Cleaning a firearm
The procedure for cleaning any firearm is essentially the same. I follow this basic cleaning procedure after every trip to the range.
1. Make sure the firearm is unloaded!
2. Field strip the gun.
"Field stripping" is disassembling a firearm to a point where all parts
critical to its function can be accessed and cleaned. This procedure
varies enormously from gun to gun; consult your owner's manual. If you
don't have one, check out this
site. Basically, when your field stripping is complete, you will
usually have separated the barrel from the receiver and gained access to the
action. I also recommend removing the grips on handguns when cleaning,
because sometimes cleaning chemicals can damage the plastic or wood finish.
3. Run a wet patch (a patch soaked with solvent) or brush through the
bore.
I usually only use patches when cleaning. Using a bristle brush is
only needed occasionally, and use of such a brush too often will do nothing
except cause unnecessary wear on your bore. Also, whenever possible, clean
the bore from the breech end rather than the muzzle end. The reason for
this is that the muzzle is the most important part of the barrel for accuracy,
and we want to avoid damaging it.
4. Run dry patches (no solvent) through the bore until they come out clean.
5. Run a patch with rust protectant down the bore.
6. Clean all exposed parts of the action, as well as any other internal
parts you have access to.
Pay special attention to the chamber, which is often the dirtiest part of
the firearm, and the extractor claw, which is often overlooked.
7. Once the internals are clean, lubricate the moving parts.
Your cleaning job will have applied enough residual lube, usually, if you've
used a combo product like CLP. Don't overdo it; excess lubricant will
attract grime and grit. One thing I like to do is put grease on the rails
of semi-autos. I like Tetra Gun Grease for this purpose.
8. Reassemble the gun.
9. Clean and oil the exterior of the firearm.
This can be done with patches, but the best way is really to get some
oil on your hands and "make love" to the gun. :)
10. Function check the gun.
To make sure you put everything back together properly. :) Just
work the action, dry fire, etc.
11. Don't forget the magazines.
Clean the followers and feed lips, at least. To easily get at the feed
lips, you can use a pin punch to push down the follower. Occasionally you should
completely disassemble your magazines for cleaning. This can often be done
by sliding off the baseplate.
12. That's it!
Although every 1000 rounds or so you should do a more thorough cleaning than
this, this procedure will suffice most of the time. Don't stress about
getting your gun "museum" clean, because the very next time you fire it, it will
be dirty again. Enjoy your beautifully
clean gun. :)
To return to the Cleaning & Maintenance page, click here.