Just like your vehicle, your gun is a machine that requires regular maintenance to continue to function reliably and safely. When you clean your gun and provide it with an occasional tune-up, you can ensure that it will continue to shoot accurately and safely each time you use it.
Cleaning Recommendations Based on Gun Use
Depending on how often you shoot your gun, you will need to clean it more or less frequently. For example, if you only shoot your gun once a month, you can get away with cleaning it once every few months. However, if you are an avid shooter and shoot your gun multiple times per week, you will need to clean it after each shooting session.
When it comes to hunting rifles, you should clean them at the beginning and end of the hunting season at a minimum. Hunting rifles don’t require cleaning as often as a handgun.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Clean My Gun?
If you don’t clean your gun regularly, the build-up of dirt and debris can cause serious malfunctions. The barrel of your gun will develop a residue of grime, powder residue, and gasses also called fouling. This can affect the performance of your gun in the long term. Some primers in certain ammo can also leave behind salts within your gun, which will react with the moisture in the air, causing rust. In addition, the firing pin can become dirty and corroded, which can lead to misfires. By cleaning your gun on a regular basis, you can prevent these issues from occurring.
What is the Best Way to Clean My Gun?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to clean your gun will vary depending on the type of gun you have. However, there are some general tips that can help make the cleaning process easier and more effective.
Before you start cleaning your gun, be sure to read the owner’s manual. This will provide specific instructions on how to clean your particular firearm.
In general, you will need to remove the barrel, clean it with a solvent, and then lubricate it. You should also clean the firing pin and other internal parts of the gun. Be sure to use a gentle touch when cleaning these parts, as too much force can damage them.
It’s also important to clean your gun’s barrel frequently. A buildup of fouling in the barrel can affect the accuracy of your shots. To clean the barrel, use a bore brush or a shotgun cleaner on a patch attachment. Be sure to run the brush or cleaner all the way through the barrel to remove any built-up residue.
Finally, be sure to lubricate all moving parts of your gun after you have cleaned it. This will help keep them functioning smoothly and reduce wear and tear. There are many different types of gun lubricants available, so be sure to select one that is specifically designed for firearms. Additionally, you want to make sure you store your gun in case that is air-and water-tight to prevent damage while it is being stored.
Have Questions About Gun Cleaning? Call us Today!
At Federal Firearms, we serve the South Hills as your local gun store and firearms experts! We are happy to help you with gun cleaning products, cleaning tips, and more! Our
gunsmith services also include a cleaning package! Contact us today to learn more!
