How to Clean Your Ruger LCP in 6 Easy Steps

How to Clean Your Ruger 380 LCP

The Ruger 380 LCP is a popular self-defense pistol for its small size and light weight. However, like any firearm, it needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure proper function and prevent wear and tear. Cleaning your Ruger 380 LCP is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the gun.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of cleaning your Ruger 380 LCP. We will provide detailed instructions and tips, so you can be confident that you are cleaning your gun properly.

We will also discuss the importance of cleaning your gun, and how to properly store it when it is not in use. So whether you are a new gun owner or you are just looking for a refresher, read on for all the information you need to know about cleaning your Ruger 380 LCP.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Remove the magazine and the round from the chamber.
2	Disassemble the gun by removing the slide and the barrel.
3	Clean the exterior of the gun with a soft cloth.
4	Clean the interior of the gun with a cleaning rod and solvent.
5	Reassemble the gun and lubricate it with a light oil.

Disassembly and Assembly

How to field strip the Ruger 380 LCP

1. To field strip the Ruger 380 LCP, begin by removing the magazine.
2. With the magazine removed, use your thumb to push down on the slide release lever located on the left side of the frame.
3. While holding the slide release lever down, pull the slide back and then release it. The slide will come off of the frame.
4. The barrel will now be exposed. To remove the barrel, grasp it firmly and pull it straight out of the slide.
5. The recoil spring and guide rod will now be visible. To remove them, use a small screwdriver to pry up the small tab on the end of the guide rod. This will release the spring and guide rod, which can then be removed from the slide.

How to reassemble the Ruger 380 LCP

1. To reassemble the Ruger 380 LCP, begin by inserting the recoil spring and guide rod into the slide.
2. Press down on the guide rod until it snaps into place.
3. Insert the barrel into the slide.
4. Align the notch in the barrel with the slide stop pin and push the slide forward until it locks into place.
5. Release the slide release lever.
6. Insert the magazine.

Cleaning the Exterior

How to clean the barrel

1. To clean the barrel of the Ruger 380 LCP, first remove the barrel from the slide.
2. Soak a cleaning patch in gun cleaning solvent and run it through the barrel several times.
3. Use a dry cleaning patch to remove any residual solvent.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the barrel is clean.

How to clean the slide

1. To clean the slide of the Ruger 380 LCP, first remove the slide from the frame.
2. Soak a cleaning patch in gun cleaning solvent and run it through the slide several times.
3. Use a dry cleaning patch to remove any residual solvent.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the slide is clean.

How to clean the frame

1. To clean the frame of the Ruger 380 LCP, first remove the magazine and the slide.
2. Soak a cleaning patch in gun cleaning solvent and wipe down the frame.
3. Use a dry cleaning patch to remove any residual solvent.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the frame is clean.

By following these steps, you can easily clean your Ruger 380 LCP and keep it in good working order.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning your Ruger 380 LCP:

• Always use a clean rag or cleaning patch when cleaning your gun.
• Never use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean your gun.
• Be careful not to damage any of the parts of your gun when cleaning it.
• If you are not comfortable cleaning your gun, take it to a qualified gunsmith.

3. Cleaning the Interior

The interior of your Ruger 380 LCP is relatively simple to clean, but it is important to do it correctly to prevent damage to the gun. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the magazine from the gun.
2. Depress the slide lock and pull the slide back until it is fully open.
3. Use a cleaning rod and a bore brush to clean the barrel.
4. Use a cotton swab or a small brush to clean the inside of the slide.
5. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the gun.

How to clean the firing pin

The firing pin is a small, spring-loaded metal rod that strikes the primer of a cartridge to ignite the gunpowder and fire the bullet. It is important to clean the firing pin regularly to prevent it from becoming dirty or corroded. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the firing pin from the gun.
2. Use a small brush to clean the firing pin.
3. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the firing pin.
4. Reinsert the firing pin into the gun.

