How to clean your gun parts

As any gun owner knows, proper maintenance means regularly cleaning the main parts of the gun. To a novice, this may seem like a daunting task, but following the correct steps on how to clean your gun parts are safe and efficient. The following guide walks gun owners through the basics of cleaning gun parts, but it is always best to follow the special instructions provided by the gun manufacturer.

Step 1 on how to clean your gun parts

Unload the gun. Before doing anything else, make sure the gun is completely unloaded. Check the chamber and barrel to make sure they are clean and free of bullets. Never skip this very important first step.

Step 2

Move to a well-ventilated work area with a large, flat surface to work on. The gun chemicals to be used for cleaning have a strong odor, so adequate ventilation is essential. The workbench or table should be covered with a soft cloth where the gun can be disassembled without worrying about scratches or damage.

Step 3

Take out the gun cleaning kit designed for the type of gun you are cleaning with a supply of clean rags. There are different cleaning kits for different types of guns. If you have more than one type of gun, there are also cleaning kits designed to work with a variety of gun types. These are called universal cleaning kits and can usually be found at any gun or hunting supply shop. The basic elements of the cleaning kit include the following: chemical gun cleaning solvent, lubricating oil, cleaning wand with clips, and cleaning patches. Some kits also include a small brush, but a toothbrush will work just as well.

Step 4

Now it’s time to start the cleaning process. Dip the brush or toothbrush into the chemical cleaning solvent and clean the inside of the barrel and gun frame. Although these areas may be dirty, with proper and consistent cleaning they will not have an excessive build-up of dirt and debris. After scrubbing, wipe the areas with a clean, dry cloth to remove the dirt and chemical cleaner – how to clean your gun parts.

Step 5

Attach a cleaning patch to the end of the cleaning wand using a clip provided. Soak the cleaning patch with the chemical gun cleaning solvent until it is saturated, but not dripping. Slowly push the rod down the barrel, cleaning the inside of the gun as it is pushed. Replace the dirty, wet cleaning tablet with a clean one and moisten it with solvent as the rod is pushed through the other end of the barrel. Continue cleaning the barrel in this manner, replacing the cleaning tablet with each pass down the barrel. It may take four or five times before the barrel is completely clean and a dry patch leaves streaks.

Step 6

The final step is to lubricate the gun parts with the oil provided in the cleaning kit. Place a fresh cleaning patch on the end of the cleaning rod, dip it in oil and slide it into the barrel of the gun, then remove it. Then, using a clean rag, apply a small amount of oil to the gun’s moving parts, testing them as you go to make sure they are in good condition – how to clean your gun parts.

Once the gun is clean, put the gun chemicals and work rag away. Take the time to put things away so that the next time the gun is ready to be cleaned, you can find them easily. Gun maintenance is about being meticulous, patient, and following a routine. With proper maintenance and cleaning, a gun can last a lifetime.