How to Clean a Ruger LCR Revolver

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Ruger LCR Revolver Disassembly, Lubrication and Cleaning

I am going to show you step-by-step how to disassemble, lubricate and clean a Ruger LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver) Revolver. This process works for any revolver, but the Original Gun Oil I use in this article is safe to use on firearms that have polymer (plastic) or wood components.

There is more than one way to effectively clean a Ruger LCR or any other firearm. This article will show you the way I do it, and I find it to be a quick and effective method.

Original Gun Oil is a CLP product, which means it is a Cleaner, Lubricant and Protectant all in one.

Some gun cleaning solvents can harm these materials or degrade the finish on your gun. Original Gun Oil is safe for the Ruger LCR and all other polymer frame firearms including Glock, Springfield XD, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, etc.

Cleaning and lubrication of a Ruger LCR is easy and straightforward, requiring minimal disassembly. The only disassembly required is the removal of the grip by removing one screw, and then backing out one pin in order to lubricate the internal components.

This tutorial will allow you how to quickly and confidently perform this task in less than 10 minutes.

How often should I clean my Ruger LCR?

The Best practice when it comes to cleaning any firearm is to do so after every time it is fired. Whenever a gun is fired, carbon residue starts to accumulate in and on the firearm. Although a small amount of carbon is not a big deal, it can cause issues if it is allowed to build up. It is best to clean and lube the gun after shooting at the range.

It is also advisable to clean the gun regularly if you carry it on your person for self defense. Regardless of your carry method, dust and grime can build up in your weapon during regular day to day concealed carry.

The design of the Ruger LCR is similar to many revolvers and is very easy to maintain.

Ruger LCR Cleaning Supplies

Here are the supplies you will need to complete the disassembly, cleaning and lube of the Ruger LCR and most revolvers. See my article on DIY Gun Cleaning Station. There are lots of different cleaning products, so I will list the ones I have used for years of trouble free results:

Why Use a Boresnake?

A Boresnake is an ingenious invention that allows you to quickly and conveniently clean the inside of any gun barrel (and charging holes in the cylinder for revolvers). This avoids using the messy and time-consuming method of cleaning the barrel with a rod and patches. Although extremely effective, the rod and patches procedure is messy and should be used if your gun is especially dirty, or if it has not been cleaned regularly.

Ruger LCR Cleaning video

Steps to Clean and Lubricate the Ruger LCR

Unload the Ruger LCR
Unload the gun and remove all ammo from the area.
Apply a drop or two of Original Gun Oil to each charge hole in the cylinder
Open the cylinder and apply a few drops of Original Gun Oil (or similar Synthetic-Safe gun cleaning product) into each of the cylinder charge holes.
Apply a drop of Original Gun Oil into the barrel
Apply a couple drops into the barrel.
Run a Boresnake through each charge hole 2-3 times
After waiting a couple minutes for the Gun Oil to penetrate and loosen the dirt, run the bore snake through each charging hole a couple times.
Run a Boresnake through the barrel several times
. Run the Boresnake through the barrel several times.
The barrel and Charging holes should be nice and clean
The barrel and charging holes should be nice and clean.
Apply a drop of Original Gun Oil to the cylinder pivot
Apply a drop or two of Gun Oil to the cylinder hinge and clean with a soft bristle gun brush. Then wipe away all excess cleaning solution.
Press on the ejector rod so it extends as shown. Apply a drop or two of Gun Oil to the ejector rod
Press on the ejector rod so it extends as shown. Apply a drop or two of Gun Oil to the ejector rod.  
Clean around ejector rod with a soft bristle gun brush. Then wipe away all excess cleaning solution.
Clean around ejector rod with a soft bristle gun brush. Then wipe away all excess cleaning solution.
Apply a drop of oil to the breech face and clean with a soft brush.
Apply a drop of oil to the breech face and clean with a soft brush.
Wipe all the dirt and cleaner off the breech face
Wipe all the dirt and cleaner off the breech face.

Lubricating the Ruger LCR

After cleaning as outlined above, be sure to wipe off as much of the cleaner/oil as possible in order to remove all the dirt and crud. Now it is time to lubricate the Ruger LCR.

Use only a small amount of oil. The gun does not need a lot of lube to function. Plus, if you cleaned the gun with Original Gun Oil, you need even less. Here are the lubrication points:

Apply one small drop of oil to the cylinder pivot
Apply one small drop of oil to the cylinder pivot. Wipe most of it off so only a tiny amount goes into the pivot.
Apply one small drop of oil to the cylinder pivot
Apply one small drop of oil to the ejector rod. Wipe most of it off to leave a very light coating.

LCR Internal lubrication.

Smith & Wesson recommends lubricating the internal mechanism after every 1000 “trigger presses”. This includes live fire (with real ammo) and dry fire (with dummy rounds or no ammo).

Remove the Grip screw
 Remove the grip using a slotted screwdriver to remove the screw on the bottom of the grip.
Slide the grip off the LCR frame
Remove the grip by sliding it off the frame.
Locate this pin on the right side of the gun.
Locate this pin on the right side of the gun.
Using a small punch, gently push the pin in slightly.
Using a small punch, gently push the pin in slightly. You do NOT want to push it out the other side!
Push pin just enough to turn the pivot on the left side
Push pin just enough to turn the pivot on the left side.
Apply a small drop of oil into the pin hole on the right side.
Apply a small drop of oil into the pin hole on the right side.
Wipe off any excess oil
Wipe off any excess oil.
Turn the pivot to line up with the slot and press it back in.
Turn the pivot to line up with the slot and press it back in.
Slide the grip back on and put the screw back in snug.
Slide the grip back on and put the screw back in snug, but not too tight.

Verify the gun is UNLOADED. Point it in a SAFE DIRECTION and press the trigger several times to help spread the drop of oil arond the trigger mechanism inside.

Wipe off any excess oil on the outside and you are done.

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