cause damage to the operating parts of the pistol. Oiled cartridges produce excessive chamber pressure.
SECTION II. MAINTENANCE
Maintenance procedures include clearing, disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, assembling, and checking the functioning of the M9 or M11 pistol.
1-4. Clearing Procedures
The first step in maintenance is to clear the weapon. This applies in all situations, not just after firing. Soldiers must always assume the weapon is loaded. To clear the pistol, perform the following procedures.
a. Place the decocking/safety lever in the SAFE down position.
b. Hold the pistol in the raised pistol position.
c. Depress the magazine release button and remove the magazine from the pistol.
d. Pull the slide to the rear and remove any chambered round.
e. Push the slide stop up, locking the slide to the rear.
f. Look into the chamber to ensure that it is empty.
1-5. General Disassemble
To disassemble the pistol, perform the following procedures.
a. Depress the slide stop and let the slide go forward.
b. Hold the pistol in the right hand with the muzzle slightly raised.
c. Press the disassembly lever button with the forefinger.
d. Rotate the disassembly lever downward until it stops.
e. Pull the slide and barrel assembly forward and remove it from the receiver.
f. Carefully and lightly compress the recoil spring and spring guide. At the same time, lift up and remove them.
g. Separate the recoil spring from the spring guide.
h. Push in on the locking block plunger while pushing the barrel forward slightly.
i. Lift and remove the locking block and barrel assembly from the slide.
1-6. Inspection
Inspection begins with the pistol disassembled in its major components. Shiny surfaces do not mean the parts are unserviceable. Inspect all surfaces for visible damage, cracks, burrs, and chips.
1-7. Cleaning, Lubrication, and Preventive Maintenance
The M9 or M11 pistol should be disassembled into its major components and cleaned immediately after firing. All metal components and surfaces that have been exposed to powder fouling should be cleaned using CLP on a bore-cleaning patch. The same procedure is used to clean the receiver. After it has been cleaned and wiped dry, a thin coat of CLP is applied by rubbing with a cloth. This lubricates and preserves the exposed metal parts during all normal temperature ranges. When not in use, the pistol should be inspected weekly and cleaned and lubricated when necessary.
a. Clear and disassemble the weapon.
b. Wipe or brush dirt, dust, and carbon buildup from the disassembled pistol.
c. Use CLP to help remove carbon buildup and stubborn dirt and grime.
d. Pay particular attention to the bolt face, guide rails on the receiver, grooves on the slide, and other hard-to-reach areas.
NOTE: Do not use mineral spirits, paint thinner, or dry cleaning solvent to clean the pistol. Use only issued lubricants and cleaners, such as CLP or LSA.
e. Clean the bore and chamber using CLP and fresh swabs.
f. Lubricate the pistol by covering all surfaces including the bore and chamber with a light coat of CLP. In extremely hot or cold weather, refer to the technical manual for lubricating procedures and materials.
1-8. General Assembly
To assemble the M9 or M11 pistol, simply reverse the procedures used to disassemble the pistol.
a. Grasp the slide with the bottom facing up.
b. With the other hand, grasp the barrel assembly with the locking block facing up.
c. Insert the muzzle into the forward end of the slide and, at the same time, lower the rear of the barrel assembly by aligning the extractor cutout with the extractor.
NOTE: The locking block will fall into the locked position in the slide.
d. Insert the recoil spring onto the recoil spring guide.
e. Insert the end of the recoil spring and the recoil spring guide into the recoil spring housing. At the same time, compress the recoil spring guide until it is fully seated on the locking block cutaway.
f. Ensure that the hammer is unlocked, the firing pin block is in the DOWN position, and the
