When it comes to becoming more self-sufficient, having a reliable weapon to protect and provide for your home is essential. A key part of gun ownership is regular maintenance, particularly cleaning. Most experts in the gun industry agree that cleaning your firearm regularly not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures it will function properly when you need it most. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your gun safely and effectively.
Preparing to Clean Your Gun
Always treat your gun as if it is loaded. Before you begin, double and triple-check that the magazine has been removed, and verify that there is no round in the chamber or barrel. Never proceed until you're certain the firearm is unloaded. What You'll Need:
- Cleaning solvent
- Lubricant or gun oil
- Patch holder
- Cleaning rod
- Cleaning brush
- Cotton swabs
- Microfiber cloths
Note: Always clean your gun in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from cleaning solvents and lubricants can be harmful.
Step 1 - Disassembling Your Gun
Consult your firearm’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how much of the gun needs to be disassembled for cleaning. To prevent damaging your surfaces, always cover your work area with old towels or newspaper before you begin. Pistols & rifles should be stripped down to the barrel, slide, guide rod, frame, and magazine. For revolvers, shotguns, and other firearms, partial disassembly may not be required.
Step 2 - Cleaning the Barrel
To clean the barrel, push a solvent-soaked patch all the way through the bore. Avoid pulling it back through, as this can dirty the barrel. Use a bore brush to scrub the inside of the barrel, removing any residue that may have been missed. After scrubbing, push another solvent-soaked patch through. Then, push a dry patch to remove excess moisture. To prevent rust, apply a few drops of gun conditioner or lubricant to a cotton mop and lightly coat the interior of the barrel.
Step 3 - Clean the Action
Using your gun brush and cleaning solvent, scrub all parts of the action. Once cleaned, dry the parts with a clean cloth. Be sure to lubricate all moving parts and the action mechanism. However, be cautious not to over-lubricate, as too much lubricant can attract debris. Finally, wipe down the exterior of the firearm with a clean cloth (a luster cloth, old t-shirts, or even a pair of socks works well). Dispose of the cloth properly afterward.
Continuous Gun Maintenance
Many gun owners recommend cleaning their firearms after each use, as they are a significant investment that should be ready for use at any time, whether for protection, hunting, or recreational shooting. Cleaning your gun from start to finish should take 20-30 minutes. For added convenience, consider purchasing a barrel snake to speed up the cleaning process.
When not in use, always store your gun unloaded in a cool, dry environment. If you have children in the home, make sure the firearm is stored securely in a safe where it is out of reach and cannot be easily accessed.
What tips do you have for cleaning and maintaining guns?
