WR:
1. I remove my grip panels each time I clean my R9, although it is certainly not necessary to do so. Some owners never remove the grips from their R9s.
2. After removing the grip panels from my R9, I look for any dirt, pocket lint, dreck, and (as we used to say in training) "scum, Sir."
3. I spray the frame and internals (including trigger mechanism) of my R9 lightly with Ballistol Multi-Purpose Sportsman's Oil, a general purpose lubricant which I have come to prefer for use with all of my firearms.
http://www.ballistol.com/After the pistol has been reassembled, I apply a coat of Renaissance Wax to the entire outside surface. (I do this on the theory that if it's good enough for the firearms in the NRA Museum, it's good enough for those in my gunsafe.)
http://www.restorationproduct.com/4. I once stripped the head of one of my R9's grip screws using a poor quality hex key. I was finally able to remove the screw without scarring the grip or frame by using a Craftsman damaged-screw remover mounted in a power drill set on slow reverse. Since then, I've kept a supply of extra grip screws on hand and apply only a limited amount of torque when tightening them. I also keep a hex key in my range bag and check the grip screws occasionally during practice sessions. I've followed this practice with my early-issue R9 for nearly four years now and have seen no evidence of thread degradation in the aluminimum frame.
Good luck with your new thoroughbred!
