Basic Gun Maintenence - How to Field Strip and Clean Your Springfield XDM

If you haven't had a chance to shoot or handle a Springfield XDM you are in for a treat. These pistols are extremely light, easy to conceal, and feel great in the hand. The box also comes with a great assortment of accessories including a pistol holster, magazine holster, lock, speed loader, spare magazine, and different grips. The XDM comes in 3 calibers including 9mm, .40, and .45. Mine is a 9mm which holds 19 rounds and has a 3.8" match grade barrel. When cleaning ANY gun always make sure that the magazine is removed and you visually inspect the chamber to ensure no ammunition is present.

For cleaning you will need:

• synethetic motor oil (I use 5w-30)
• mineral oil
• cleaning rags
• Q-tips
• toothbrush
• cleaning rod

If you haven't already done so, make sure the magazine is removed and no ammo is chambered. Draw the slide to the rear and lock it open. Rotate the disassemly lever clockwise to a vertical position. Pull the slide to the rear and then gently slide forward and it should come off.

Use your thumb or gently slide a screwdriver under the recoil system to pry it lose. This will be under tension so be careful. Now you can remove the barrel from the slide.

That's it! You've completed your field strip. This pistol is extremely easy to field strip and maintain. With all inner and moving parts I like to give a good scrubbing of synthetic motor oil dipped on my toothbrush. This oil will penetrate very well and leave your guns operating smoothly. Use a Q-tip to reach tight spots inside the pistol. Wipe clean with a thin rag leaving a thin layer of oil on the surface. Do not leave any standing oil in or on the gun.

When you are confident that you've cleaned all inner parts of the pistol, reassemble the pistol. For the exterior on all guns and tools I use mineral oil. This oil works exceptionally well on metal, wood, and plastics, but doesn't have the heat tolerance of synthetic oils which is I use it on the outside only. Scrub everything with a little mineral oil on your toothbrush and wipe clean with your rags. You can use Q-tips again to reach any tight areas of course.

I hope this will help you the next time you need to clean your pistol. If you own an XDM I'm sure you know they are a pleasure to shoot and easy to maintain. Let me know about your experience with the Springfield XDM.