Owning a Firearm comes with specific rules one needs to follow. There is a lot of responsibility in handling a firearm, so firearm owners have a lot of obligations. One of the significant obligations of a firearm owner is to keep the gun thoroughly cleaned, well-maintained, and properly stored. However, that is impossible if one does not know the First Step in Fiream Cleaning.
A firearm enthusiast knows that cleaning is a necessary task. A dirty gun is a safety hazard as the junk can cause the firearm to malfunction. Along with that, corrosion can compromise the aim and cause significant explosions. Therefore, knowing the appropriate steps for cleaning the gun is necessary.
Essential Supplies
Every firearm owner needs to know the routine cleaning procedure and how the cleaning needs to be done. Some basic cleaning supplies are convenient and cost-effective. These supplies need to be present in every gun-cleaning kit.
- Solvent
- Lubricant
- A dry rag
- Swabbing patches
- Cleaning rods or patch pullers
- A brush fitting the barrel
- Old toothbrush
- Cotton swabs
- Latex gloves
Steps To Follow While Cleaning A Firearm
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Disassemble The Gun
The first step in firearm cleaning is to disassemble the gun by removing the slide, guide rod, spring, and barrel. The owner must ensure that they have put on a pair of latex gloves as lead exposure is a significant concern. The gun also needs to be unloaded, and the weapon’s components must be placed in a towel. However, for routine cleanings, disassembling the firearm is not always necessary.
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Clean The Barrel
The barrel is the most crucial part of a firearm, as a dirty barrel affects movement. If it is filled with rust and corrosion, it can cause serious accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the barrel with a little solvent. The solvent-covered brush needs to run through the barrel so that the solvent remains inside. The solvent needs to stay inside the barrel while the owner cleans the rest of the gun. After addressing the cleanup of the firearm, the owner needs to use the brush to work the solvent and ensure that the gunk is gone. If the chamber is not clean and shiny, the process must be repeated.
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Cleaning The Debris
Before using the solvent, the gun owner must ensure that the surface debris is gone. The surface debris on the gun’s nooks, crannies, and recesses can be cleaned using a microfiber cloth or an old toothbrush. It’s also essential to clean the magazine and holster.
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Lubricate The Gun
Before reassembling the weapon, lubricating the gun is essential to function with minimal friction. A cotton swab can apply the lubricant to the slide rails, recoil spring, and barrel. Without the lubricant, guns can form wear and tear. However, the gun owner also should not over-oil the weapon as it can make the handle slippery.
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Reassemble The Gun
After the weapon is clean, the owner can carefully reassemble the gun. The unloaded gun can be tested once or twice to ensure that all the pieces are carefully placed together. A final wipedown with a microfiber cloth can ensure that all the cleaning supplies are removed from the gun.
Final Thoughts
Safely storing the gun is equally important as cleaning it regularly; in addition to keeping the gun safely in a watertight, crushproof, and pressure-equalizing case, cleaning the firearm after every usage is essential. If the owner is not using the gun regularly, it is crucial to clean it once every month. A simple chore like cleaning goes a long way in enhancing the safety and performance of the firearm.