Firearms serve as a reliable means of self-defense and recreation in hunting. Weapons need regular cleaning and maintenance to provide smooth operation, durability, and safety. Firearms can be cleaned to remove residue that has built up among the various gun parts. Here are a few tips on how to clean your gun safely:
1. Consult the Manual and Gather Tools
Every firearm has its own manufacturer’s manual that explains the different parts and their functions. Refresh your knowledge by reading through the firearm’s manual to learn the dos and don’ts of handling it. You will need tools like cleaning rods, bore brushes, patch holders, patches, cotton swabs, and a rolling pin punch set. You may also need a cleaning solvent, gun oil, a flashlight, a small tray, microfiber cloths, and protective gear. Gloves prevent lead residue from directly contacting your skin, while glasses protect your eyes from popping springs and detents. Find a worktop with enough space in a well-ventilated area to reduce cleaning chemical fumes and foul smells from the gun oil.
2. Disassemble Your Gun
Check if your gun is loaded by removing the magazine and locking back the bolt to confirm the chamber is clear. With the help of your firearm’s manual, carefully disassemble the various gun parts and place them on a tray. Keep the ammunition away from the other gun parts for optimal safety. Semi-automatic rifles and pistols are stripped into main parts, including the barrel, slide, guide rod, frame, and magazine.
3. Clean the Barrel and Chamber
After usage, the barrel and chamber accumulate carbon, which must be cleaned to prevent your firearm from malfunctioning. Use your flashlight to look through the barrel and check for cracks or extreme wear that might obstruct the bullet’s path. Attach your bore brush to a cleaning rod and start cleaning in the direction the bullet travels. Alternate between the bore brush and solvent-soaked patches to clean the barrel. Copper cleaning solutions clear copper deposits and can be indicated by the absence of blue marks on your solvent-soaked patches. Lubricate your firearm’s chamber and barrel with gun oil after cleaning using a cotton mop.
4. Clean and Lubricate the Action
The gun’s action is the sections where you load and eject cartridges. Apply solvent to your gun brush and clean all the moving parts of your gun’s action. Wipe the parts with a clean microfiber cloth before lubricating them with gun oil. A needle applicator is used to apply lubricant effectively to the action’s moving parts. Use grease for thicker gun parts like locking lugs because it lasts longer than standard gun oil. Use lubrication that matches your gun’s temperature range to prevent it from freezing or evaporating.
5. Clean the Magazine and Reassemble Your Firearm
Magazines must be cleaned, and worn parts must be replaced for maximum functionality. Carefully disassemble the magazine parts. Use a double-ended brush to clear any carbon deposits on the follower. Spray the inside of the magazine and base pad with a brake parts cleaner. Aceton cleans out any residue, leaving the magazine dry. Reassemble all the parts and conduct a thorough functional check on your firearm.
Purchase Quality Gun Parts From a Reliable Dealer
A firearm is a complex gadget comprising various independent parts. Each gun part must perform its role accordingly to fire effectively and safely. Purchase reliable gun parts and cleaning supplies from reliable dealers today.
