Gun Cleaning
Bore Cleaning
Bore cleaning may be one of the most labor-intensive steps in gun maintenance, but neglecting to do this step can negatively affect performance and cause damage to the gun.
What you’ll need: Bore Brush, Cleaning Rod, Solvent, Patch Holder, Patches, Gun Oil/Lubricant
FOR SEMI-AUTOS
- Rub the inside of your bore with some solvent, then leave it for a few minutes
- Scrub the bore of the barrel by pushing the brush back and forth. Add more solvent as needed.
- Remove the bore brush and attach a patch holder to the cleaning rod.
- Attach a patch to the patch holder and run it through the barrel.
- Replace the patch after the first swab. Repeat step 4 until the patch becomes relatively clean.
- Shine a light through the bore to check if there is still anything stuck to the interior. If there is, continue cleaning using the brush and solvent.
FOR REVOLVER
Follow the same procedure in cleaning the bore of semi-autos, but be sure to brush and patch all chambers of the revolver
Action Cleaning
What you’ll need: Rag, Q-tips, Gun Oil/LubricantThe action contains most of the essential parts of a gun so it’s very important to keep it in prime condition.
- Check your gun’s manual for instructions on how to disassemble the action. For a deep clean, disassemble completely.
- Wipe down the gun with a rag to remove any dirt and dust. To reach into nooks and crannies, use q-tips.
- Add a bit of gun oil to the rag and rub it on the gun.
Note: Check the gun’s manual on what parts should be lubricated to avoid any performance issues or damage to your gun.
Caring for Wooden and Synthetic Stocks
Over time, gunstocks get scratched due to the wear and tear of regular usage. Whether your gun has a wooden or synthetic stock, it’s crucial to keep it in good condition.
WOODEN STOCK MAINTENANCE
What you’ll need: Wooden stock: Rag, Wax and Polish Remover, Gun Stock Wood Finishing Oil, Gun Stock Wax
- Wipe down stock with wax and polish remover to remove dirt and old wax or polish.
- Apply finishing oil and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Repeat step 2 three more times.
- For a nicer finish and an extra layer of protection, apply wax.
SYNTHETIC STOCK MAINTENANCE
What you’ll need: Rag, Gun Oil
- Wipe down stock using a rag to remove dirt. For peskier stains, you can use a bit of soap and water.
- Apply gun oil on the stock to maintain its sheen. Be sure to wipe it clean afterward.
Caring for Scopes and Scope Mounts
Maintaining scopes and scope mounts is just as crucial as gun cleaning in ensuring a good shooting experience.
SCOPE MAINTENANCE
What you’ll need: lens brush/blower brush, lens tissue/soft cloth
- Remove dust or dirt from the lens by blowing on it or using a lens brush. You may also use a lens blower brush used for cleaning cameras.
- Gently rub the lens using lens tissue or a soft cloth to get rid of fingerprints or lubricant stains.
- If available, protect the lens with a lens cap.
OPEN/IRON SIGHTS
What you’ll need: Paint Kits for Open/Iron sights
- Clean the surface of the gun, then let it dry.
- Select the color you want from the paint kit. The idea is to have the right contrast that will easily show your target. Having too much contrast may cause glare when shooting under a bright light (e.g. sunlight).
- Follow the instructions indicated on the kit’s manual, then let the paint dry for around 24 hours.
SCOPE MOUNT MAINTENANCE
- Upon installation, make sure to use the correct tools indicated in the manual.
- Properly store mount in its case when it’s not being used.Caring for Slings, Cases, and HolstersSlings, cases, and holsters keep your gun protected when not in use. It’s important to maintain them to avoid having to buy a new one often.
Caring for Slings, Cases, and Holsters
Slings, cases, and holsters keep your gun protected when not in use. It’s important to maintain them to avoid having to buy a new one often.
SLING MAINTENANCE
What you’ll need: soap, rag, detergent
- Use a brush or a damp rag to remove dirt.
- Rub the sling with soap. Use detergent for the fabric pads. Let dry. Note: Use saddle soap for leather slings to avoid damage.
- For discoloration in leather slings, use leather dye to patch up the affected areas.
CASE MAINTENANCE
Check the user manual if your case is washer-friendly. If not, wash it by hand using water and soap, then hang dry.
HOLSTER MAINTENANCE
What you’ll need: rag
- Wipe down the interior and exterior of your holster with a rag.
- For leather holsters, you can use saddle soap and leather care products.
- If the holster gets wet, either from the elements or sweat, be sure to dry it off in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing leather holsters to artificial heat or sunlight to avoid damage.