Having a gun is a big responsibility. You need to keep it in a safe place and you need to know how to properly clean it. Otherwise, you put your home and family at risk.
Many gun owners skip the cleaning process because they think it’s too tedious, but that can threaten the safety and life of your gun.
If you want to learn proper gun cleaning, keep reading. We’ll provide a brief guide to show you how to clean your gun.
Safety First
Safety should always be top of mind when cleaning a gun. Before beginning, make sure your gun is unloaded and the safety is on.
Carefully follow your gun manufacturer’s instructions on gun safety. So if you’re using some 223 ofb found here, make sure you know how to unload them properly before disassembling them.
Disassemble the Firearm
Before you start cleaning, it is important to disassemble the firearm to access all its parts and inspect them for signs of wear and tear. To disassemble a firearm, start by removing the magazine and clearing the weapon by ejecting all the cartridges.
With the action open, remove the bolt, slide, and other components. Removing pins and other screws allows you to access more of the interior parts and components. Make sure to keep all screws and parts organized, as you will need to put them back together later.
Clean the Parts
Different guns may require different materials, so it is important to research what type of product works best with your gun. Also, consider what kind of solvent works best for removing any build-up in the gun and lubrication afterwards.
Many gun cleaning kits come with all the different brushes, bore swabs, rods, and cleaning solutions necessary to properly clean a gun. A combination of cotton swabs, small brushes, and a rag can also be used to ensure all the areas of the gun are reached.
Don’t underestimate the importance of using the correct materials to properly clean your gun as it can lead to corrosion, damage, and unsatisfactory performance of the gun when used.
Lubricate the Firearm
The type of lubricant used will depend on the firearm, type of ammunition, and climate, so it’s important to do research and use the right one. After applying the lubricant, it needs to be spread evenly. For internal mechanisms, a clean rag or small brush can help spread the lubricant evenly.
Natural solvents can help break down and remove any build-up between parts. Also, always be sure to clean and lubricate the barrel of the firearm, specifically the bore and chamber. Doing this will ensure smooth operation and help prevent any malfunctions. Lastly, never over-lubricate, since this can lead to too much dirt build-up and can cause malfunctions as well.
Reassemble the Firearm
When reassembling the firearm, start by inserting the firing pin into the frame. Secure it using a firing pin spring and firing pin stop so it does not move. Add the barrel and seal it with the barrel bushing.
Carefully insert the recoil spring, fit the slide, and put the slide stop inside. Carefully line up the extractor with its hole and then firmly insert the safety catch into its groove.
Follow This Proper Gun Cleaning Guide
Overall, proper gun cleaning and upkeep of your gun are key to its performance and longevity. Take the time to periodically clean and inspect your gun, storing it correctly when not in use. Get to cleaning and start protecting your firearm today.
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