Keeping your firearm in tip-top shape through proper cleaning and lubrication will make it last longer and maintain performance.

It’s important to recognize different guns require different levels of maintenance. This isn’t only true when comparing handguns and rifles, but – perhaps on a deeper level – when considering your firearm’s purpose.

A gun you only use at the range isn’t going to require the same level of maintenance as one you carry every day for self-defense.

Likewise, a firearm that sits on a rack until hunting season isn’t going to need the same maintenance as one that gets used often for competitions.

Of course, things like make and model also affect the maintenance your gun requires.

Before Cleaning a Gun, Make Sure to:

1. Review the gun’s manual to check assembly and reassembly instructions, cleaning and lubricating recommendations, and other safety guidelines.
2. Wipe down your gun with a dry rag and get into its nooks and crannies using a Q-tip. Avoid using a solvent right away, as it will only make a mess.
3. For your safety, make sure the gun is not loaded and is facing a safe direction at all times.
4. Keep any chemicals (e.g. cleaning solutions, lubricants) away from ammunition as these pose a fire hazard and may cause damage.
5. Use products and tools recommended for your gun type. Certain tools, such as brushes, vary depending on the caliber it will be used for. Like guns, cleaning products and tools should also be maintained and stored properly.It’s also worth considering getting a proper gun cleaning kit, or putting your own together with the 10 essentials for gun cleaning.Many gun owners also find it very helpful to have more than one cleaning kit, especially if they have more than one firearm.Even if you only have the one, having a basic kit to take with to the range and a more complete one for deep cleaning at home makes life a lot easier!

Gun Cleaning

There are several steps to gun cleaning. The two biggest areas that often get overlooked are the bore and action.