If you’re a proud owner of a SIG Sauer MPX, you know it’s crucial to keep it in top shape. Regular cleaning not only ensures its longevity but also improves its performance. In this article, I’ll be guiding you on how to clean your SIG Sauer MPX effectively and efficiently.
The process might seem daunting if you’re new to it, but trust me, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. With a bit of practice and the right tools, you’ll master it in no time. We’ll go over the step-by-step process, the tools you’ll need, and some handy tips to make the task easier.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Moving forward in our journey to a thoroughly clean SIG Sauer MPX, it’s time to gear up! Like every other task, using the correct tools will simplify things considerably.
Your toolkit should, as a bare minimum, contain the following items:
- A good-quality cleaning rod. This rod should be long enough to clean the barrel carefully yet sturdy enough not to break under pressure.
- Patch holder and patches. The patch holder should fit your cleaning rod, and the patches should be of the exact size to clean the barrel. Too small, they won’t do the job; too big, they’ll stick in the bore.
- Bore brush. Be sure to use the correct size for your MPX’s caliber.
- Cleaning solvent. There are many options available, but pick one that’s specifically intended for guns.
These are the bare necessities. If you’d like to take your cleaning to another level, consider investing in the following items:
- Gun cleaning mat. It’s good practice to clean your firearm on a dedicated mat as it not only protects the gun but also your work surface.
- Brushes in various sizes. Multiple sizes work well for reaching different parts of the firearm.
- Gun lubricant. A gun in top-performing condition needs to be lubricated after cleaning.
- Flashlight. A small flashlight can help illuminate those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Acquiring these tools doesn’t have to break the bank. Most can be found at a reasonable price in a standard gun cleaning kit, available in many sporting goods stores online or in person.
So now that we’ve discussed tools, let’s talk about the actual cleaning process. In the next section, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on cleaning your SIG Sauer MPX. Armed with my advice and your newly gathered tools, you’ll find that even a task as intricate as this can be done efficiently and effectively.
Unload and Ensure Firearm Safety
Before we dive into the actual cleaning process, safety’s a priority. Here’s how you unload your SIG Sauer MPX and ensure it’s secure before the cleaning process begins.
Step 1: Remove the Magazine
Removing the magazine is the very first action in ensuring the firearm’s safety. To do so, press the magazine release button located on the right side of the MPX, right above the trigger, and pull the magazine out from the bottom. Always remember: when you’re handling firearms, safety’s to be prioritized above all else.
Step 2: Ensure the Chamber is Empty
Next, let’s ensure the chamber’s empty. Pull the charging handle located on the left side of your SIG Sauer MPX, while pointing the firearm in a safe direction. When you have slid the charging handle rearward, properly inspect the chamber to ensure it’s empty.
Step 3: Safety Switch On
Finally, flip the safety selector switch, present on both left and right sides of your SIG Sauer MPX, to the safe position. This will block the trigger mechanism.
Getting into the habit of ensuring the safety of your firearm before cleaning is a necessity. It’s worth noting that this 3-step safety protocol should be applied not just to your SIG Sauer MPX, but to any firearm you handle.
So, with your firearm now secured and all safety measures in place, we can proceed to the next stage – the actual cleaning process. Gear up, engage, and enhance your knowledge of maintaining your SIG Sauer MPX in the upcoming section.
Disassemble the SIG Sauer MPX
With your firearm now safe and secure, the next crucial step in the cleaning process is disassembly. The SIG Sauer MPX is a masterpiece of engineering, designed for easy access to key parts and components. Remember, just like every other step in the process, handle each part carefully.
Start by removing the upper receiver. Ensure the safety lever is engaged. Then pivot the upper receiver upwards and off of the lower receiver. Next, detach the bolt carrier group and charging handle from the upper receiver by aligning them with the notches cut into the receiver. Slide them straight out of the back, and you’ve successfully removed major components of the firearm.
Let’s not forget the lower receiver. For the SIG Sauer MPX, it’s designed to let you remove the trigger group by simply pushing out two retaining pins. Not only does this make it easy to access the trigger group for cleaning, but it also means you can replace the entire group without special tools if needed.
Key Points
- Always, I stress, always engage the safety lever before proceeding with any type of disassembly
- Align the bolt carrier group and charging handle with their respective notches on the receiver for hassle-free removal
That’s the essence of breaking down the SIG Sauer MPX. While there’s more to explore, these are the main components we need to clean regularly to ensure optimal firearm performance. Now that we understand disassembly, we can proceed to the next phase in maintaining a SIG Sauer MPX. In the upcoming section, we’ll delve deeper into the cleaning and maintenance process, covering techniques and tools that’ll keep your firearm in top shape.
Clean the Barrel and Chamber
With the SIG Sauer MPX disassembled, it’s time to move on to the next crucial step in the cleaning process – tidying up the barrel and chamber. Now, these are parts that tend to accumulate the most fouling after a shooting endeavor, so proper cleaning ensures reliable operation and improved accuracy.
