/ Aim High LTC Blog
A firearm is like anything else you own. It needs maintenance to function in it’s intended capacity. Just like a vehicle, you should get in the habit of cleaning your tool regularly! How often should you clean your firearm depends on several factors, and the firearms safety education professionals from Aim High LTC, your premier choice for Texas Online LTC, suggest some things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Lighter vs. Deeper Handgun Cleanings
Any time you have a practice session or shoot any number of bullets through your gun, it’s a good idea to do a light cleaning. In this case, this means simply wiping the gun down and doing a visual inspection to see if anything else needs to be cleaned. For me, I also run a bore snake through the barrel when I do a light cleaning. Moreover, it’s also a good idea to do a deeper handgun cleaning a couple of times a year. Of course, You do this more often if you shoot or compete or compete more frequently. Personally, I do a detailed strip and clean on all of my guns about twice a year. Furthermore, you can certainly do it more often, but less often is not recommended.
A deeper firearm cleaning is typically done following the manufacturers instructions. However, a brief guide is as follows:
• Place a towel or mat down so you don’t lose any parts.
• Making sure your firearm is “clear” and that there is no ammunition anywhere near
• Disassemble or dismantle your gun per manufacturer’s instructions (I do not recommend removing or disassembling the trigger mechanism)
- Placing a cleaning rod dipped in a solvent onto a bore brush to clean the inside of the barrel
• Rotating the brush to completely remove any residue from past firings
• Removing the cleaning rod and attaching a patch holder to clean the barrel more thoroughly
• Using a nylon brush dipped in solvent to clean the other parts/areas of your handgun
• Adding gun oil to any areas with metal to metal contact
• Reassembling your handgun and perform a functions check (without ammo) to ensure that the firearm functions IAW manufacturers specifications
A “deep” cleaning doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you have to disassemble every spring and part. In fact, if you want a thorough, cleaning, you should consider seeking the services of a certified gunsmith. However, you can do a sufficient job of stripping without having to tear every spring and screw apart, and do a very effective cleaning.
Purchase or Build a Firearm Cleaning Kit
You’ll be more likely to clean your handgun if you have a handy kit with everything you need and if it’s easy to use. You can purchase a premade kit that has all the basic cleaning tools or you can put together your own kit based on what’s most appropriate and useful for your specific firearms.
Don’t Forget Guns You Don’t Use or Ones Not Often Used
If you have firearms usually stored away and only taken out or used occasionally (safe queens), you’ll still need to clean them. We tend to store our weapons wet with oil, which attracts dust, and sometimes our safes are not perfectly humidity controlled…which is why we store our guns wet with oil. This dust and debris will affect usability or accelerate wear. Therefore, these firearms should be fine with a thorough cleaning once or twice a year when you schedule the rest of your frequently used guns for a deep cleaning.
You Can’t Really Overclean a Firearm
There’s no such thing as cleaning your firearm too much. However, you could damage it if you’re not doing it correctly. Improper cleanings can contribute to rust or accelerated deterioration, which could render your firearm unsafe to use. Additionally, make sure you’re using the correct cleaner and lubricant for your gun.
If you own a gun, it’s essential to know how to use and clean it safely. Aim High LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle your gun and shoot safely or you want to take an Texas license to carry online class, Aim High LTC has what you need.
