Did you know that a meticulously-maintained firearm can last decades or even a lifetime? Cleaning your handgun regularly is the key to prolonging its lifespan.
Cleaning your handgun can also help you avoid thousands of dollars worth of repairs and replacement costs down the line. If you’re currently storing your gun and it’s covered in dust, it means that it’s time for a cleaning session stat.
Keep reading to learn exactly how to clean a handgun!
Gather Your Materials
Before you start cleaning a handgun, you need to gather your materials. You will need a cleaning kit, which you can find at a gun store or online.
Also, you will need a cleaning solvent, such as gun oil. You will also need a cleaning cloth, and finally, you will need a brush. Most brushes you should use for cleaning guns are made of nylon, and they have stiff bristles. Make sure you have all of these materials before you begin.
Always Clean Your Gun in a Well-ventilated Area
It is important to always clean your gun in a well-ventilated area. This prevents dangerous chemicals and fumes from building up and causing harm.
Inhaling these fumes can cause serious respiratory problems. So it is important to be in a well-ventilated area when cleaning your gun.
Many gun cleaning kits come with a fume extractor. This can help remove any harmful fumes. But it is still important to be in a well-ventilated area when using these products.
Make Sure the Gun Is Unloaded
It is essential to always make sure the gun’s unloaded when cleaning it. This is even if you were the one who unloaded it last.
This is because there is always the potential for a gun to be accidentally loaded, and you don’t want to be cleaning a loaded gun. If there is a bullet in the chamber and you clean the gun and pull the trigger, the gun will fire.
Once you’ve verified that the gun’s unloaded, you can proceed with the cleaning process. This way, you know that you’re not putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Also, when cleaning the gun, always point it in a safe direction in case there is a bullet in the chamber.
Disassemble Your Pistol
You should disassemble a gun for cleaning purposes every time you used it. Doing so will ensure that the weapon functions properly and safely.
Begin by ensuring the firearm is not loaded. Next, locate and remove the magazine. If the pistol has a safety, engage it now.
Take a look at the diagram of your gun model to find out which piece you need to remove first to completely disassemble the gun. For most guns, you will need to remove the barrel first. Doing so will give you better access to the rest of the weapon for cleaning.
Once you’ve removed the barrel, take a look at the inside of it to make sure there is no residue build-up. Next, remove the recoil spring assembly and guide rod. You should clean these pieces with a brush and solvent.
You can clean the frame of the gun with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the trigger assembly, as this is a crucial component of the gun.
If you want to clean a handgun, you should disassemble it only as much as the manufacturer recommends. This is because disassembling your gun more than necessary can lead to problems.
For example, you may lose parts or put them back in the wrong place. This can cause your gun to malfunction.
Lubricate Your Pistol
Lubricating your pistol is important for two reasons: to clean a handgun and to protect it from corrosion. A little lubrication is essential in cleaning a handgun.
Rust can cause serious problems, so it’s important to keep your weapon clean and well-oiled. You can use a variety of products to do this, but make sure you choose one that’s compatible with your gun.
To lubricate your handgun, place your handgun on a clean, dry surface. Apply a small amount of gun oil to a soft cloth. A little oil goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
Wipe the metal surfaces of your handgun with the oiled cloth. Be sure to lubricate the barrel and slide. Wipe excess oil from your handgun with a clean, dry cloth.
For every firearm, there is a different place to lubricate. Most manufacturers have a manual that will list the specific points. Lubricating your pistol will also protect it from the elements and the wear and tear of use.
Wipe Down the Rest of Your Gun With a Luster Cloth
Use a luster cloth to wipe down the rest of your gun. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the surface of your gun.
Be sure to pay special attention to the barrels, breeches, and slides, as these areas are more likely to become clogged with grime. Taking the time to clean your gun regularly will help to ensure that it functions properly and reliably when you need it most.
Reassemble Your Handgun
After taking your handgun apart to clean it, you will need to reassemble it. Make sure that you have all the pieces and that they are in the correct order. Also, make sure that the barrel is clean and free of obstruction.
First, reattach the barrel to the frame. Then, put the recoil spring and rod back in. Next, insert the slide stop.
Finally, put the grips back on. Once you have all the pieces in place, you can test your gun to make sure it is reassembled correctly.
Store Your Guns Unloaded in a Cool and Dry Environment
After cleaning your guns, it is important to store them in a cool and dry environment. This will help to prevent corrosion and keep your guns in good working condition. Storing your guns unloaded will also help to prevent accidental discharge.
Learning How to Clean a Handgun
If you’re interested in learning how to clean a handgun, there are a few things you need to know. If you follow the steps in this article, you’ll be able to clean your handgun like a pro. With proper care, your handgun should function properly for many years.
If you’ve found this article helpful, then please take a look at some of our other posts. There is something in here for gun owners and gun novices alike.
