How to Clean and Maintain Your Firearms

Firearms are a necessity for many people. Whether you're a hunter, competitor, law enforcement officer, soldier, or law abiding citizen, your firearm is an important piece of equipment. When you first purchase firearms, you should know how to clean and maintain them properly. It can guarantee the performance and extend the life of your firearm. Maintaining your firearm will keep it working effectively, with no malfunctions, and help prevent accidents, injuries, and death.

Step by Step Directions on How to Clean and Maintain Your Firearms

Step 1: Clean the barrel of your firearm.

Of course before inspecting or cleaning your gun, you should make sure the magazine is out, the chamber is empty, and it is kept on “safety mode”. There are different types of barrels, including rifled, smooth, or polygonal. Different types of barrels require different cleaning tools. Use a paper towel to remove any dirt left on the barrel when you're finished cleaning it. It's good practice to clean your barrel after every use.

Step 2: Check the chamber of your firearm.

Use a piece of cotton to clean the chamber. Many firearms have a removable chamber, and you can take it out to clean it this way. Use the cotton to remove any dirt on the chamber. Remove any cartridges that may be left in the chamber after your cleaning.

Step 3: Check the bolt of your firearm.

It is essential to clean the bolt every day or two before you use your firearm so it can keep functioning properly. Use a swab to clean the bolt and any dirt or gunk that may be in between the bolt and the receiver. Be sure that you're cleaning all recesses of the bolt. If you don't, it may jam when you try to chamber a cartridge or fire your firearm.

Step 4: Inspect your cleaning tools for debris.

Inspecting your cleaning tools for debris and gunk that may have accumulated is also a good idea. Be sure to clean the oil and dirt from your cleaning tools before attempting to clean your firearm. Then as you go, clean your tools.

Step 5: Inspect your firing pins, springs, and locks.

This can be the most time-consuming part of cleaning your firearm. You have to inspect all these parts to ensure that they are in working order and free of any dirt or grime that may interfere with their function. Be sure to scrutinize these parts because if you don't, a small piece of dirt or grime may cause much damage later.

Step 6: Clean the action area and receiver.

After you clean the firing pins, springs, and locks, it's time to clean the action area and receiver. Be sure that these areas are free of dirt, grime, or gunk because if they're not, it may stop your firearm from functioning correctly. You can also use mineral spirits to assist in cleaning these areas.

Step 7: Clean the trigger group.

Use a toothbrush to clean every part of the trigger group thoroughly. Removing any dirt or grime that may be left over in these parts is essential because it will interfere with your firearm's functionality. It is very dangerous to have your trigger jam.

Step 8: Clean the magazine.

Most firearms will come with a cleaning kit. This cleaning kit will have a brush that you can use to clean the magazine of your firearm. Thoroughly clean the magazine to make sure it is free of any dirt, grime, or residue that may be left over from previous ammunition.

Step 9: Lubricate.

Once you've cleaned your firearm, it's time to lubricate your firearm. Put a little oil on a few cotton swabs and use them to apply oil to the firing pins, dust cover, springs, and locks. Lubricating these parts can help them work better and for more extended periods of time.

Step 10: Dry.

After you've lubricated your firearm, it's time to dry it. Use a paper towel to wipe away all moisture and excess oil from the parts of your firearm that you've cleaned. You can also use a gun cleaning brush to remove any excess oil or residue from these parts.

Reasons Why Gun Maintenance is Important

1. It keeps your gun working.

Cleaning your firearm can prevent malfunction and jamming. If you remove dirt, grime, or grime from the action of your firearm, it will be able to function correctly and fire ammunition when you want it to. Remember that this is especially important in hot climates, where the weather can cause a lot of debris in your firearm over time.

2. It helps avoid accidents and injuries.

A dirty firearm can jam and malfunction leading to injury or even death of yourself or anyone around you. Cleaning your firearm can help prevent this from happening.

3. It keeps your gun like new for years.

Many people want to purchase firearms for their collections. If you want to maximize the use of your firearm for many years to come, you should clean it and maintain it regularly. A good quality gun will last a lifetime if cared for responsibly. The more you use your firearm, the faster it will wear out. If you are conscientious with your cleaning, you will not only avoid the majority of malfunctions that could occur, but you will also be able to keep using it for more extended periods.

4. It helps protect the value of your firearm.

A properly maintained firearm can greatly extend its life expectancy. If you want to pass a firearm down from one generation to the next, you must do all you can to keep it in its original state. Even if it's just for collecting purposes, taking good responsible care of your firearms will ensure they keep their value for many years.

Effects of Not Properly Maintaining Your Gun

Aside from having potential accidents, losing gun value, and breaking your gun, there are many consequences of not caring for your gun.

1. It can cause carbon buildup.

It would be best if you cleaned your firearm regularly because it can cause a buildup of carbon dust on the inside of your firearm, which is a significant cause of malfunction, especially if you practice with it regularly.

2. It could lead to lawsuits.

If you cause injuries to someone because of the malfunction of your firearm, you could be sued and held liable for damages. Gun safety is extremely important and if you are negligent about cleaning, it can put your gun in an unstable state.

3. It could cause rusting or corrosion on metal parts of the gun.

You should clean a gun regularly and ensure all metal parts are kept from rusting or corroding. Moisture can get in anywhere and guns are susceptible to rust. This means your gun will not last as long. If you do not use your gun regularly, you should still get it out frequently and inspect it at least once a year to ensure it's still in good working order and not collecting moisture or dust.

7 Tips for Properly Maintaining Your Firearm

1. Keep it well lubricated.

You must keep your firearm lubricated with oil at least once per year. Lubricating your firearm can help reduce wear and tear on your gun, increasing its lifespan. Keep the mechanical parts of your gun well-greased.

2. Regularly clean it thoroughly.

If you want to clean your firearm, you must do so thoroughly to ensure that the inside of your firearm is spotless and free of any carbon buildup or debris, which can be dangerous. Make sure to clean all the metallic surfaces of your gun and the inside.

3. Learn how to efficiently disassemble your firearm.

If you want to clean your firearm and know how it functions, you must learn how to disassemble each part of your firearm and clean them accordingly. Most firearms are made up of many small parts, so if you have trouble disassembling your firearm, there are many resources available over the internet or in a local library to help you.

4. Purchase a cleaning kit and accessories for your gun.

There are many cleaning kits available to purchase over the internet or in a local gun shop that can help you clean your firearm. To ensure your gun is taken care of, you must purchase a cleaning kit and keep it on hand.

5. Know when it's time to replace some parts of your gun with new ones.

If you want to keep your firearm in good working condition, you must replace certain parts of your gun as they begin to malfunction or wear down. Not only can this help increase the lifespan of your firearm, but it will also be a more cost-efficient option for you in the long run.

It would help if you took proper care of firearms not only to ensure that they are working correctly and are in good condition but also to guarantee the safety of yourself and others around you. The tips above will give you a good starting point on adequately maintaining your firearm, so it's ready for use whenever or wherever you need it.