Methods and precautions for gun maintenance and cleaning.

Things not to do when cleaning a gun

Insufficient Cleaning

The first mistake discussed, and the most obvious, is not cleaning your firearm frequently enough. Depending on the environment and whether you carry your firearm, your firearm may be exposed to a certain amount of moisture and sweat, which can lead to rust. This can also cause dust and fiber/lint accumulation, even when the firearm is not being fired; especially when it is being carried. Furthermore, while most modern firearms have good protective coatings to prevent this, they are not foolproof.

Small parts, such as the magazine release and thumb safety, are often treated differently and may be more susceptible to rust. Preventive maintenance can quickly resolve this with a few solvents and a scrub.

So, how often should you clean your firearm? 

This depends on the firearm, the environment, and how often you shoot or carry it. A hunting rifle may only need cleaning at the beginning and end of each season, while a carry pistol may require monthly maintenance.

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Over-lubrication

Some might call this over-cleaning, but it's actually over-lubrication. Oiling your firearm helps prevent excessive wear and friction between moving parts. It also prevents rust on any metal surfaces. While a moderate amount of oil or grease is fine, too much oil can attract dust and fibers. This can lead to oil buildup, potentially causing malfunctions and unnecessary wear and breakage of components.

Improper Disassembly/Assembly

Some firearms are more difficult to disassemble than others. Often, some simple disassembly is required to clean and maintain the firearm. Further disassembly may be necessary for more detailed cleaning or component replacement.

If you're a novice firearms user, or disassembling a new firearm, unexpected mistakes can occur. Even experienced firearms users can make mistakes. Often, when mistakes are made during disassembly or assembly, parts won't fit together or apart properly, resulting in noticeable resistance.

Missing Details/Internal Work

The firearm was cleaned, but critical areas or details were overlooked. Some require a specific brush size to properly clean the chamber area. Others, like older, hammer-fired pistols, have more delicate parts than modern striker-fired pistols, and these areas are sometimes overlooked.

Rushing the Cleaning

Rushing the cleaning process is a big mistake, often turning small mistakes into big problems. This can lead to damaged chambers, missing parts, bent springs, and other problems.

Wood stocks require attention; a little linseed oil can protect the wood and extend its life.

Forgetting to Clean the Magazine

Many shooters forget to clean their magazines. Like firearms, magazines can become dirty at the range and while carrying. Even if the firearm is perfectly clean, forgetting to clean the magazine can cause a variety of problems.

If possible, remove the base and spring from the magazine and clean them inside and out. Make sure they are wiped clean and completely dry before reassembly. Do not use anything in the magazine; it will only attract dust and cause problems.

Gun maintenance tips:

Gunfirearms are prone to rust and require regular maintenance, using only special gun oil.

1. When cleaning a gun, disassemble it and ensure every component is properly oiled and maintained.

2. After cleaning, keep the gun clean and inspect it thoroughly.

3. When cleaning a gun, inspect every component and promptly repair any problems.