In 2020, accidental gun deaths increased by 10%. As a responsible gun owner, it’s important to handle your gun safely, even when cleaning it.
Gun cleaning ensures that your firearm is working properly. But how do you clean your gun?
Keep reading for the most important gun cleaning tips that will keep you and your loved ones safe.
Prepare for the Gun Cleaning
The first step in firearm cleaning is preparing to clean it. First, you’ll need to choose an area that has plenty of space to work. It should also be well lit and ventilated so that you don’t feel any side effects when working with cleaning chemicals.
Some people will work outdoors or in the garage. If you’re going to clean your gun inside, do it near an open window. Use a table that is sturdy and doesn’t have much clutter on it. Don’t use an area where people eat or drink.
Gun cleaners often have lead, carbon, oils, or solvents that can contaminate any food that is nearby.
Remove any ammunition from the area. You should also find your guns user manual for more tips.
For example, on this page, you’ll see different types of guns that will require a different level of cleaning than a handgun, so it’s best to know all the information before you start.
Unload the Gun
Once you have your area prepared, you’ll need to unload your gun. This is the most important step in the entire process.
This will keep you and anyone around you safe. You’ll need to remove the magazine and ammunition that might be loaded into the firearm. As you unload it, point it in a safe direction.
Do a thorough check by looking and feeling the gun. Don’t rely on your firearm’s safety because accidents can always happen. It’s best to have all of the ammunition out of the gun.
Disassemble Gun
Each weapon has its own way of being broken down for cleaning. This step is also known as field stripping, where you take apart the gun to clean every part.
The manual that came with your gun should give you basic instructions on how to disassemble your gun for proper cleaning. This way, you’ll also know how to put the gun back together when you’re done.
If you don’t have the manual or if you bought the gun from a secondhand user, you can still find this information. You can contact the manufacturer and let them know, and they’ll send you a new manual. You may even be able to find a manual on their website.
However, it’s better to find the directions straight from the manufacturer rather than looking on Google or YouTube. There is a lot of misinformation online, and if you follow the wrong instructions, it could be deadly.
Clean the Gun
Now that you’ve taken the gun apart, you’ll need to clean the gun. You should have a gun cleaning kit that comes with a tool like cleaning swabs or a utility brush.
This will help you remove any loose particles that you’ll find in the chamber, frame, slide, or cylinder. If it’s a carried handgun, check for any lint or dust inside the frame.
If you notice any heavy fouling, you can remove it with a cleaner before you brush it. Remove the cleaned fouling with a cloth or a wipe.
When you get to the barrel, put some bore cleaner on one of the patches. Use a cleaning rod tip and run the patch through the barrel. Keep an eye on how much residue or debris comes off of the patch.
If you’re using a brush tip, run it through the barrel before you reverse it so that it doesn’t get stuck inside. Follow up the bore cleaner with dry patches to ensure that you’ve gotten all of the cleaners out and that the barrel is dry.
Swabs are also great because they can clean any places that are hard to reach on your gun. If you have a barrel or a chamber that is really fouled, you may even want to use a heavy-duty cleaner.
Lubricate the Gun
While you’re cleaning, ensure that you’re applying enough lubrication as well. This will help all of the moving parts in your gun function properly. However, if you use too much lubrication, it could ruin your gun.
The user’s manual should have a recommendation of where to apply lubrication. If it doesn’t, common areas include the slide assembly, action, rails, and springs.
Some people use a needle applicator to apply the lubricant directly, but other people just use a swab or cloth.
Reassemble
Now that you’ve cleaned everything, reassemble your handgun. If you have the user’s manual, follow their instructions.
While you’re reassembling, you should inspect each piece of the gun to see if there is any wear or damage. If you notice any, make note of it because this could lead to safety concerns.
Discover More About Gun Cleaning
These are only a few things you should know about gun cleaning, but there are many more tips that can help you do it safely.
We know that being a gun owner can be challenging at times, but we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to keep your family safe.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a responsible gun owner, make sure that you explore our website to find more articles just like this one!
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