You’ll want to start with a good quality cleaning rod and bronze brush. Now, these are specifically designed for the .357 SIG bore diameter, ensuring no damage to the chamber and rifling. You attach the brush to the cleaning rod and then apply a few drops of solvent. Be sure you’re using a reliable CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) solvent, as it’s not just important to clean, but also to lubricate and protect your firearm from future fouling and possible rust.
Slide the rod through the chamber and towards the muzzle, in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid reversing the direction with the brush in the barrel, as it may cause unnecessary wear. Repeat this process until you see the fouling start to loosen up.
Next, attach a cleaning jag and patch to the rod. Apply some solvent to the patch and run it through the barrel from the chamber end, out through the muzzle. After a couple of passes, replace the dirty patch with a clean one and continue the process until the patch comes out clean.
In terms of the chamber, apply a small amount of CLP solvent and use a chamber brush to scrub the inner surface. Avoid overusing the solvent or it may leak into the lower receiver, which could affect proper functioning of the firearm. Remember to always lubricate the cleaned areas after scrubbing them.
The next section of the article will talk about cleaning the bolt carrier group, a component that directly affects the functioning of your SIG Sauer MPX.
Clean the Slide and Frame
Diving right into this section, let’s talk about how crucial it is to Clean the slide and frame of your SIG Sauer MPX. Start by taking a high-quality nylon brush to gently sweep away any surface debris. It’s important never to use a metallic brush on these parts as you risk causing unintended scratches and damage.
Remove stubborn grime by applying a solvent on the bristles of your brush. Brush the exposed areas of the slide and frame—paying special attention to the rails which need to be completely free of dirt and debris for smooth operation.
Once scrubbed liberally with the brush, you need to dry the slide and frame thoroughly. Use a microfiber cloth for this process to avoid lint from getting stuck in any part.
Let me share some insights on the lubrication part. A thin layer of lubricant is all that’s needed for the slide and frame. I prefer gun-specific lubricants, but you can also choose a light oil if you prefer. The key here is to apply it sparingly on the high-contact areas like the frame rails.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
Now that we’ve covered the cleaning portion, it’s time to move towards lubrication. Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of your SIG Sauer MPX.
Start with the bolt carrier group. Apply a light coat of high-quality firearm lubricant to it. This isn’t a step where you’d want to be stingy. It’s crucial to make sure you’re getting into all the small crevices. An under-lubricated bolt carrier group can lead to accelerated wear and poor performance.
Next, grab the charging handle. Apply only a small amount of lubricant here. The key focus should be on its stem and the inner surface where it makes contact with the upper receiver.
The trigger group also needs your attention. This area is generally neglected by many owners. Use a needle applicator to apply a small amount of lubricant directly to the sear engagement surfaces, pivot points, and springs. Remember, overdoing it here could make your firearm attract unwanted dust and debris.
Before reassembling, let’s not forget the upper receiver. Use a long applicator or your finger to add lubricant to the tracks where the bolt carrier group and charging handle move.
Lastly, the barrel. Apply a light layer of lubricant on the outside. Ensure it’s evenly distributed by rubbing it in using a clean, lint-free cloth.
Keep the mantra “less is more” in mind. Too much lubricant will attract grit, dirt, and other potentially damaging particles. But in the right amounts, it’ll greatly enhance the performance of your firearm and extend its life span.
As you can see, this part of the process, while sometimes overlooked, is just as crucial as the cleaning phase. It’ll ensure your SIG Sauer MPX operates smoothly and reliably.
Our next topic? That will outline how to properly reassemble and function test your SIG Sauer MPX to ensure that every component is working as it should. So, stay hooked: you don’t want to miss out on these crucial steps.
Reassemble the SIG Sauer MPX
Reassembling an MPX after cleaning and lubricating isn’t as daunting as you might think. Being knowledgeable about where all the parts fit back together is half the battle. So, dust off those parts, and let’s get started.
First up, you’ll place the bolt carrier group (BCG) into the upper receiver. Ensure the bolt is extended forward and correctly oriented, then slide it into place. If you’ve done this right, the BCG will fit perfectly into the upper receiver with minimal resistance.
Next, precisely position the charging handle so it aligns with its slot. This part might take a few tries for beginners, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Slide the charging handle into the upper receiver and ensure it’s completely seated.
Moving on, connect the upper and lower receiver. You’ll need to line up the pivot pin holes of both receivers. Once aligned, secure them together using the takedown pin. This connects the two halves of the MPX.
Insert the trigger group, being careful not to affect the functionality of the safety lever. The final step in reassembling your SIG Sauer MPX involves sliding the barrel back into its socket. After confirming that everything fits snugly, secure the barrel using the barrel retention screw, which needs a bit of tightening but not too much to avoid thread wear.
At this point, your firearm should be starting to look like the robust, reliable, and ready-for-action SIG Sauer MPX that it’s known to be. But don’t rush off for that range day just yet. Once everything is back in place, there’s another critical step to guarantee the firearm is safe and functioning correctly. In the following section, we will discuss function tests and how to conduct them.
