Q1 – How Well Do You Know Your RFP Pistol?

This is a serious question – as a coach and a trainer for ‘newbies’, It never surprises me when it becomes obvious that a shooter has no more than a passing knowledge of their pistol!

Q1, a) Do you know your sight settings? From time to time, you will find yourself setting up for a competition or training session and not be able to remember what your sights were set for the last time you used that pistol (e.g. you used the pistol for Standard Pistol using areas aim in the target white, and now you want to use the same pistol for RFP using point of aim, or vice versa – see also Where to Aim>).

A1 a) After a session of RFP count the clicks from ‘zero’: i.e. wind your sight elevation down all the way - COUNTING THE TURNS & CLICKS and WRITE IT DOWN! Then repeat this for the windage – wind your sight windage down all the too the left - COUNTING THE TURNS & CLICKS and WRITE IT DOWN!

A wise shooter will do this for each match the shooter uses that pistol for.

Q2, a) Do you know how to ‘Field Strip’ your pistol? To "field strip" a pistol means to disassemble it into its basic, major components (like the slide, barrel, and recoil spring) without the use of specialized tools. This quick teardown allows the user to perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and visual inspections in the field.

Field stripping generally separates the firearm into four primary pieces:

· The Slide: The upper moving portion of the pistol.

· The Barrel: The tube the bullet travels through.

· The Recoil Spring & Guide Rod: The spring that absorbs the backward force and pushes the slide forward.

· The Frame: The lower base of the pistol that houses the trigger and grip.

A2, a)

Q3, b) Do you now when to stop disassembling the pistol? This is a serious question:

Any disassembly beyond the field strip (above) is best left to an expert (not always easy to find for some particular brands/models of target pistol).

A3, b)

Q4 Do you know how to clean and lubricate your pistol?

A4, a) The user manual that came with your pistol is a good place to start, with the proviso that some brans of pistol have better user manuals than others. If you do not have the used manual, the maker’s website is a good place to start – and/or google <brand/model> user manual.

A4, b) The are some areas of your pistol that will accumulate ‘crud’ (a deposit or incrustation of filth, grease, or refuse)

A5, c) Tools and cleaning supplies: Cleaning brushes come in:

· fibre (e.g. nylon) - preferred,

· brass – avoid if possible , and

· steel – NEVER use a steel cleaning brush in the bore of your pistol!

Bore solvents:

A5, d) Bore Solvents, and Lubricants: For .22LR, your primary concerns are removing bullet wax, carbon fouling, and minor lead deposits. Avoid harsh ammonia-based solvents, which can damage softer rimfire steel. Opt for non-toxic, specialty rimfire solvents or mild multipurpose gun oils

· Bore Tech Rimfire Blend: A highly recommended, 100% barrel-safe, and biodegradable cleaner designed specifically to cut through wax, lead, and carbon.

· Hoppe's No. 9: The classic standard. It works perfectly fine for .22LR and effectively breaks down standard powder residues and wax.

· CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant): Products like Break-Free CLP or Pro-Shot 1 Step Cleaner & Lubricant are excellent for quick, low-effort cleaning and maintenance.

A5, e) Magazines: