Spring is here, which means it’s time to give your firearm a thorough cleaning. Regular maintenance and cleaning your firearm can help improve its lifespan and ensure its reliability. Our specialists at C2 Tactical offer these tips for routine care of any type of firearm for spring and anticipated heavier use.
Step 1: How To Prepare To Disassemble Your Firearm
Safety First: Preparing to Unload
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk safety:
- Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded. This golden rule of firearm safety.
- Mind your surroundings. Be aware of where a bullet would go if accidentally discharged.
Step 2: How To Disassemble Your Firearm
The next step is to disassemble your firearm. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to break down your firearm. Follow the instructions carefully and take note of any parts that require special attention. Most gun owners can easily open the action, remove a cylinder or automatic slide, and remove the barrel from the slide. Further disassembly is typically not necessary.
Step 3: How To Clean Your Firearm
Cleaning your firearm requires some basic steps no matter the type. Use these tips for your guns.
Semi-Automatic Handguns
- Remove the Slide – Every semi-automatic handgun will have a slide release lever along the side of the slide. Use this lever to release the slide and remove it. It will contain the barrel, a spring, and some other small components.
- Clean the Slide and Barrel – Wipe away oil, grease, and carbon using a soft cloth dampened with high-grade gun cleaning solvent. Using a barrel brush is the best way to clean the inside of the barrel. Continue passing the brush or cleaning patches with solvent in one direction through the barrel until they come out clean.
- Clean Small Parts & Areas – This includes the extractor, ejector, firing pin, and hole. It isn’t necessary to disassemble these parts, simply brushing and wiping them clean is sufficient.
- Inspect the Grip, Sights, and Body of the Handgun – Wipe these areas clean and look for loose screws on sights, grips, or other components. Tighten carefully if needed. Clean magazines and the mag well with a toothbrush or pipe cleaner.
Revolvers
- Remove the cylinder and clean each chamber with bore cleaner.
- Clean the yoke or crane that holds the cylinder. Wipe away any grease, oil, or carbon.
- Clean inside the barrel with a good quality bore cleaner.
- Wipe off the grips, sights, and other parts of the handgun.
Rifles & Shotguns
- Clean your rifle and shotgun barrels by inserting the cleaning patch at the end near the chamber (breech) and pushing out through the muzzle to prevent debris from getting into the gun’s action. Continue until the patch emerges clean.
- Wipe the outside of the barrel and use a soft brush to clean the action, bolt, and trigger group.
Step 4: How To Lubricate Your Firearm
After cleaning your firearm, it’s time to apply lubricant. Use a high-quality lubricant to lubricate the moving parts of your firearm. Apply a small amount of lubricant to each part and then work the parts back and forth to distribute the lubricant evenly. Consult your manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations for oiling your firearm (where and how much).
Step 5: How To Reassemble Your Firearm
Once you’ve cleaned and lubricated your firearm, it’s time to reassemble it. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reassemble your firearm. Make sure you put each part back in its proper place and that you tighten all screws and bolts to their recommended torque specifications.
Step 6: Dry Firing Your Firearm
After reassembling your firearm, it’s time to test it. Take your firearm to the range or a safe area and dry fire it to ensure everything works properly. If you notice any issues, disassemble your firearm and troubleshoot the problem.
Learn More at C2 Tactical
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your firearm are essential to ensure its reliability and longevity. Make sure to follow these steps to clean your firearm properly. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning and maintaining your firearm.
Browse the C2 Tactical website to learn more about cleaning, maintaining, and using your firearm, or stop by and talk with a team member about your concerns or questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
To clean your firearm, you can follow these general steps:
- Ensure the firearm is unloaded and the safety is engaged.
- Disassemble the firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a cleaning rod, patch holder, and patches to remove any fouling or residue from the bore.
- Clean the other parts of the firearm, such as the slide, frame, and magazine, using a suitable cleaning solvent and brushes.
- Dry all the components thoroughly and apply a light coat of lubricant to prevent corrosion.
- Reassemble the firearm and function test it before storing it in a secure place.
Here are some essential tools for firearm cleaning:
- Cleaning rod
- Bore brush
- Cleaning patches
- Cleaning solvent
- Gun oil or lubricant
- Toothbrush or small brush for scrubbing
- Microfiber cloth for wiping
- Q-tips or cotton swabs for hard-to-reach areas
- Safety glasses and gloves (optional but recommended)
Remember to always refer to the specific firearm manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Get Your Custom Training Plan
Take our quiz and get clarity on where to begin.