FIREARM MAINTENANCE
Firearms require thorough cleaning and care in order to maintain functionality and safety.
Unburnt powder, grime, and bullet fouling can create unsafe scenarios and could potentially render the firearm a danger to the operator.
The rifling within the barrel is precisely made to put a stabilizing spin on the projectile for accuracy. Fouling in the barrel can potentially throw off your accuracy over distance.
Semi-automatic firearms have a number of moving parts when compared to something like a manual operated firearm. A build-up of grime, lubricant, or burnt powder can cause your action to malfunction, resulting in frequent jams.
Whether you are a collector, hunter, or simply a firearm enthusiast, firearms of all kinds are a type of investment. When properly maintained, they tend to hold their value fairly well.
In general, it is recommended that you give your firearm a basic cleaning after about 200 rounds have been fired through it and a deep clean after around 2,000. Usually it is a good idea to clean your firearm after each session at the range or when exposed to elements like water or dust. Firearms in storage should also be cleaned at least twice a year.
Steps for cleaning and maintaining your firearm
- Always make sure that your firearm is unloaded and that the chamber is empty. With the barrel pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine (if it has a removable one) before clearing the chamber to prevent another round from being chambered. Open the slide, action, or bolt to remove the round if one is in place. Check to make sure the chamber is clear.
- Once you’re confident that your firearm is unloaded, find a space that is well ventilated. Cover the area with newspaper to collect all grime and spillage from the harmful cleaning chemicals.
- Gather your cleaning supplies. Make sure to only use cleaning materials specifically designed for the specific firearm. You will need a calibre-specific bore brush, solvent spray, lint-free patches, and lubricant.
- Dismantle your firearm. It is important to always consult the owner’s manual for specific disassembly.
- Please all parts in a pan to prevent any loss.
- Clean the barrel use a dry bore brush to break apart some of the larger bits of grime. Then dip a lint-free patch in bore solvent and place it on your cleaning rod. Push it through the barrel and allow about 10 minutes for the solvent to work.
- Afterwards, run the bore brush back through the barrel again, followed with a new dry patch. Repeat this process until the patch no longer picks up any grime.
- Use a nylon or copper brush to clean the action by give an initial scrubbing to the various parts. Then apply solvent spray to thoroughly coat each part. Hold the parts in such a way that the solvent drips down onto your newspaper.
- Allow the solvent a few minutes to work before scrubbing all parts thoroughly. Wipe down all the parts with a new clean patch.
- After you’ve cleaned each piece of the action you want to apply firearm lubrication. The areas that need lubrication will vary based on the specific type and model of firearm. Check your owner’s manual for specifics.
- Once all parts are cleaned, you are ready to put the firearm back together.
- Do a functional check to insure all is back in good working order.
- Wipe down the exterior with a lint-free cloth, treated with silicone lubricant, to remove any leftover grime and fingerprints. This will also provide a protective coating when storing the firearm for longer periods of time.
Remember to always remove all lubrication from the barrel before firing. Excessive oils in the barrel will result in higher chamber pressure when firing the first shot.
Please contact us on info@gunsnroses.co.za for more information on or next firearm maintenance seminar.
Guns ‘N Roses Team