I just came back from a fun day at the range. Taking the time to clean my firearms isn’t necessarily at the top of my favorite things-to-do list. Putting it off until tomorrow would be so easy. But cleaning should be done, and it needs to be done right. Here is some information that should be useful.
Firearm Cleaning Knowledge Base
When we return from the range, we must ask ourselves how soon we will use our firearm again. A quick wipe-down may suffice if the answer is the next day or so. However, we need to clean and lubricate our firearms as soon after we use them as possible if they are going to be stored and put away. In addition, we need to clean firearms that are in storage regularly.
Our defensive firearms have their own cleaning regiment. Your defensive firearms (and everyday carry guns) should follow a strict cleaning regiment. This regiment includes cleaning them immediately after hitting the range, storing them clean, and checking them about once a month for any build-up or problems.
Now that we have covered when to clean your firearm let’s look at what you should know about your firearm. Every firearm model has a slightly different cleaning process. First, you’ll need to review your owner’s manual. Be sure to understand your pistol and the tools required for disassembly and reassembly, and look for instructions and tips on how and where to clean and lube your gun. They’re all a little different. And a little planning and knowledge beforehand can help you avoid causing damage to the firearm or yourself. Then, too, you want to ensure critical sections are unlubricated. Finally, keep track of tools and parts. Launching a spring into the unknown can ruin your day.
It seems logical enough. And thankfully, cleaning your handgun is usually a lot easier than tackling that messy garage.
What You Will Need To Clean Your Firearm
- Your Firearms Owner’s Manual (and the knowledge of how to field strip and reassemble your firearm)
- A Gun Cleaning Kit or Supplies (typically including cleaner, grease, and oil, along with patches and bore brushes)
- Old T-shirts or Rags (for the nitty gritty cleaning part)
- Toothbrushes or Q-Tips (for the genuine nitty gritty cleaning part)
- Q Bore Snake (if you have one because they are beneficial cleaning tools)
- Old Towel or Placemat (to keep your work surface clean and to keep your gun and parts in one place)
Basic Steps for Firearm Cleaning
As stated earlier, every forearm model cleans slightly differently. However, there are some common steps.
- Prepare the area (be sure to have clear workspaces and good ventilation)
- Ensure the gun is unloaded and always pointed in the safest direction. (IMPORTANT – NO AMMO ALLOWED!)
- Field strip your firearm to its basic components (typically frame, magazine, slide, barrel, spring, and guide rod)
- Apply cleaner/degreaser.
- Clean, scrub, and wipe components clean (using rags, patches, toothbrushes, bore brushes, bore snake, etc.)
- Lightly apply lubricant (check your manual; usually, you should apply to the “moving pieces” where parts rub together and cause the most friction and wear)
- Reassemble your pistol, and cycle the slide a few times (wipe off any excess product)
Optional:Â apply a light coat of oil to the gun to protect the finish
Parting Word
I hope this short post is helpful to new shooters.