firearm. Lubricate in accordance with the handgun manual. They normally tell you where you need to lubricate and how much. You will likely want to lubricate on the metal parts where the slide runs along the frame. And there may be other places recommended by the manufacturer. There is no need to add lubricant inside the barrel. A very light coat of lubricant on the outside of the barrel will protect it from wear. 

All Done

Once you have cleaned and lubricated your firearm, it’s time to reassemble.  Once you have it back together, with NO ammunition in the room or near you, visually and physically check to make sure the gun is not loaded and manipulate the slide a few times to make sure it is functioning correctly. Check that your safety is working correctly. 

Congratulations!  You have completed the cleaning and lubricating of your firearm.

Start with Safety

The first step when cleaning your gun is to make sure that both the gun and the area where you're cleaning are free from any ammunition before proceeding. This means removing the magazine and double-checking the chamber of your handgun. All the rules of gun safety apply whether your gun is loaded or not, so make sure to point the gun in a safe direction when making sure it's clear.

The area where you'll be working should be well-ventilated since gun cleaning solvents and sprays can be volatile or irritating. Since many cleaning liquids and sprays have strong odors, clean outside if you can. If you have to clean inside, open some windows to get some air circulation.

It's important to protect yourself against flying debris or any oil or solvent from getting into your eyes, so put your eye protection on when cleaning. You should also make sure that you have plenty of light so you can see what you're doing (or if you need to chase a part down that tried to get away).

Read Your Manual

Make sure you read the manual that came with your gun before cleaning it for the first time. Manufacturers generally include instructions in their manuals on how to disassemble and reassemble your firearm. This is especially helpful when trying to remember where everything goes when you put it back together.

If you don't have a manual, look for one online. Many major manufacturers offer a digital version on their websites. If it's not available online or in print form, contact the manufacturer directly. There are also YouTube videos that will walk you through each step of disassembly and reassembly. Try to find a video from a trusted source, like the manufacturer of your firearm or a professional gunsmith with a solid reputation.

Know Where to Use Oil and Grease

Grease and oil are highly useful for protecting your gun, but there are some key differences that you should know about before applying them to your firearm. Every firearm will differ a bit, but grease is generally applied to parts of the gun that see a high amount of wear and friction since oil can heat up and move away from the area faster than grease. Use grease sparingly — a little really goes a long way!

A light film of oil on all of your other internals and moving parts of your gun before shooting is usually enough. If you notice that the oil is drying up, then it’s time for a new coat. Always carry a small tube or bottle of lubrication in your range bag in case your gun starts to act up while you're shooting. A little lubrication can temporarily clear up some range malfunctions, just be sure to do a proper cleaning when you get home.

Don't Completely Disassemble Your Gun Each Time you Clean It

For general cleaning, field stripping your handgun is fine. This is when you remove the barrel, recoil spring, and slide from the frame and leave everything else assembled. In-depth disassembly and cleaning can be done less often, like when your gun isn't working correctly or is extremely dirty. Completely dismantling a handgun and reassembling it can be tricky and require tools you may not have. If you're not absolutely sure you understand how to reassemble it, take it to a professional gunsmith when it needs to be deep cleaned.

Don't Rush the Process

A lot of people don't like cleaning their firearms, so they rush the process. This is bad for your gun because it allows debris to build up in nooks and crannies, which can cause malfunctions or permanently damage your gun. You also don't want to rush through the reassembly because you can easily make a mistake and end up with a non-functioning firearm. Make sure you set aside plenty of time and prepare your supplies in advance. Treating gun cleaning like a fun project instead of a chore can make it feel like a much less daunting task.

If at any point during the process of cleaning your firearm things seem too complex or daunting (or even boring), don't hesitate to stop what you're doing and take a break. Just make sure to get back to it as soon as possible. You don't want your firearm to sit around disassembled for too long because it it's easy to lose a part, which can get expensive and cost you a lot of time.

Make Sure You Do a Function Check!

You're likely familiar with the process of field stripping your handgun as part of a complete cleaning, but did you know there are a few ways to quickly clean your pistol without the hassle of almost completely disassembling it? Here are some tips you can use in between deep cleanings to keep your gun running smoothly.

The Cleaning Equipment You'll Need

In order to do a quick cleaning, you'll need a few tools and supplies. It's a good idea to have a stash of these items in your range bag (or a separate bag you can grab if needed) in case you're experiencing issues a quick cleaning can solve. Here's what you need:

• A cleaning mat or range towel to lay your handgun on - don't put your gun directly on a shooting bench, the dirt can cause more issues than you're trying to solve.
• A boresnake - this is handy and inexpensive piece of equipment that can temporarily solve a lot of issues when you're on the range. Keep one in your range bag at all times. 
• A bore rod and brush - you don't need to carry the whole set with you, just grab the right size for your barrel.
• Cleaning patches and a jag - use cleaning patches designed for use with firearms to avoid lint or fibers you won't want inside your handgun.
• Another small towel or washcloth - this will come in handy for lots of reasons.
• A pair of gloves (nitrile is good) - that gunk in your gun probably has lead in it, and you don't want that absorbed into your skin.
• Gun cleaner or a can of CLP, oil, and grease - the trifecta for both quick and thorough cleanings
• Safety Glasses - leave them on when you're cleaning. Pieces of buildup and parts like springs can jump off your gun when you're taking it apart, so better safe then sorry
• Optional: Cotton swabs and/or a toothbrush - these are helpful for getting into crevices

