Thinking about buying a model 43c and have questions about cleaning. I am primarily a competitive rifle shooter who enjoys handguns for a relaxing alternative. I have a model 617 and 686, but have no experience cleaning an aluminum frame gun.
I use Boretech Eliminator and C4 carbon cleaners on my .22 rifles and model 617. Are both safe to use on a 43c, if not what do you suggest? Also, if I get a buildup of lead on the top strap, I use a thin piece of brass to scrape it off. I assume this is not recommended as it would scratch the aluminum. How do you remove lead buildup if it presents itself? I’m guessing a brass bristle brush for the barrel is acceptable, but nylon for the cylinder? Thanks, Tom

These are not target, nor plinker pistols. They are excellent at filling that little niche of having an 'Always-Gun' with you. Heck, even in swim trunks ...so long as you're not actually swimming, LOL.

That said, you're going to stoke this with something like CCI's Maxi or Mini Mag fodder, or Federal's new Punch load. All are plated, or coated. You won't experience lead build-up to any extent. If you did, use a hard nylon tool, rather than brass. You could cut down and file an edge onto a plastic picnic knife, for example. Soft nylon brush in the chambers, and brass/bronze through the bore. Easy-peezy.Just keep the cylinder face wiped off. Once in a blue-moon, a nylon brush and a hint of Flitz to knock-down the carbon build-up.

Enjoy it!

Boretech is safe--no harsh chemicals--so no worries on 43C. Typicaly I use a nylon brush and nylon bore brush with Bore techs patch holder. I also have plastic dental picks for the top strap area. Can't use brass with Bore Tech.
I use all of the Bore Tech products--Elininator, Carbon remover, Copper remover and Rimfire. Scrub, let it sit, nylon brush, repeat.

I will confess to the Flitz on the cylinder face.
The only negative comment about Bore Tech is after cleaning--my hands feel very slippery after washing...
After Bore Tech comes Ezzox. My choice for anti rust. Rem Oil on the moving parts.
In the Rimfire world --applying a surface coat to the aluminum prevents lead and carbon buildup. Pure Silicon Oil has been shown to prevent lead/carbon buildup on Rimfire Suppressors. Thin coat of silicon oil--takes a couple of days to dry. Personally, I have used Ezzox for years with no complaints.
Bore Tech Cameleon gel for the really, really fouled bores.

My method is to swab chambers and bore with a brass brush followed by dry patches ( no solvent at all)
Then hit what ever I can reach on the top strap and under the extractor with a toothbrush and dry patches

Finally I use a q tip to clean the tiny rim recesses on the cylinder.

Is it military white glove inspection clean ? Not at all and doesn’t have to be. Clean enough to function is clean enough

Thanks for your comments and recommendations. Tom

You will find pure silicon oil is expensive (I use it for an aluminum suppressor baffles) so I use DOT 5 brake fluid. It has a lot of silicon oil in it. And at some magic voodoo level it bonds with the bare aluminum and keeps the lead and carbon from adhering….making cleaning easy peasy