Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance help ensure your firearm operates safely and reliably. Dirt, carbon buildup, moisture, and debris can affect performance and may contribute to malfunctions. Every firearm owner should become familiar with the proper care of their firearm.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific firearm.
Before You Begin Safety always comes first.
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
- Point the firearm in a safe direction.
- Remove the magazine (if applicable).
- Open the action.
- Visually inspect the chamber.
- Physically inspect the chamber.
- Verify the firearm is completely unloaded.
- Remove all live ammunition from your cleaning area.
Never clean a loaded firearm.
Basic Cleaning Supplies
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
Basic Cleaning Supplies
- Cleaning rod or pull-through cleaning system
- Bore brush (correct caliber)
- Cleaning patches
- Patch holder or jag
- Nylon utility brush
- Cleaning solvent
- Quality gun oil
- Microfiber or lint-free cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Bore light (optional)
- Cleaning mat (recommended)
Basic Cleaning Steps
Keep Your Firearm Safe, Reliable, and Ready
Basic Cleaning Supplies
- Field Strip the Firearm. Disassemble the firearm according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Clean the Barrel.
Run solvent-soaked patches through the bore. Use the proper caliber bore brush to loosen fouling. Follow with clean patches until they come out clean.
- Clean the Action Remove carbon, powder residue, and debris from moving
- Field Strip the Firearm. Disassemble the firearm according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Clean the Barrel.
Run solvent-soaked patches through the bore. Use the proper caliber bore brush to loosen fouling. Follow with clean patches until they come out clean.
- Clean the Action Remove carbon, powder residue, and debris from moving parts.
Pay attention to:
Bolt
Slide
Chamber
Feed ramp
Breech face
Visually inspect the chamber.
Physically inspect the chamber.
- Lubricate Apply a light coat of quality firearm lubricant to recommended areas. More oil is not better. Too much lubricant attracts dirt and debris.
- How Often Should You Clean?
After every range session.
After exposure to rain or snow
After hunting
After long-term storage
Anytime the firearm becomes excessively dirty
Even firearms that are rarely fired should be inspected periodically for rust or corrosion.
- Preventing Rust Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of firearms.
Store firearms:
In a cool, dry location
Inside a quality gun safe or locking cabinet
With a light protective coating of oil
Away from excessive humidity
Consider using:
Dehumidifier rods
Silica gel packs
Humidity monitors
- Avoid Common Mistakes
Do NOT:
Over-lubricate your firearm.
Use household oils or automotive lubricants.
Force parts during disassembly. Use the wrong caliber cleaning tools.
Ignore signs of rust or excessive wear.
- Inspect Your Firearm
While cleaning, check for:
Rust or corrosion
Loose screws
Cracked grips or stocks
Damaged magazines
Excessive wear
Broken or worn springs
If something doesn't look right, have the firearm inspected by a qualified gunsmith.
- Safe Storage After Cleaning
Once your firearm has been cleaned:
Perform a final safety check.
Store it unloaded.
Secure it in a locked safe or cabinet.
Keep it out of reach of unauthorized persons.
Store ammunition separately when appropriate.
- Final Reminder Regular cleaning is an important part of responsible firearm ownership. A clean, properly maintained firearm is more reliable, lasts longer, and helps promote safe operation. When in doubt, consult your owner's manual or seek assistance from a qualified firearms instructor or gunsmith.