How to Clean A Gun in 6 Simple Steps Part 2

Every gun enthusiast understands the importance of routine gun cleaning. It not only keeps the weapon in good shape but also prevents it from malfunctioning and compromising its operational capacity. Over time, gunk, rust, and corrosion build up in certain areas of the gun. Hence, it is important to clean the gun and lubricate it from time to time. Doing so will prevent it from getting jammed and jeopardizing your aim. 

Gun cleaning can be carried out in six easy-to-do steps. In the previous article, we discussed unloading, disassembling, and cleaning all parts of the gun, one by one. Let us look at what comes after that. 

Lubrication reduces the friction between moving parts that slide against a surface. A lubricant is an oily substance that prevents the wear and tear of moving parts and protects them from getting stuck. It is recommended to lubricate the following parts of the gun:

• Bearing surfaces such as slides, rails, and guides
• The outer surface of the barrel
• Springs

Before applying a lubricant keep the following things in mind:

• Do not lubricate the inside of the chamber. The presence of a lubricant on the inside can lead to the development of high pressure which may cause a BOOM failure. 
• Avoid the temptation to lubricate your gun excessively. Too much lubrication can make the gun slippery and loosen your slip on the gun. 

Start by lubricating the gun’s barrel. Attach a cotton mop to the cleaning rod. Add a few drops of lubricant to the mop and run it through the length of the barrel. Using a cotton patch will give you control over how much lubricant you want on the inside of the barrel. 

• The next step is to clean the action with a gun cleaning solvent. Add some solvent to the gun brush and run it over all parts of the action. Use a dry clean cloth to remove excess moisture. 

After cleaning, apply a light coat of lubricant to the moving parts of the action. Heavier coats of lubricant may attract debris and leave the action feeling sticky. The light coat prevents the development of rust. 

To remove extra lubricant and to give your gun a shine, wipe it down with a clean, dry flannel cloth. Wiping down all components of the gun will ensure that all acid, residue, moisture, fingerprint marks, and any remaining debris will be removed. To give your gun an extra shine, take a wax-treated gun cloth and run it over the gun. A light coat of wax will coat your gun and give it a nice shine. 

The last step is to reassemble the gun and store it in a proper gun case. While reassembling, it is important to carefully inspect each piece to check for any irregularities such as damage, deformity, or excessive wear and tear. If you spot a major irregularity in the pieces of your gun, take it to a competent gunsmith and get them inspected. 

After reassembling the gun, it is time to store it in a proper gun case. For the long-term durability and use of the gun, store it in a gun case that suits the style and fits the size of the gun. A properly stored gun is safe for traveling and does not get dirty, rusty, or damaged. Look for a gun case with the following features:

• A sturdy build with foam on the inside
• Watertight
• Crushproof
• Comes with a pressure equalized valve to prevent the infiltration of moisture and dust