How to Disassemble and Clean Your Handgun: A General Guide

Question
i just got my first gun from a pawn shop and it didn't have a disassemble manuale with it  i was wondering if you could tell me how to take it apart to clean.

Answer
No two makes of firearms are exactly the same, so I can only help you so much without knowing a make or model, but generally:

1) If it is a revolver, be sure it is unloaded; open the calendar. Using a bronze brush on a cleaning rod, brush out the bore and chambers. Using a cleaning jag and the appropriate sized patch, soak the patch in bore solvent and push it through the bore; let it sit from 5-30 minutes. If the chambers are dirty, you can do the same to them. Swab out bore/chambers with a clean patch(es) until they come out relatively clear. Use a good gun oil to treat the bore and chambers. apply oil to the cylinder ratchet and extractor rod. Wipe down the outside.

2) In an auto pistol, follow the same cleaning sequence. Making absolutely sure it is unloaded, separate the slide assembly from the receiver. Remove the guide rod and recoil spring (if not captured, watch that the spring does not shoot out), and then remove the barrel. reassemble in reverse order.