Fast Ways to Clean Your Handgun

Now that you have your gun cleaning stuff together, here are some ways to give you gun a quick cleaning:

1. Take off the slide, decouple the barrel and spring, and spray CLP inside your slide and gun, and on the spring (remember to put your towel down first). Use that other towel you have and give your handgun a good wipe down. CLP stands for "clean, lubricate, and protect and it's designed to do all 3, and it's good enough to help you loosen up most of the grime so you can wipe it off, and it will leave a thin protective coating for a short time. Since it doesn't get 

If you don't have a towel you don't mind getting dirty, you can use paper towels to wipe the grime away, but if you do that, make sure you give your handgun a more thorough cleaning as soon as you can.

2. Take off the slide, remove the barrel, and grab your boresnake. Pass the boresnake through your barrel several times and see if that clears up any accuracy issues that are being caused by a dirty barrel. If you'd like, you can add a bit of cleaner on the boresnake to help break down the gunk a little faster and you can do the same with oil.

A boresnake is super handy and easy to carry with you - it's basically a rope sized to the caliber of your gun with a brass brush imbedded it, which helps scrub the problematic grime out of your barrel. When you use a boresnake, make sure you're passing it through your handgun from breech to muzzle end (just like how a bullet comes out) to make sure you don't damage your rifling or the barrel itself. When you're done, use a tiny bit of oil on a patch and push the patch through your barrel with a rod.

3.  When you're really in a hurry, you can remove your slide and barrel, add a couple of drops to a few patches and quickly wipe everything down. Sometimes, that's all you need to get your gun running if you're experiencing malfunctions. This is a quick and very temporary fix, so make sure you give your pistol a solid cleaning as soon as you get back from the range.

These are fast techniques to keep you shooting in the short term (like when you're in the middle of a match or having fun at the range), but none of these methods are a substitute for a thorough cleaning. Make sure you're still giving your handgun a good scrub on a regular schedule to extend its life and ensure it will function properly for many years to come.

While it's a no-brainer to replace a part on your gun that breaks, which parts require preventative maintenance and how often should you replace those parts? Here are some of the most common items that need to be replaced and when it's a good time to replace them.

First, Give it a Thorough Cleaning

it’s important to give your handgun a detailed cleaning from time to time. Most of us clean our guns by doing a basic field strip (separating the major components), but you also need to get into all the nooks and crannies to make sure that you’re getting rid of the debris that builds up which can make your handgun unreliable or unsafe.

Depending on the type of gun you own, a thorough cleaning may mean a detailed stripping where you come close to completely disassembling the gun. If that’s sounds (understandably) intimidating, you can find a gun store or gunsmith that does detailed cleaning and let them take care of it for you. Another option is using an ultrasonic cleaner with a formula specifically designed for use with firearms. If you do go the ultrasonic route, make sure that you get all the liquid out of the gun, or you could end up with more issues than you started with.

The Spring’s the Thing

The recoil spring is a part of your handgun that will need to be replaced. While there’s no exact round count for when you should replace it, many shooters use 3,000 to 5,000 rounds as a general guideline. Over time, the recoil spring loses its “spring” and that can lead to cycling issues. Recoil springs are inexpensive, so it’s good practice to buy one or two before you need it and toss it in your range bag so you remember where it is when it comes time to replace it.

Trigger springs are a little less predictable on when they will wear out or fail, so if you’re shooting on a regular schedule, it’s a good idea to have one of those handy as well.

The Barrel

Most shooters will never have to worry about replacing a barrel, but they may eventually need to be replaced. After about 50,000 rounds, the rifling will be worn down and that causes a dip in performance. If you’re not shooting past 25 yards, you may never notice the decrease in accuracy, but it’s still a good idea to replace the barrel to extend the overall lifespan of the gun.

Parts that May Break

Firearms have lots of little metal parts that cycle and rub up against each other, so with time and heavy use, it’s inevitable that something is going to break. Extractors (the piece that flings the spent brass out of your gun), slide stops, and any internal levers are some parts that see the most common failures. While breakages like these may be temporary show stoppers, almost every part on a gun can be replaced, meaning you don't have to say goodbye to your favorite handgun because of one part.

Modern handguns are generally reliable and built to last, but they do need some attention to keep them running properly. To maximize the life of your gun, make sure to inspect it on a regular basis (while you’re cleaning it is a great time) and confirm that all the parts are in good working order. If you do find a part that you think needs to be replaced or looks broken, don't shoot it until you have it figured out.

If you're unsure about doing any kind of work on your gun, or just want to make sure the part is replaced properly, please consult a gunsmith.