Introduction
Firearms, akin to precision instruments, demand meticulous care and attention. Whether you’re an avid marksman or just starting your journey, mastering the art of firearm maintenance is paramount. This expanded guide delves deeper into the nuances of gun cleaning, safety, and the best practices to ensure your firearm remains in peak condition after every range outing.
Why is Firearm Maintenance Essential?
Beyond the apparent need for a functional firearm, regular maintenance is a testament to a gun owner’s commitment to safety and responsibility. Here’s why it’s non-negotiable:
Safety:
A well-maintained firearm minimizes the risk of jams, misfires, and other malfunctions that could lead to unintended consequences.
Performance:
A clean firearm ensures consistent bullet trajectory, reducing variables that might affect your shooting accuracy.
Longevity:
Just like a well-serviced car lasts longer, regular maintenance ensures your firearm stands the test of time, offering you reliability for years to come.
Value Preservation:
For those who view firearms as an investment, maintaining them can preserve or even increase their value over time.
Steps to Proper Firearm Maintenance
Step 1 – Safety First:
The cardinal rule before embarking on any firearm maintenance is to ensure it’s unloaded. Always remove the magazine, open the action, and visually inspect the chamber. This isn’t just a cursory glance; take a moment to be certain. Remember, most firearm accidents during cleaning occur because the gun was thought to be unloaded when it wasn’t. It’s a simple step, but it’s the bedrock of gun safety. For a more in-depth explanation of firearms safety and safe handling best practices, visit our friends at NSSF.
Step – 2 Disassemble with Care:
Every firearm is a masterpiece of engineering, with each part playing a crucial role. Before disassembling, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual specific to your firearm model. While a field strip or partial disassembly is usually sufficient for cleaning, it’s essential to know how to do it right. Missteps here can lead to reassembly challenges or even damage.
Step 3 – Deep Cleaning:
A firearm accumulates residues not just in the bore, but in many of its intricate parts. Using a quality bore cleaner, start with the barrel, ensuring all residues are removed. Specialized brushes and tools can help clean the action, slide, and other components. Remember, the residues left behind, especially from gunpowder, can be corrosive. Over time, if neglected, they can degrade the firearm’s metal parts, leading to functional and safety issues.
Step 4 – Lubrication:
After cleaning, it’s time to lubricate. Think of lubrication as the lifeblood of your firearm. Moving parts, when fired, experience intense friction. Proper lubrication reduces this friction, preventing wear and tear. However, it’s essential to strike a balance. Over-lubrication can make your firearm a magnet for dirt and debris, while under-lubrication can lead to increased friction. Always use firearm-specific lubricants, and apply them judiciously.
Step 5 – Reassemble and Function Check:
Once your firearm is cleaned and lubricated, reassemble it by following the manufacturer’s guidelines. But the process doesn’t end there. Conduct a comprehensive function check. This involves checking the safety, trigger function, slide or bolt operation, and other moving parts. It’s a final assurance that everything is in its rightful place and functioning as it should.
Step 6 – Storage Solutions:
Proper storage is as crucial as cleaning. Environmental factors, especially humidity, can be detrimental to firearms. When storing, ensure your firearm is in a cool, dry place. If you’re looking for advanced solutions, consider investing in gun safes or storage cases with built-in dehumidifiers. These not only protect against moisture but also offer added security.
Check out Action Target’s full selection of Gun Cleaning and Firearm Maintenance products HERE.
FAQs on Firearm Maintenance
Should I clean my gun even if I haven’t fired it?
Absolutely. Over time, dust and environmental contaminants can accumulate. Even without firing, oils can degrade, and metals can oxidize. Regular check-ups ensure your firearm remains in optimal condition.
Can I use household oils for lubrication?
It’s advisable to use firearm-specific lubricants. Household oils might not offer the same protection, and their viscosity might not be suitable. Some can even gum up, attracting more dirt and debris.
Is there a ‘best’ cleaning product?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, always opt for reputable brands. Research and reviews can guide your choice. Shop.actiontarget.com curates a selection of top-tier maintenance products.
How often should I replace my cleaning tools?
Cleaning tools, like brushes and patches, wear out over time. It’s essential to replace them when they show signs of wear or no longer effectively clean. Using worn-out tools can be counterproductive and might not provide the thorough cleaning your firearm needs.
Do different firearms require different maintenance routines?