Conduct a Function Check
We’ve cleaned, lubed, and reassembled our SIG Sauer MPX, ensuring everything is snugly and securely fit. But even the most meticulous assembly can miss a potential issue. It’s why conducting a function check is mandatory and part of responsible firearm ownership.
Performing a function check not only guarantees that your firearm is safe but also verifies that it’s working correctly. It’s not a complicated step, and once you’ve got the procedure bootstrapped to your mind, it should become second nature.
How to Conduct a Function Check
Let’s start by checking the trigger function. You’ll start by cocking the hammer with an empty chamber. Make sure the safety is on and then try to pull the trigger. If everything’s in order, the trigger should not move. Then flick the safety off and pull the trigger again. You should hear a crisp, clean break.
Let’s inspect the bolt hold open function. To do this:
- Insert an empty magazine
- Pull the charging handle back, then release it
- It should stay back, held in place by the magazine follower
If the bolt doesn’t stay back, there could be issues with the rifle. But don’t panic. A simple cleaning might just do the trick.
Finally, we come to the final part of the function check – magazine check. After all, what good is a “clean firearm” if the magazine is faulty.
- Remove the empty magazine and insert a loaded one
- The bolt should automatically close, pushing a round into the chamber.
Importance of Regular Function Checks
Remember, conducting regular function checks ensures optimal performance and safety of your SIG Sauer MPX. I can’t stress this enough. Regular safeguarding offers you peace of mind while operating your firearm.
In the following section, we’ll take a look at how to troubleshoot common issues you might encounter with your SIG Sauer MPX. Don’t worry, they’re relatively simple to resolve, and anyone can do it with the right knowledge.
Tips for Effective Cleaning
Effective cleaning of the SIG Sauer MPX is not just about the process but also about the tools and techniques used. While cleaning is essential, I’ve got some tips that’ll help make it a more streamlined and safer process.
One of the key aspects of effective cleaning is to use the right cleaning products. The market is flooded with firearms cleaning kits. Choose one that’s specifically designed for SIG Sauer MPX – they’re precision-tailored for this firearm’s specific needs. Always opt for high-quality cleaning solvents or oils. These ensure proper lubrication and rust prevention for all parts.
A regular cleaning schedule plays an important role in maintaining the firearm’s performance. Don’t wait until your firearm starts to malfunction before giving it a thorough clean. Remember: it’s always better to prevent than fix.
When it comes to cleaning, taking your time is a virtue. Patience extracts most rewards. Don’t try to cram cleaning and maintenance into a five-minute gap. When you rush, you might skip some crucial areas or not clean them effectively, which may lead to serious problems in the long run.
While some parts may look clean to the naked eye, remember that not all gun grime is visible. Don’t stop until you’re getting clean patch after patch.
Next in line are a couple of precautions that should be followed:
- Always handle your firearm as if it’s loaded, even when you’re sure it’s not, during the cleaning process.
- Avoid over lubricating your firearm. It can lead to grease building up in the trigger and action assemblies which can affect your firearm’s functionality.
Follow these tips for smooth cleaning and top-notch performance of your SIG Sauer MPX. Now, let’s dive into troubleshooting some common issues with the SIG Sauer MPX.
Conclusion
Cleaning your SIG Sauer MPX doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Armed with the right tools and knowledge, you’ll keep your firearm in top shape. Remember, it’s not just about keeping it shiny. Regular, thorough cleaning ensures your MPX’s longevity and optimal performance. Always handle your firearm as if it’s loaded, even during cleaning. And remember, over-lubricating is a no-go. The next time you’re faced with a dirty MPX, you’ll know just what to do. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a clean, well-functioning SIG Sauer MPX that’s ready for action at all times. Up next, we’ll tackle common issues with the MPX and how to troubleshoot them. Stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my SIG Sauer MPX?
It is recommended to clean your SIG Sauer MPX after every use or at least once every 300-500 rounds. Regular cleaning helps maintain the performance and reliability of your firearm.
What cleaning products should I use for my SIG Sauer MPX?
Use a firearm-specific cleaning solvent, lubricant, and cleaning patches. Avoid using excessive amounts of solvent or lubricant, as it can lead to malfunctions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended cleaning products.
How should I handle the firearm during the cleaning process?
Treat the firearm as if it’s loaded and always point it in a safe direction. Remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is empty before starting the cleaning process. Never place your finger on the trigger during cleaning.
How should I clean the barrel of my SIG Sauer MPX?
Attach a cleaning rod with a cleaning patch to the barrel. Apply a small amount of cleaning solvent to the patch and run it through the barrel several times. Follow up with a dry patch to remove any residue.
What should I avoid when cleaning my SIG Sauer MPX?
Avoid over-lubricating the firearm, as excess oil can attract dirt and cause malfunctions. Additionally, never disassemble or modify your firearm beyond what is mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions, as it may void the warranty or create safety hazards.
How can I troubleshoot common issues with my SIG Sauer MPX?
If your firearm exhibits issues such as failure to feed or eject, check for obstructions in the barrel and ensure the firearm is properly lubricated. If the problems persist, contact SIG Sauer customer support or consult a professional gunsmith.
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