5 Simple Steps to Keeping Your Guns Clean

1: Get the right tools

Any craftsman will tell you, the right tool makes the job much easier. As for me, I like to keep things simple. Here are just a few tools I like to keep handy.

Bore snake — This allows you to clean your bore or barrel with one swipe. Instead of using a rod and wipes, this keeps the process simple. Just put some cleaner on the snake or in the barrel, drop the string through and pull. If you google “bore snake” you will have a myriad of options to choose from.

Power drill with brush attachments — I competed with a Beretta 391 semi automatic. This gas operated gun would get pretty dirty (probably because I didn’t make time for cleaning it) but the gun is a work horse. It just gets the job done. That being said, I tried to make it a point to clean it at least every three to six months. Needless to say, it was pretty messy, so a drill with a copper wire brush made cleaning it so easy. I highly recommend this.

Shop towels — No garage or shop is compete without a roll of shop towels. They’re durable and disposable.

Copper and plastic brushes — Even if you have a power drill with brushes, sometimes you need the hand brushes. They’re great to have for trigger groups, or nooks and crannies.

Leatherman or multi-tool — This tool goes with me everywhere. It’s saved my behind more than once. From the time a pipe burst in my wall, to the time when my recoil spring rod snapped and I needed something to pull the pin out to replace it. Keep this one in your range bag and you’ll likely be surprised how handy it is.

Firearm specific tools — Every gun has its own unique design. Make sure you have any tools that are needed for its specific parts. They usually come with it at purchase, but don’t always count on it.

All in one cleaning kits — If you’re just getting started, this is a great place to do so. A cleaning kit you can get at Wal-Mart, Cabelas, Scheels, etc. will go a long ways.

2: Get the right cleaners and lubricants

Hoppes — A co-worker of mine once said, “there’s nothing better than cleaning your guns and getting high on hoppes.” I wouldn’t recommend the “getting high” part by any means, but it sure is funny. Hoppes is awesome, and it gets the job done.

Froglube — From their solvent to their CLP Froglube is great. Its one of my favorites to keep around.

As a side note, keep in mind the temperatures your guns are stored at. Froglube and most other types of grease or pasty types of lube will freeze or become very sticky in any type of cold weather. Causing your firearm to also be sticky and slow. Hoppes tends to be a little more lenient in regards to the weather conditions. Keep this in mind as you store and maintain your firearms.

Brake kleen from the automotive store — I only use this for cleaning out trigger groups, or internal bolts or gas pistons, anywhere there is plastic or carbon buildup. It works great, just not on anything you would call a collectible. It is obviously a harsh cleaner, so be careful where you apply it. Like I said, try to keep it to internal parts only.

3: Know your firearms in and out

Know how your gun breaks down, what to do and not to do, etc. Your firearm is a tool, and just like any tool, it can wear down and break. Cleaning your firearm is the time to check all of these things. Know how to spot a broken part, how to replace it, and how it is removed and re-installed. Any time you are cleaning your firearms, double check your functionality. I cant tell you how many times I’ve gone to clean my shotgun and found a broken or cracked spring. Shooting 10,000+ rounds a year takes a toll on a semi auto.

In addition to knowing your firearms mechanics, you need to keep some spare parts on hand. Springs and rods are usually my biggest culprits for my shotgun. Spare parts keep you going in the battle, or in my case, tournaments.

4: Know the status of your firearms

This one is a bonus question: If you looked in your safe right now, would you know which ones are loaded or not? Which ones have full mags but not one in the chamber? Or how about your EDC pistol? Is it ready to go? Or does it have an empty chamber? You should know this always. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you’re putting it in the safe, it shouldn’t be loaded with one in the chamber. Full mag, sure, chamber, no. At least thats my opinion. Some may disagree and that’s fine. The bottom line here is know when your gun is loaded or not. This one is more about safety than anything.

So, back to cleaning your firearms. When was the last time you went shooting? Has it been a few months or a few days? Did you have any issues? How long has it been since you cleaned it? Is there any other maintenance that needs to be done? (Springs, pins, etc.) All of these questions should be asked consistently.

5: Get it done

Just like anything else, it is easy to put off, but in the long run is worthwhile. Just do it. I find it relaxing and enjoyable. You may not, but I promise that you’ll appreciate it later. Especially if you are a concealed firearms carrier. The last thing you need in that moment of need is a jammed pistol.

While I may not have covered every detail of cleaning your firearm, it is a good list of tips and things I have learned over the years. Comment below or share your favorite cleaning tips. As the saying goes, “theres more than one way to skin a cat.”

Bud Heaton

P.S. For you shotgun shooters our there, if you have not picked up my 7 Exercises You Can do at Home guide, you can get it by clicking here. It will help you smooth out your mount and swing with the targets.