Shotgun and Rifle Cleaning Tips
Cleaning and shotgun or rifle ownership go hand in hand. Cleaning keeps the shotgun or rifle working and prevents it from getting damaged. Below are some methods that will help you with your firearm cleaning routine in an efficient manner. Take a look:
Safety First
First, ensure your firearms are free of ammunition. Keep the magazine aside and double-check the chambers of your shotgun and rifle. Also, while doing so, make sure your firearm is pointed in a safe direction.
Next, find a well-ventilated area or place somewhere outside to start cleaning your guns. This is because the gun-cleaners can be volatile and may impact your health. In addition to this, ensure you wear eye-protection equipment as you go about cleaning.
Refer to The Manual
Refer to the manuals for your guns before you start the cleaning process. It will have all the guidelines, including instructions to disassemble and reassemble.
If you do not have your gun manuals, look for them online. By watching videos on trusted websites, you can also learn how to disassemble and reassemble your shotgun and rifle.
Cleaning Your Guns
After successfully dismantling your guns, keep springs and other smaller parts in a box so you do not lose them. Use cleaning tools like cleaning swabs or a utility brush to remove any loose particles you might find within the action, receiver, bolt, chamber, and frame.
To clean your rifles’ barrels, use a brush tip and run it completely through the tunnels. You can also use heavy-duty cleaners for badly fouled barrels and chambers.
Using Lubricants
Lubricants are crucial to ensure your firearms work smoothly. It also enhances their life span. While grease is usually applied to those areas of the gun that experience more friction, oil can be used to lubricate other internals and other moving parts of your gun.
It is recommended to always carry a small tube or bottle of lubricant with you whenever you take your guns out, as you never know when you might need them.
Do Not Disassemble Every Time
There is no need to disassemble the shotguns or rifles every time you clean them completely. For regular cleaning purposes, there is no need to disassemble your shotgun to a great extent.
You have to detach the barrel and recoil spring and leave everything else as it is. If your gun is not working properly or has become extremely dirty, it should be completely disassembled and reassembled.
Check for Any Irregularities
Once you have cleaned your firearms, you must ensure they are in good working condition by performing a function check. It is advisable that you take your guns one by one to a shooting range and fire a couple of rounds to see if they are functioning properly.
Firearm cleaning is not always easy, and you might sometimes need professional help to get started. Whether it is assembling or disassembling your guns, or you want to book a shooting range, or you need to get hold of some new firearms or ammunition, get in touch with American Trailhead today! Our team is ready to assist you with any of your firearm maintenance needs. Contact us today!
Reference links:
https://www.hoppes.com/ho-blog-new-gun-owners/ho-blog-5-steps-to-proper-shotgun-cleaning.html
https://www.instructables.com/Cleaning-a-Rifle/
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Gun
https://www.gungoddess.com/blogs/news/handgun-cleaning-tips-every-gun-owner-should-know
https://www.hoppes.com/ho-blog-new-gun-owners/ho-blog-5-steps-to-proper-rifle-cleaning.html