Firearms.co.za knows how much you love your guns, and cleaning them regularly and with care is vital in ensuring the weapon’s longevity and effectiveness. However there is always a chance of a freak accident occurring. Read about such an incident where a young child was accidentally shot and killed while someone in the house was cleaning a firearm.
Cleaning a gun safely involves several steps to ensure both your safety and the firearm’s proper maintenance. Here is a careful step-by-step guide, but keep in mind that specific instructions may vary based on the type of firearm:
- Safety First: Always ensure the gun is unloaded. Remove any ammunition from the firearm and confirm that the chamber, magazine, and action are clear.
- Gather Supplies: Collect the necessary cleaning supplies: gun cleaning solvent, lubricating oil, cleaning patches, bore brush, cleaning rod, a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush, and a clean cloth.
- Prepare the Area: Choose a well-ventilated and clear workspace. Ensure there are no distractions or potential interruptions while cleaning.
- Disassembly (if applicable): Some firearms require partial or complete disassembly for thorough cleaning. Refer to the firearm’s manual for specific disassembly instructions.
- Cleaning the Barrel: Attach the appropriate caliber bore brush to the cleaning rod and dip it in gun cleaning solvent. Run the brush through the barrel several times to loosen debris. Follow this with cleaning patches soaked in solvent until they come out clean. Finally, run a dry patch through the barrel to remove any excess solvent.
- Cleaning the Action and Other Parts: Use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush and solvent to clean the action, slide, receiver, and other parts. Wipe away excess solvent and debris with a clean cloth.
- Inspect and Lubricate: Once cleaned, inspect all parts for any signs of damage or excessive wear. Apply a small amount of lubricating oil to key areas following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure not to over-lubricate.
- Reassembly: If the firearm was disassembled, carefully reassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Function Check: After reassembly, perform a function check to ensure the firearm operates correctly. Always point the gun in a safe direction during this check.
- Storage: Store the firearm in a secure and dry location, ensuring it is unloaded and properly secured.
Remember, always consult the firearm’s manual for specific cleaning instructions as different firearms may have unique requirements. If you’re uncertain about any steps, seek guidance from a qualified firearms instructor or gunsmith. Safety is paramount when handling firearms, so take your time and be thorough in the cleaning process.
Despite doing everything right, the reality of living in SA sooner or later you could be forced to use your firearm. This is why legal and liability insurance is vital. Learn more about Firearms Guardian for the best legal coverage regarding firearm incidents money can buy.
Firearms.co.za is a Firearms network, established to provide support for law-abiding citizens looking to be armed, or that are already armed in South Africa and even elsewhere. Firearms.co.za provides a network platform for gun-owners and/or enthusiasts who like to catch up on firearm related news and training opportunities.
