Must Clean Scenarios. With a revolver, check the barrel by touch and visually before cleaning the weapon. Whos right? Firearms that are used for duty, personal defense, and other potential life-or-death scenarios should be cleaned weekly at minimum with additional cleaning after any ammunition has been used. Thankfully, dissembling a gun for cleaning is typically straightforward with few small parts to deal with. This site is owned and operated by Gun Satey Source. What does it mean to disassemble a firearm? While certain types of malfunctions can be a product of improper grip or firing technique, malfunctions often indicate that a gun needs to be cleaned immediately. Manuals and properly executed revolver books are your friend. When your firearms are always clean, you will feel confident using them because they also look aesthetically pleasing. What do you use to clean it? It is a basic step that you must do before preparing your cleaning supplies. For that basis, you must make sure that your firearms barrels are always in good shape to attain the utmost accuracy level that can satisfy your satisfaction with accuracy and overall performance. Some chemicals and solvents are dangerous and have fumes that can be unsafe to breathe. Keeping a firearm clean will also preserve optimal reliability, reducing malfunctions, failures to fire, and accidental discharges. There is rarely a need to do so. Depending on how often they are used, all firearms should periodically undergo a professional detailed cleaning where the firearm is torn down and thoroughly cleaned, oiled and reassembled. How Often Should I Clean a Conceal Carry Firearm? Giving all of your weapons a thorough clean once a month, for instance, is a good way of keeping them all in good condition, and can actually be a fun activity if you set aside a lazy Sunday afternoon. Moreover, there are some situations where you can escape disassembling firearms when you have the correct cleaning tools, such as bore snakes. On the other hand, if youre shooting a match gun or a firearm that is relied upon for personal defense, you should always keep it clean, oiled, and ready to go. Once you are happy with your work, reassemble the gun right away. Finally, remember to go slowly and be patient at all times. Please be respectful of others. For match guns, most semiautomatics run more accurately and more reliably when clean. What you need to pay more attention to is to secure a proper cleaning because improper cleaning of your firearm can damage it and also negatively affect its accuracy at the same time. When Gun Cleaning Is a Good Idea. Old toothbrushes, rags and cotton swabs are all useful aids for cleaning the rest of the gun. They are the most basic and safe solutions you can trust as an alternative. iI is really helpful for me Above the concern with disassembling firearms, you should know that your attention and care from them are necessary. On the opposite end of the spectrum, many other firearm owners clean their firearms only after a prescribed number of rounds. Certainly, you must be comfortable when cleaning your firearms. Thats why your firearms must be free from ammunition even before getting started with firearm cleaning. Truth be told, firearms are initially built to last long. Firearms in cold storage should ideally be cleaned this way at least once a month and minimally every 2-3 months. By that, you will not allow any firing residue and other contaminants to settle on your firearms. With yours, it is your approach and action to firearm cleaning and maintenance that will determine how useful your firearm can be to your advantage. Fortunately, proper firearm cleaning can solve your dilemma of rust in storage and corrosion troubles from ammunition. After all, firearms are also about mechanisms. After each time it is fired. When applying oil to your firearm, dont overdo it. We reserve the right to edit as appropriate, delete profane, harassing, abusive and spam comments or posts, and block repeat offenders. Regular firearm cleaning will reduce exposure to lead and toxic residues left by spent ammunition. If youve got a gun that is only used for plinking, target clays, or punching holes in paper, its probably OK to let a few months and 3-4 trips to the range lapse before doing an in-depth cleaning. We recommend you clean your carry gun at a 2-week interval and ensure that whenever you hit the shooting range with it, you would have cleaned it by the time you slip it back in its holster and carry it around. Compared to buying several essential cleaning supplies separately, you will find it more inexpensive by choosing the kits. Theres no doubt that being hands-on with firearm cleaning is your best way to be more familiar with your firearms to know them better. When you are more familiar with your firearms, the less chance you will need to ask for help from gunsmiths. WebAnswer (1 of 7): For general cleaning yes you should at the least field strip the gun. For this reason, it is sometimes easier to clean these rifles at the range where you can then fire a fouling