Storage:
Your firearm should be stored inside a secured and temperature-controlled environment. Failure to do so may result in exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations which may promote corrosion or oxidation of parts without proper cleaning and maintenance described below.
Disclaimer:
Your firearm should not be disassembled past the field strip described below. If done, the warranty will be void.
Disassembly:
- Clear the firearm and inspect the chamber before removing the slide. Also ensure there is no ammunition in your workspace.
- With the hammer cocked, slightly pull back the slide so the small half-moon cutout in the slide will free the slide stop lever. Using a small tool or your finger, remove the slide stop lever.
- Remove the slide from the frame and flip up the thumb safety to prevent the hammer from firing. If the hammer falls without the slide, the impact can crack the hammer.
- Remove the recoil spring and guide rod from your slide, then remove the barrel. If the barrel has a compensator, push the barrel forward and unscrew the compensator.
- Separate the guide rod and recoil spring.
Cleaning:
When cleaning your firearm, it’s important to use a quality solvent and lubricant. Popular options on the market are Hoppes solvent and oil, Balistol and CLP, Birchwood Casey Gun grabber, etc. We strongly advise against the use of frog lube as it can prevent your firearm from working without constant use.
- Apply a quality solvent to the outside and inside of your barrel, your guide rod, as well as your slide stop lever.
- Using a towel or brush, wipe off any debris buildup on these pieces.
- When the exterior is clean, use a bore brush or bore snake to clean the inside of your barrel. If you hold your barrel up to a light, you will be able to see if there is any debris remaining. Repeat this process as many times as needed.
- When finished cleaning the barrel, run a couple of patches through the barrel and ensure there is no remaining oil in the barrel.
- If the firearm has a compensator, be sure to use solvent to clean out any debris.
- Apply solvent to the slide wherever carbon buildup and debris may be. Use a towel, brush, and/or Q-Tip to clean these areas. Avoid getting solvent into the firing pin channel.
- Apply solvent to the frame wherever there is debris and carbon buildup. Use a towel and/or Q-Tip’s to clean any debris and carbon buildup.
Lubrication:
After your firearm is clean, it is important to lubricate thoroughly. The 2011 platform is meant to run with more oil than other options on the market. Miller Precision Firearms uses and recommends Lucas Oil Extreme Duty Heat Resistant gun oil. Any points with visible wear should be lubricated to ensure proper function and longevity of your firearm.
- On the guide rod, apply a few drops of oil and spread into a thin film across the entire piece.
- On the slide stop lever, oil the internal point well as this interacts with the barrel while firing.
- On the barrel, apply a line of oil and spread into a thin film across the barrel. If the barrel is ported, avoid excess oil in the ports as to not oil the inside of the barrel. If there is a compensator, add a small amount of lubricant inside of the port and lubricate the points where it meets with the slide (these points will show wear).
- Apply a drop of oil on the barrel hood and top of the chamber (these parts will show visible wear after use).
- Apply a drop of oil where the guide rod meets the barrel.
- On the slide, apply a few drops of oil behind the front sight screw and smear to a thin film (This area will show wear). This entire area interacts with the barrel during firing and should be kept well lubricated.
- Behind the breach face, there is a raised portion that runs across the disconnector. Apply a few drops of oil and smear into a film (This area will show wear and should be well lubricated.)
- Apply a line of oil into the rail slots of the slide.
- On the frame, apply a line of oil on the tops and sides of the rails. Proper lubrication of these points on the frame and the corresponding points on the slide will ensure smooth cycling.
- Apply a small drop of oil onto the disconnector and the striking face of the hammer. Spread the drop on the hammer into a thin film.
Assembly:
- Put the recoil spring back on the guide rod.
- Put the barrel in the slide and install the guide rod and recoil spring. When doing this, ensure everything is seated properly and not misaligned. If the firearm has a compensator, install the barrel and screw on the compensator. This piece will not tighten down, screw on until tight, then back off the compensator until it lines up with the slide. Install the guide rod and recoil spring.
- Disengage the thumb safety and slide the slide onto the frame. If the slide does not go on properly, make sure the guide rod and recoil spring are seated properly.
- Gently move the slide to the rear until the slide stop channel is clear and install the slide stop lever. Sometimes slight manipulation of the barrel is required, just move the barrel back slightly to clear the channel.
- When the slide stop lever is most of the way in, line up the slide cutout with the lever and press it in to defeat the detent.
- After the firearm is back together, rack the slide 5 to 10 times and wipe off any excess oil.
Miller Precision Firearms recommends cleaning your firearm after every use to ensure proper function, reliability, and longevity.