New Kahr Solvent vs. Oiling Cleaning and Break in help please

[MilesofLief]

Purchased my first ever handgun, a Kahr P380. I'm still a little confused about solvents vs. oils. Now that I received the gun from Kahr, should I clean it with a solvent first and then oil it? If so, what does that mean? Cleaning with a solvent strips all the existing oil and makes it bone dry? And then you oil it? I've seen the oiling chart that's on the forum so I am good there. But I 'm just a little confused about the solvent piece of the equation and doing all the necessary prep before I fire it and use it. Thanks

[skiflydive]

It likely shipped with a heavy rust inhibitor type stuff on it that should be cleaned off with non-chlorinated brake cleaner, mineral spirits, or other solvent. It's not intended to be a "gun lube" per se. Then give it a good lube like the diagram says with a quality gun lube and go shoot it. You shouldn't have to use a solvent like that every time but the first time it helps clean off the sticky goo. Sticky goo is not good in a new Kahr.

[deadeye]

When I first got my CM9 I completely dismantled it and cleaned it throughly, then oiled it. (Do not oil the extractor!). I did it as much to get familiar with it as anything. Must have done something right as it has been 100% since. Just passed 3000 rounds this last weekend. I have used Hoppe's products on all my guns for many years with excellent results, but that is a matter of opinion. Good luck!

[Bawanna]

Miles, don't overthink it, you'll just get stressed and that's not good for anybody.
You can easily just wipe the stuff off that it comes covered in and just relube. Or use Hoppes like you normally clean a gun with and lube.

Or you can just take it out of the box and shoot it with good quality name brand ammo and you'll be fine either way.
My PM45 I took out of the box and inspected the striker channel as back then there was rumor of lots of machining debri being left behind. Mind was clean as a whistle. I didn't wipe anything off or even lube.
Took it to the range and shot 350 rounds, my son shared the fun with zero issues.

I agree with deadeye, it's good to familiarize yourself with the gun as much as your comfortable doing so.

Main thing is just keep it lubed.