shot (from non-corrosive ammunition) so that the bore is ready to go. If you have one of the countless Smith & Wesson L, J, K, or N-frame revolvers, this guide will be a complete resource for you. Applying oil to areas not requiring oil, or applying too much oil is detrimental to the function of your firearm. You should still be aware that semi-automatics and rimfire firearms may begin to show performance and reliability issues with excessive fouling. In fact, there is a vast range of prices for cleaning kits. For those cases, please refer to Ruger Super Redhawk summary below.Step Five:Remove the hand. Do not disassemble the cylinder. But not complete disassembly such as removing every pin and spring etc. It is something impressive, right? Thankfully, dissembling a gun for cleaning is typically straightforward with few small parts to deal with. In addition, this tool aids in covering a cleaning place from any possible effect of cleaning solvents. Regular cleanings will aid in the inspection of internal parts and operating mechanisms. For that reason, you must read the manuals provided by the manufacturer to know the proper sequence of disassembly. You may clean the cylinder and related parts without separating them from one another. Your Glock will work just fine if you keep it reasonably cleaned and lubed. More than securing the aesthetic appearance of your firearm, proper cleaning is the best way to lessen the risk of firearm-related accidents. Different firearms might require more frequent cleaning due to their internal and external design specifications and how their design interacts with different types of ammunition. Thus, they will be no worry to use them for different applications. Admittedly, there is no absolute answer when discussing whether firearms should always be disassembled for cleaning. However, if you let them build up more on your firearms, you might not regret cleaning them later because they can already negatively affect your firearms. If it's carried daily and exposed to humidity and dust/dirt, then I would do the frame every 2-3 months but still longer on the slide. Below are some tips to use when cleaning your handgun, including disassembling strategies that can give you more confidence and preserve the guns performance. You may clean the cylinder and related parts without separating them from one another.Step Four:Remove strain screw from grip. Some people use gun oil and soft cotton swabs to clean their guns. Empty the cylinder, if need be. These items can improve your workstation and hold the gun steady, lowering the risk of a negligent discharge. I have an S & W .40 handgun, and my hubby says NOT to run the wire brush through the barrell too often, as it will wear it out..is this true? In the end, it is alright if firearms should always be disassembled for cleaning. Nevertheless, it is good to disassemble firearms before cleaning, but it doesnt mean that you need to do it all the time. Moreover, you will also see more overwhelming available bore brushes through searching in many shops. Some people use gun oil and soft cotton swabs to clean their guns. In some models and variants, the main spring assembly will include an actual spring and require different removal methods. These actions apply to other guns as well. Your gun should always be clean to give you confidence in its reliability. There is rarely a need to do so. Its always good to at least give your gun a quick once-over and wipe it down after you shoot. Typically, they are about $20 to $100; the prices depend on the cleaning tools included and their overall quality. Over time, they can make your firearms wear out or malfunction that they are supposed to be. When Gun Cleaning Is a Good Idea. The type of firearm used has an impact on how often you need to clean it. Interestingly, cleaning swabs, popularly referred to as cleaning mops, are closely compared with cleaning brushes. After removing this screw, which is found at the bottom of the grip, the main spring will also come free. You dont want to experience any accident while in the middle of firearm cleaning, right? By doing it, you will acquire clean firearms free from residues that can cause them to deteriorate. According to the Glock User Manual, it should be cleaned and lubricated when it is brand new, before it is fired for the first time. Nonetheless, theres nothing to worry about with Hoppes because it comes with a wide variety of bore brushes with no sharp-edged bristles that could scratch the firearms surface. This means disassembly into its larger components such as the bolt assembly. For instance, if you only shoot once or twice, you can escape your firearm cleaning task with that. Lift the hammer block free from the gun and set it aside with the other parts. After all, a long time of storing your firearms can acquire moisture, leading to rust and corrosion issues. Im getting better accuracy and better velocity following this program than ever before! In those cases, be sure you pay attention to the direction in which the mainspring stirrup is mounted to the hammer, since it can easily fall off during removal. There are safe and secure ways to clean your gun to prevent negligent discharges and keep the firearm accurate. Most retail ammunition today is non-corrosive, and factory ammunition will indicate if corrosive primers are used. Nevertheless, you still need to be more hands-on in inspecting your firearms to see how often you need to disassemble your firearms. 