While the basics of firearm maintenance remain consistent, different firearms, especially between rifles, handguns, and shotguns, might have specific needs. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual and consider the firearm’s design and purpose when establishing a maintenance routine.
Is there a risk in over-cleaning my firearm?
While regular cleaning is essential, over-cleaning, especially with abrasive tools or solvents, can wear down the firearm’s parts. It’s crucial to strike a balance. Clean to remove residues and contaminants, but avoid excessive scrubbing or using overly harsh chemicals.
What’s the difference between cleaning and maintenance?
Cleaning primarily focuses on removing dirt, residues, and contaminants. Maintenance encompasses cleaning but also includes lubrication, inspection, and potential part replacements. Think of cleaning as a subset of the broader maintenance process.
Can old ammunition affect my firearm’s cleanliness?
Yes, older ammunition, especially if stored in less-than-ideal conditions, can leave behind more residues or even corrode the firearm’s chamber and barrel. Always inspect old ammunition before use and be prepared for a more thorough cleaning session afterward.
Conclusion
Being a firearm owner is a responsibility. It’s not just about hitting the target but ensuring the journey to that perfect shot is safe and reliable. Regular maintenance is a ritual, a commitment to the craft, and a nod to the legacy of marksmanship. Dive deeper, learn continuously, and always prioritize safety.
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Posted in Range Supplies & Accessories, Uncategorized
Action Target Every year we work with law enforcement agencies around the world to build state of the art training facilities where officers can develop and maintain the skills they need to protect and serve their communities. We recently partnered with Goodyear PD in Goodyear, AZ, USA to add a full-scale indoor shooting range to their department headquarters. In this build, versatility, practicality, and durability were our highest priorities. We wanted to provide Goodyear PD with the ability to modify and adapt their training to the needs of their officers. With that, the range includes: an eight lane, 25-yard tactical range with our Vortex Steel Bullet Trap, floor-to-ceiling SureStop Rubber wall baffles allowing for 180 degree live fire training, and SmartRange Axis™ range controls for both the HVAC system and range target systems. The indoor shooting range at Goodyear PD is 100% lead free making it much safer for officers to train without exposure to harmful lead dust, and makes cleaning/maintaining the facility much simpler. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with Goodyear PD and their team to develop this incredible facility, and look forward to seeing the benefit it brings to their agency. For more information about building an indoor shooting range at your law enforcement agency, please feel free to fill out our Build Your Range form, or sign up for LERDDS HERE. At Action Target, we love revisiting indoor shooting ranges we helped build to update and improve existing or outdated equipment. We recently worked with our friends at Ready Gunner in Orem, UT to upgrade target retrievers and install a new Dust Control Unit (DCU). Before this recent update, six lanes at Ready Gunner were equipped with our SRET target retriever systems. These budget-friendly target retrievers were a great launchpad for Ready Gunner and served them well for years as they grew their customer base and expanded business. While the SRET is known for its simple design and consistent performance, it isn’t as flexible for customers as they shoot. The newly installed Pilot target retrievers feature direct drive, wireless motors, and integrate seamlessly with our SmartRange Axis range control system. They offer shooters more variety in shooting distance, programmable drills, and lighting scenarios, and give range staff the ability to focus on customer experience and less on maintaining tired equipment. Learn more about Pilot indoor shooting range retrievers HERE. An upgraded Dust Collection Unit (DCU) means anyone shooting or working at Ready Gunner can breathe easy and reduce their exposure to harmful lead dust particulates. This upgraded system pulls lead dust carried into the bullet trap into a collection system via negative pressure, and deposits it into containers which are clean, sealed, and easy to transport for responsible disposal. The DCU uses advanced filtration technology to use less energy, to provide cleaner air, and to improve the lifespan of shooting range HVAC system filters. Learn more about indoor shooting range ventilation HERE. It’s always a privilege for us at Action Target to visit our shooting range partners and Ready Gunner was no exception. If you’re in the area, head down to Ready Gunner to see their newly updated lanes, and throw some lead down range for us. Check out everything Ready Gunner has to offer right HERE.New Range | Goodyear PD
August 28th, 2023 | Goodyear, AZ
Key Features of Goodyear PD’s Indoor Shooting Range
Interested in Building Your Own Indoor Shooting Range?
Ready Gunner: 2023 Indoor Range Updates & Improvements
Upgraded Target Retreivers
Improved Dust Collection
