How to Clean and Maintain Your Switch Gun .22
The Switch Gun .22 has one maintenance need most revolvers don't: a folding hinge mechanism, in addition to the standard barrel and cylinder care any rimfire revolver needs. Here's how to keep it running smoothly, step by step.
What You'll Need
- Cleaning rod and rimfire-appropriate brush (.22 caliber)
- Cleaning patches
- Rimfire-safe solvent
- Light gun oil or lubricant
- A soft cloth
- A small nylon brush (for the hinge and folding mechanism)
Step 1: Unload Completely
Before any cleaning, remove the cylinder and visually and physically confirm the Switch Gun .22 is unloaded - check the cylinder chambers and the barrel.
Step 2: Clean the Barrel
Run a solvent-soaked patch through the barrel, followed by a brush to clear built-up carbon and rimfire residue (rimfire ammunition tends to leave more fouling than centerfire). Follow with dry patches until they come out clean, then a very lightly oiled patch as a final pass.
Step 3: Clean the Cylinder
Remove the cylinder per the standard swap process (release the pin, slide it free). Clean each chamber individually with a brush and solvent, paying attention to the chamber mouths and the face of the cylinder, where rimfire fouling tends to build up most. Wipe down the exterior and reinstall once dry.
Step 4: Clean the Folding Hinge
This is the step a standard revolver cleaning routine won't include. With the Switch Gun .22 unloaded, cycle it open and closed several times to work loose any accumulated lint or debris (common with pocket carry), then use a small nylon brush to clear the hinge area itself. A very light application of oil at the pivot point keeps the fold-open action smooth - too much oil here can attract more lint and debris than it prevents, so less is more.
Step 5: Check the Trigger-Enclosure Fit
Since the folded grip enclosing the trigger is the Switch Gun .22's primary carry-safety feature, periodically check that the mechanism still folds and locks fully closed without excess play. If it feels looser than when new, or doesn't fold flush, that's worth having checked by a gunsmith or contacting Standard Manufacturing directly rather than continuing to carry it as-is.
Step 6: Wipe Down and Store
Wipe down all external surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion, especially if it's been carried against skin or in a sweaty pocket regularly. Store unloaded in a secure lockbox or safe.
How Often Should You Clean It?
- After every range session: full clean as outlined above
- Monthly, if carried regularly but not fired: a lighter check-and-lubricate pass on the hinge and cylinder, since pocket lint and moisture accumulate from carry even without shooting
- Immediately if it's been exposed to water, sand, or heavy debris: don't wait for a scheduled cleaning
A Note on Ammunition and Fouling
.22 WMR and .22 LR rimfire ammunition tends to leave more fouling residue than centerfire rounds, which is part of why the cylinder face and chamber mouths need more attention than they might on a centerfire revolver. This is normal and not a sign of a problem with the firearm itself.