's blog. WebIf there is time to perform firearm maintenance before a life-threatening emergency (such as daily cleaning of a rifle in a combat zone) it may become necessary to use other sources of lubrication, as a firearm will function better with some lubricant than it will with none. With that being said, you need other cleaning brushes, besides the ones for bore. Hunting rifles dont need to be cleaned as often, but make sure you clean them at the beginning and end of the season, at the very least. Factors That Determine Necessary Cleaning. The spring is small and under significant pressure.If applicable, remove the fourth screw. Therefore, you should always drop the magazine on your gun and rack its slide to ensure the chamber is clear. It is a popular and common issue when your firearm doesnt see regular and proper cleaning. The primary point of learning everything by yourself is to avoid any mistake when cleaning and caring for your firearms. There are certain conditions where firearms should be With that being said, it is the most practical decision to clean them after every shooting. There is rarely a need to do so. Such debris grinds away at moving parts while accelerating overall wear and tear. Certain newer revolverstypically DA models such as the pictured Smith & Wesson 686have a hammer block. Extraction and ejection malfunctions indicate that carbon and fouling have accumulated on an extractor claw or its spring; in severe cases, a complete failure to extract might cause a double-feed malfunction. If you are using corrosive ammunition in your rifle, you will need to clean it after each and every usage. Final note: always make sure to wear the proper safety gear when cleaning your firearms, and always clean in a well lit and well-ventilated area. Using cleaning rods with other cleaning tools attachment, you can efficiently remove the stubborn firing residue build-up on the barrel and other firearm parts. However, it doesnt necessarily mean all the time because you can still clean your firearms without stripping them apart. How Often Should I Clean a Conceal Carry Firearm? You'll also want to clean it more often if you are using the gun or rifle in conditions that could damage the weapon. Dont sweat it. Guns that employ new non-corrosive ammunition, on the other hand, can last a little longer before they need cleaning. The rebound slide is a small rectangular bar containing a spring located behind the trigger and below and behind the hand. In particular, firearms are highly susceptible to rusting, mainly if you store them in closed storage that can inevitably produce moisture. Giving all of your weapons a thorough clean once a month, for instance, is a good way of keeping them all in good condition, and can actually be a fun activity if you set aside a lazy Sunday afternoon. Among the simplest ways of this process is to remove the ammunition. Only then can you guarantee that your firearms will work properly after cleaning. Once plunger is depressed fully, lever trigger guard assembly from frame. If one drop of oil is sufficient, 50 drops are not 50 times better. Through this, it will be easier for you to know which parts to pay more attention to because of fouling build-up. When your firearms can preserve better durability, they can surely last from generation to generation. Old toothbrushes, rags and cotton swabs are all useful aids for cleaning the rest of the gun. This means disassembly into its larger components such as the bolt assembly. Copyright 2023 Gun Safety Training Pros, Its crucial to clean your handgun so it maintains its value and functions properly. If you are shooting corrosive ammunition, or if the firearm is exposed to water, moisture or other damaging elements, you should always clean your gun as soon as possible. Firearms stored and not fired should be cleaned every 2-3 months with more frequent cleaning being desired and beneficial for the life and function of the firearm. The weather was cold and damp, and I didnt see any of the wild hogs I was hunting for, but it was rainy and drizzling lightly off and on so, even though I didnt fire a shot, I still cleaned my rifle when I got home. I once had a moment of mad ninja skills and snatched a spring from midair as it attempted to escape but since those instances are rarer than we all wish, take the time to ensure your springs stay where you want them.Step Eight:Remove the trigger. Now, going back to this traditional firearm cleaning method, the cleaning rods and bore brushes work with other cleaning supplies, such as cleaning jags, to push patches down the barrel for precise and thorough cleaning. Gun Safety Training Pros is