Did you know that around 30 percent of adults in the United States of America own a gun or firearm of some sort? One of the most important parts of becoming a gun owner is learning about the steps that you need to take for proper gun maintenance. Odds are that you spent a pretty penny to purchase your firearm, and proper gun care is the only way to preserve that investment.
There are certain steps that you need to take when you start firearm cleaning for the first time. Some are obvious, like unloading the firearm prior to cleaning, while others are a bit more complex. The good news is that you’re in the perfect place to learn all about the things that you need to do for proper gun cleaning.
Keep reading this article for some helpful gun maintenance tips today!
1. Read Your Gun’s Manual
It sounds like it should be obvious, but reading the manual that came with your firearm will make providing good gun maintenance much easier. It isn’t a good time to sit down and read the manual, but it contains a lot of helpful information that will help you handle and maintain your firearm with less effort.
You also need to keep in mind that you have life and death in your hands when you choose not to read the manual that came with the firearm that you just purchased. The owner’s manual will give you all of the information that you’ll need for arming and disarming your new firearm as well as maintenance tips for keeping it pristine.
If you purchase a used firearm then you should reach out to the manufacturer and get the manual sent to you. Each gun has a different process for taking it apart, so it’s always best to get the manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Make Sure the Gun Is Unloaded
The next step is simple but vital for your health and safety. You need to check to make sure that the firearm is unloaded before you proceed with gun care. It’s always best to unload your firearm when you’re not using it as it will make your home a much safer place for everyone.
If you have a concealed carry permit then you should look at changing out the magazine once every four to six months. It’s also a wise idea to take your handgun to the firing range every few weeks to make sure that it is functioning at the highest level. You can visit arnzenarms.com to take a look at some of the best firearm options out there.
3. Use the Right Cleaning Equipment
It’s also vital that you’re using the correct cleaning equipment when you’re handling firearm cleaning and gun maintenance. There is nothing wrong with a bit of DIY in your life, but providing gun care is where you should draw the line when it comes to DIY solutions. You need to make sure that you’re using products that are designed for cleaning firearms.
The safest option is finding cleaning tools, cleaning solutions, and lubrication that are all meant for use with firearms. You can trust that these cleaning supplies will react in a safe manner to gunpowder when you pull the trigger.
4. Check Your Firearms Often
Veteran gun owners know that you should check your firearms often to make sure that they’re still in good working condition. Firearms that sit out in the open will get impacted by the environment whether it is moisture, dust, or dirt. Your firearm’s barrel could get clogged with dirt or debris and become dangerous to use.
If too much moisture gets into your firearm then you could find that rust develops there. You should always do a basic inspection of your firearms after taking them out for use. It’s the best approach to maintain your investment and provide great gun care.
5. Remove Debris
Having debris in your barrel could be dangerous to you and those around you, so you need to take steps to remove it if you see anything in your barrel that doesn’t belong there. You don’t need to drop a bunch of money in order to remove debris from your firearm’s barrel or other parts.
All you need is a toothbrush and some solvent and you’ll be well on your way to having a clean and safe firearm. You’ll need some other equipment for cleaning the bore of your firearms, like a cleaning rod and some patches. Make sure that you’re gentle when handling the cleaning process.
6. Add a Bit of Grease
Adding a bit of grease is another of the great tips for gun maintenance that you should follow. If you want the metal parts of your firearm to last then you should add a bit of anti-corrosion grease to it. This grease will provide protection and keep your firearm from rusting out.
This grease also works to keep these firearm components from getting stuck when you need them to work the most. Check out your owner’s manual to find the best grease for your firearm.
7. Wipe It Down
The last thing that you should do for gun maintenance is wipe down your favorite firearm with a microfiber towel. The external parts of your gun need to get cleaned if you want it to work as designed. It’s a great way to keep rust from forming on the outside of the firearm.
Soak a rag with gun oil and wipe down all of the exposed metal to keep rust from forming and keep it looking new.
Take Your Gun Maintenance to the Next Level
Gun maintenance is a huge part of being a responsible gun owner and protecting your investments. You need to make sure that you’re firearm is unloaded before you start the cleaning process and always use equipment that is designed for providing gun care. Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior of the gun to keep it from getting rusty.
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