Keep your firearms looking spotless

While going to the range and getting your training in is certainly enjoyable, you cannot forget to clean your guns. Regular firearm maintenance is essential for ensuring reliability, safety, and longevity. Whether you own a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, proper cleaning prevents malfunctions, preserves accuracy, and protects your investment by preventing wear and tear, as well as malfunctions.

In this guide, our team at Guerrilla Tactical will walk through the necessary steps to clean your firearm effectively and safely.

The Importance of Cleaning a Firearm

Cleaning a firearm is not just about maintaining its appearance (though keeping them looking good is always nice); it directly impacts functionality and safety. Over time, residue from gunpowder, dirt, and moisture can accumulate, leading to issues such as:

Malfunctions and Misfires – Carbon buildup can cause failures to feed, eject, or fire properly.
Accuracy Degradation – Fouling inside the barrel affects bullet trajectory, leading to inconsistent shots.
Corrosion and Rust – Moisture and improper storage can lead to rusting, which weakens the metal and shortens the firearm’s lifespan.
Increased Wear and Tear – Lack of lubrication or dirty components cause unnecessary friction, wearing down critical parts faster.

Regular cleaning ensures your firearm operates reliably when needed, whether for self-defense, hunting, or sport shooting.

Materials Needed to Clean a Gun

You don’t just clean your guns with soap and water, you need some actual cleaning supplies that are specific to firearms. Before starting, gather the following materials:

Firearm-specific cleaning solvent
Lubricating oil
Cleaning patches
Bore brush
Cleaning rod
Cotton swabs or Q-tips
Soft cloth or microfiber towel
Nylon or brass brush
Safety gloves
Cleaning mat or work surface protector

Step-by-Step Firearm Cleaning Process

1. Ensure Safety First

Before beginning any firearm maintenance:

Unload the firearm – Remove the magazine and visually and physically check the chamber to ensure it is empty to avoid any accidents.
Work in a well-ventilated area – Solvents and oils can produce strong fumes.
Keep ammunition away – This eliminates any risk of accidental discharge.

2. Disassemble the Firearm

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to field strip your firearm. Typically, this includes removing the slide, barrel, and guide rod for semi-automatic pistols or separating the bolt and action for rifles.

3. Clean the Barrel

Attach a bore brush to the cleaning rod and apply solvent.
Run the brush through the barrel several times to loosen debris.
Attach a patch holder with a cleaning patch soaked in solvent.
Push patches through until they come out clean.
Finish by running a dry patch to remove excess solvent.

4. Clean the Slide, Frame, and Other Components

Use a nylon or brass brush with solvent to clean the slide, bolt, and frame.
Pay attention to carbon buildup around the breech face and extractor.
Use cotton swabs or a soft cloth to remove dirt from small crevices.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply a small amount of lubricant to key friction points, including slide rails, barrel hood, and the contact points of the trigger mechanism.
Avoid over-lubrication, as excess oil can attract dirt and grime.

6. Reassemble the Firearm

Carefully put all components back together according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ensure everything is properly seated and functions smoothly.

7. Function Check

Rack the slide or cycle the action to confirm smooth operation.
Dry fire (if safe to do so) to test trigger function.
Check the safety mechanisms.

Additional Firearm Maintenance Tips

Clean after every use – Frequent cleaning prevents buildup and corrosion.
Use the right products – Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage firearm finishes.
Store properly – Keep your firearm in a cool, dry place, preferably in a safe with dehumidifiers.
Inspect regularly – Check for signs of wear or damage, such as worn springs or rust.
Follow manufacturer guidelines – Different firearms may have specific cleaning recommendations, so always refer to your firearm’s manual.

The Best Gun Cleaning Kit

The Speed Kit – Carbine Cleaning Kit is a compact, on-the-go solution for keeping your rifle in top condition, making it the perfect addition to any range bag. Designed for convenience, this pre-packed kit includes essential cleaning tools: a microfiber cloth, Mil-Spec CLP lubricant, a 5.56 bore snake, a CLP-lubricated wipe, a double-sided gun brush, and a durable Magpul DAKA pouch for secure storage.

You can get yours right on the Guerrilla Tactical site for just $45.00, it ensures you have everything needed to maintain your firearm whenever and wherever you need it most.

Conclusion

Proper firearm cleaning is crucial for maintaining reliability, accuracy, and longevity. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can ensure your firearm remains in peak condition. Regular maintenance not only enhances performance but also increases safety, reducing the risk of malfunctions. Treat firearm cleaning as an essential part of responsible gun ownership. A well-maintained firearm is a safe and effective one.

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