committed to providing the finest. Old toothbrushes, rags and cotton swabs are all useful aids for cleaning the rest of the gun. One of the many benefits of disassembling the weapon is the opportunity to learn more about it. It is all about specific circumstances. You can happily say goodbye to that by using the best disposable gloves. Its not a fancy rifle; it has a synthetic stock and factory blued barrel topped with a Nikon ProStaff 4-12x40mm scope. I also clean my firearm after every use and once a month if it has not been used. When you have decided how regular your firearm cleaning will be, the next step is to secure and safe cleaning. Armed with this knowledgepun intendedyoull be able to clean and maintain your revolvers.Supplies: I'll illustrate the disassembly and cleaning procedures with a Smith & Wesson Model 686, which is built on the company's L-frame. Most modern firearms are designed to operate under adverse conditions which allows certain levels of fouling and carbon to accumulate without impacting function or reliability. When the screwdriver bits do not precisely fit the screw, they can easily slip and damage the gun. Thank you pertaining to revealing the feeling and make within the great work. Additional Tips Using the proper cleaning supplies and tools can preserve the firearms function, safety, and accuracy. Related TopicsGun Glossary for Beginners10 Hidden First Gun Costs, Your email address will not be published. See them below to know more: Disassembling a firearm is a familiar topic that you can frequently hear of. If the environment is benign (night stand, range bag/range and back to night stand) then not too often; IMO every 5k rounds for the frame and 10k for the slide. Truly, firing residues, dirt, rust, and other damaging contaminants are your firearms greatest enemy, especially in terms of lifespan and durability if they are left for too long in your firearms. Jason Holden is a US Marine Corps veteran and an SSI Assistant Instructor who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for seven years. In addition, you can disassemble your firearms at least once a month for deeper and more thorough cleaning. On firearms that are just being stored in a safe, ambient moisture in the air and humidity can cause some small rust spots to show up. Its always good to at least give your gun a quick once-over and wipe it down after you shoot. In fact, you can only disassemble firearms if you want to do a detailed and more thorough cleaning. In the end, it is alright if firearms should always be disassembled for cleaning. Therefore, before discovering if firearms should always be disassembled for cleaning, lets tackle more about the benefits of firearm cleaning because it is more than a duty of preventive maintenance procedure. Also, it should be among the basic tasks to know how to check on your firearms safely. Gun Safety Source is a participant in the Amazon LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Admittedly, many catastrophic outcomes can happen when you dont clean your firearm. Do not force the rebound slide straight up or you might damage the lever. However, it doesnt necessarily mean all the time because you can still clean your firearms without stripping them apart. We recommend you clean your carry gun at a 2-week interval and ensure that whenever you hit the shooting range with it, you would have cleaned it by the time you slip it back in its holster and carry it around. Worry not; the reality relies on how frequently you use your firearms and the type of ammunition you use. In such cases, the hand should stay within the trigger assembly, in part because its pins are holding a spring in place within the assembly. In addition, these firing particles left behind can also cause your firearms to experience an increased chance of misfiring which is entirely unsafe that can result in firearm accidents. Interestingly, the advantage of the bore snake kits can also be their limitations. Admittedly, many affecting circumstances of why there is no definite answer if it is bad not to clean your firearms after every shooting. Summary of field-stripping the Ruger Super Redhawk, a large-frame magnum revolver:1) The main spring assembly is removed by cocking the hammer and placing an appropriately-sized disassembly pin or nail into the hole at the base of the hammer strut. The most basic form of cleaning is a simple wipe down and exterior oiling. Occasionally after every use I cleaned my Firearm. A value-priced red dot with a full set of features. WebFirearms stored and not fired should be cleaned every 2-3 months with more frequent cleaning being desired and beneficial for the life and function of the firearm. A flashlight is another fantastic tool that can come in handy for your firearm cleaning needs. So, read on to learn more. Truly, this firearm cleaning advantage comes in handy when you are in a shooting range and you suddenly come across something wrong. What youd do is.. if you went SUPER crazy.. leave behind brass or aluminum fragments that will just get blasted out anyway.