How to clean the extractor

The extractor is a small, metal claw that grabs the rim of a cartridge and extracts it from the chamber after it has been fired. It is important to clean the extractor regularly to prevent it from becoming dirty or corroded. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the extractor from the gun.
2. Use a small brush to clean the extractor.
3. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the extractor.
4. Reinsert the extractor into the gun.

How to clean the magazine

The magazine is a metal box that holds the cartridges for your Ruger 380 LCP. It is important to clean the magazine regularly to prevent it from becoming dirty or corroded. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the magazine from the gun.
2. Open the magazine and dump out the cartridges.
3. Use a cleaning rod and a bore brush to clean the inside of the magazine.
4. Use a cotton swab or a small brush to clean the inside of the magazine lips.
5. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the magazine.

4. Lubrication

Lubricating your Ruger 380 LCP is important to keep it functioning properly. The amount of lubricant you use and where you apply it will depend on the climate you live in. Here are some general guidelines:

• In dry climates, use a light coat of oil on the moving parts of the gun.
• In humid climates, use a heavier coat of oil on the moving parts of the gun.
• Avoid applying too much lubricant, as this can attract dirt and dust.
• Be sure to wipe off any excess lubricant after cleaning the gun.

How often to lubricate

You should lubricate your Ruger 380 LCP after every cleaning and every few hundred rounds of ammunition. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to lubricate the gun more often.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your Ruger 380 LCP clean and lubricated, which will help it to function properly and last for many years to come.

How often should I clean my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: You should clean your Ruger 380 LCP after every 500 rounds fired. However, if you are shooting in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to clean it more often.

What do I need to clean my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: You will need the following items to clean your Ruger 380 LCP:

• A cleaning kit specifically designed for the Ruger 380 LCP
• Gun oil
• A rag or paper towel
• A toothbrush
• A boresnake

How do I clean the exterior of my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: To clean the exterior of your Ruger 380 LCP, follow these steps:

1. Remove the magazine and the pistol from the holster.
2. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe down the exterior of the gun, removing any dirt or debris.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas, such as the serrations on the slide.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the exterior of the gun and wipe it off with a rag.

How do I clean the barrel of my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: To clean the barrel of your Ruger 380 LCP, follow these steps:

1. Remove the barrel from the gun.
2. Insert a boresnake into the barrel and push it through several times.
3. Use a cleaning rod and a cleaning patch to clean the inside of the barrel.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the inside of the barrel and wipe it off with a rag.

How do I clean the slide of my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: To clean the slide of your Ruger 380 LCP, follow these steps:

1. Remove the slide from the gun.
2. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe down the exterior of the slide, removing any dirt or debris.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas, such as the serrations on the slide.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the exterior of the slide and wipe it off with a rag.

How do I clean the internals of my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: To clean the internals of your Ruger 380 LCP, follow these steps:

1. Remove the slide and barrel from the gun.
2. Use a cleaning rod and a cleaning patch to clean the inside of the frame.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of the slide and barrel.
4. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the internals of the gun and wipe it off with a rag.

How often should I lubricate my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: You should lubricate your Ruger 380 LCP after every cleaning. However, if you are shooting in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to lubricate it more often.

What type of lubricant should I use on my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: You should use a light oil or grease on your Ruger 380 LCP. Some good options include:

• Ballistol
• Froglube
• Slip 2000

How do I store my Ruger 380 LCP?

• Answer: To store your Ruger 380 LCP, follow these steps:

1. Remove the magazine and the pistol from the holster.
2. Clean the gun according to the instructions in this guide.
3. Apply a light coat of oil to the exterior of the gun.
4. Store the gun in a dry, cool place.

cleaning your Ruger 380 LCP is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help to ensure that your firearm is functioning properly and that it is safe to use.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Always wear eye protection when cleaning your firearm.
• Use a cleaning solvent that is specifically designed for firearms.
• Be sure to dry your firearm thoroughly before storing it.
• Repeat the cleaning process every few hundred rounds or as needed.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your Ruger 380 LCP in top condition and ensure that it is always ready to use when you need it.