How to Clean the Springfield Armory Echelon | Gun Cleaning Tutorial

📺 Subscribe:    / @skullcrushinc  
👇Equipment needed👇
Gun Cleaning Kit: https://amzn.to/3QYXSIR
Angled Cotton Swabs: https://amzn.to/42y7mjN
Gun Cleaning Mat: https://amzn.to/4ccihUn
Nitrile Gloves: https://amzn.to/3Y4TUSH
CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant): https://amzn.to/488i96s
Gun Oil: https://amzn.to/3Er0Vqc
Bore Snake (9mm): https://amzn.to/3Nov8aL
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: https://amzn.to/3Nqdwep
Gun Cleaning Patches: https://amzn.to/3NrWEUy
🇺🇸 Skull Crush Holsters & Belts: https://skullcrush.com
🙏   / skullcrush  
____________________________________
How to Clean the Springfield Armory Echelon
The Springfield Armory Echelon is a modern, modular 9mm pistol designed for durability and high performance. To keep your Echelon in peak condition, it’s important to clean and maintain it regularly, especially after extended use or range sessions. This guide will take you through the steps of cleaning the Echelon following proper safety procedures.

Step 1: Safety First – Unload the Firearm
Always ensure the firearm is unloaded before cleaning.
Remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release.
Lock the slide open by pulling it back and engaging the slide stop.
Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well to ensure the gun is completely unloaded.
Release the slide forward after confirming the firearm is clear.

Step 2: Field Strip the Echelon
Field stripping the Echelon breaks the firearm down into its major components for cleaning.
Lock the slide back using the slide stop.
Rotate the takedown lever (located on the left side) clockwise until it points downwards.
Release the slide by pulling back slightly and pushing the slide stop down, allowing the slide to move forward and off the frame.
Remove the recoil spring assembly and the barrel from the slide.
Now, you have the main components: the frame, slide, barrel, and recoil spring assembly.

Step 3: Clean the Barrel
The barrel is where most of the fouling accumulates. Clean it thoroughly for optimal accuracy and performance.
Attach the 9mm bore brush to the cleaning rod, apply some solvent, and push it through the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle several times to loosen fouling.
Run solvent-soaked patches through the barrel until they come out clean.
Once the barrel is clean, run a dry patch through to remove any remaining solvent.
Apply a light coat of gun oil inside the barrel using a patch to prevent rust.

Step 4: Clean the Slide
The slide houses the firing pin, extractor, and other important components.
Apply solvent to a nylon brush and scrub the breech face, slide rails, and any areas where fouling may have built up.
Use cotton swabs to clean hard-to-reach areas, like the firing pin channel and extractor.
Wipe down the entire slide with a lint-free cloth to remove solvent and debris.
Make sure everything is dry before moving on to lubrication.

Step 5: Clean the Frame
The frame holds the trigger group and other essential components.
Use a brush with a bit of solvent to clean the frame rails, the trigger mechanism, and any exposed areas.
Wipe down the frame using a cloth to remove solvent and grime.
Use cotton swabs for smaller areas that are harder to reach.
Ensure that the frame is dry before applying lubrication.

Step 6: Clean the Recoil Spring Assembly
The recoil spring and guide rod play a critical role in the pistol’s operation, so they also need to be cleaned.
Wipe down the recoil spring assembly with a cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris.
No heavy cleaning or lubrication is needed here; just ensure it's free from grime.

Step 7: Lubricate the Echelon
Lubrication is essential for smooth operation, but be careful not to over-lubricate.
Apply a thin layer of gun oil to the outside of the barrel, especially on the areas that contact the slide.
Lubricate the slide rails on both the frame and the slide to ensure smooth cycling.
Place a small drop of oil on the recoil spring assembly and trigger components.
Avoid excess oil, as it can attract dirt and debris.

Step 8: Reassemble the Echelon
Once everything is clean and lubricated, it's time to reassemble the firearm.
Place the barrel back into the slide.
Insert the recoil spring assembly back into the slide under the barrel.
Align the slide with the frame rails and slide it back onto the frame.
Once the slide is fully seated, rotate the takedown lever counterclockwise to its original position.
Rack the slide to ensure everything is working smoothly.

Step 9: Function Check
After reassembling, perform a function check to ensure the firearm operates properly.
Rack the slide to ensure smooth operation.
Dry fire the pistol to confirm the trigger and hammer are functioning.
Rack the slide again to reset the trigger and check for proper slide lock and release.

Clean after every use. Subscribe to the Skull Crush Inc. channel for more firearms maintenance videos.