New 1911: Shoot First or Clean First?

[Mr.357Sig]

So, you just got your mitts on a new 1911.

Are you a shoot first, then clean kinda guy or do you fall into the clean first then shoot category?

What do you 1911 guys prefer for cleaning/lubing your slab side

 

[JD8]

Lube properly, shoot..... shoot some more...... then clean.

 

[OKCShooter]

Lube properly, shoot..... shoot some more...... then clean.

Completely agree. Some people even feel that this helps "mate" the frame and slide.

 

[Popjim]

I agree, inspect and lube then shoot!

 

[Rugerlab45]

Lube it up, bang away.

 

[Honeybee]

Always clean out the barrel of a new gun, any gun. You have no idea what was the last bit of grit your gun was around before you picked it up.
Does not need a full DCOR just clean out the barrle, lube and break it in.
If you get a ftf on a full mag then drop a round and keep going. It may just be a tight spring in the mag--no big deal.
stovepipe on first mag--keep going and break in the extractor before you tear it all down looking for problems.

 

[Chard]

I purchased a new Springfield a couple years ago that had what appeared to be metal filings in the box. I clean it first before I shot it. Wilson on the other hand says it is ready to go right out of the case. There QC being much better. I also purchased (approx 2001) a new Ruger MKII 22LR pistol that had metal particles inside the action. I would consider cleaning any new firearm based on a case by case inspection.

 

[Glocktogo]

I've only ever purchased one new firearm that was ready to shoot out of the box, courtesy of Noveske. All others merely had anti-corrosion coatings that needed to be stripped and relubricated before firing. It's also a good time to look for anything the factory missed.

 

[rda1911]

Inspected a new Ruger 1911 today before putting it in the display. It was covered in what appears to be a light grease internally. I cleaned it before even offering it for sale to the public

 

[cinco]

Always clean out the barrel of a new gun, any gun. You have no idea what was the last bit of grit your gun was around before you picked it up.
Does not need a full DCOR just clean out the barrle, lube and break it in.
If you get a ftf on a full mag then drop a round and keep going. It may just be a tight spring in the mag--no big deal.
stovepipe on first mag--keep going and break in the extractor before you tear it all down looking for problems.

^ I agree. Never know what's lurking in there that could damage the gun or you. I will inspect, wipe down, run a patch, lube. I like to put 500+ first time out. I believe it helps to smooth/mate parts. So far so good.