Thefts and other criminal activities are comitted everyday – To protect yourself and your family from potential danger, it’s only normal to carry and maintain a gun for safety purposes. Gun owners face a significant amount of responsibility. You might be an expert on safety or handling, but one aspect many gun enthusiasts overlook has to do with preventative maintenance. A quality firearm needs to be cleaned at least twice per year or more with heavy usage.
Criminal record checks are required for all gun purposes through a Federal Firearm Licensee. Running an individual verification through NICS requires around 30 seconds. On the off chance that there isn’t anything on your record that denies you from purchasing a firearm, you can proceed your buy. You won’t be permitted to buy a weapon in the event that something in your record precludes you.
As with any other treasured household item, you need to ensure the proper cleanliness of your firearm. This maintenance task is necessary not just for aesthetic appeal (who doesn’t appreciate fine craftsmanship without a buildup of dirt and oils?), but also to help your gun operate its best.
Read on for more ideas about gun maintenance, including storage and cleaning.
Correct Storage
Always store a quality firearm in a dry and cool place. This level of care protects from the elements and ensures the materials keep their original quality. This measure also avoids the buildup of rust.
If your firearm has wooden parts, heat and humidity can wreak havoc on the gun mechanics. A dehumidifier set up in its storage location helps to preserve the wooden stock, consider
Once you’ve purchased your gun and become familiar with its handling, protect your purchase by installing a security camera in the storage area. Of course, make sure that family members know its location and that the firearm is out of reach of small children or curious pets.
Depending on the type of firearm, a gun case may also be a good idea. Some come with locks for safety and peace of mind.
Study the Manual
A firearm comes with an owner’s manual and a breakdown of its components and instructions for disassembly and assembly for maintenance. Read what yours says about gun maintenance and follow the instructions accordingly.
For more information beyond the manual, you can search your particular firearm online as well. The SEO strategies of gun manufacturers and resellers help to disseminate accurate information about the use and care of firearms.
Before attempting any cleaning process, ensure adherence to proper gun safety. Environment, tools, and complete knowledge of the firearm are crucial items to consider.
Buy a Cleaning Kit
A firearm cleaning kit will cost you $30-50 and is well worth the price. Search for cleaning solutions such as a bottle of gun bore cleaner, and also purchase the matching oil for your specific firearm. Your local sporting goods store will carry a variety of firearm maintenance options. You can also simply search online for what you need.
Note that facial tissue and paper towels leave a residue. Cotton swabs are your best option, and let you see the black grime as you clear out the parts of your gun.
Know Your Firearm
Being familiar with your gun inside and out helps you clean it safely, but also preserves the craftsmanship. For example, if parts don’t seem to slide smoothly, you can know which part is creating the hangup, rather than giving up and using a screwdriver or other tool that could scratch the gun’s materials. Educate yourself on how the pin, slide lock, hammer, pins, rails, and barrel fit together so that you notice right away if there is unusual resistance.
Then, learn how to disassemble and reassemble your gun properly. This will save you time and preserve the cleanliness after you have finished. Practice taking your firearm apart and putting it back together again several times to ensure you feel comfortable with its operation before beginning the cleaning process.
Clean Thoroughly
Swab for dirt, clean out thoroughly, and oil all separate pieces of your properly working firearm. There will usually be a buildup of dirt and grime, including finger oils and stray gunpowder, that collects in various crevices of the gun.
When cleaning, slow and precise movements work best. Do not scar the inner mechanism of any firearm, both out of respect for the firearm’s quality and your safety. Remember, a drop of oil goes a long way; too much, and it will simply become a boon to more dirt collection.
Hold up the barrel to the light and look through to observe the inner spiral pattern. It will be clear when there is a dirt buildup that needs attention. The rifling must not show damage from prior use of ill-performing or low-quality ammunition. Both can have detrimental effects on the gun’s accuracy.
After reassembling your gun, wipe down the external metal parts to clear it of fingerprints and other stray debris that may have collected throughout the cleaning process.
Enjoy Your Effort
Regular maintenance promotes the longevity of any quality firearm. Once you’ve put in the time and care, take your firearm outdoors and exercise its flawless operation, enjoying the smoothness and precision that drew you to its appeal in the first place. Then, store safely, and set a reminder to clean it again thoroughly in six months.
