Just bought a gun?
Getting a brand new firearm is exciting, and with the same excitement, you should perform the new gun rituals.
Well, I am not creeping you out by saying rituals. You don’t have to go wild on your thoughts. This is a task encouraged by many when you get yourself a fresh gun. And the task is to get your gun cleaned.
Cleaning a gun is not as difficult as it sounds, and I will help you through the process. I will guide you on how to clean a new gun and also mention the things you would be needing in the process.
Why Do You Need To Clean Your Gun Before First Use?
The first question that might pop up in your mind is that, ‘why it is asked to clean a new gun?’
It is a common question that is generally asked by many. So, don’t worry, you are not alone. There are a lot of people on the line asking the same.
If it’s a second-hand gun, you must go through a thorough cleaning procedure. Even if it is a fresh piece from the store, it is still best to get it cleaned. The professionals advise it for a valid reason.
You may get the gun as a nice and clean one without any spot, but it’s always better to be on the safe side. Talking about the second-hand guns, you never know when it was last cleaned. It is also a matter of fact if the gun has been cleaned thoroughly. It might still have its last owner’s fingerprints on it— who knows.
And as for the brand new ones, you might relax knowing it won’t be a dirty one, but they need attention too. It is because the gun factory treats the gun with certain grease to protect it from corrosion. This should be cleaned off when you get the gun in hand. A good clean and fresh lubrication will help the gun run smoothly.
Modern guns have different manufacturing procedures with compatible metal that might not require the factory grease for packing. However, it’s still better to give them a quick wipe before the first use.
A little time spent cleaning the gun won’t be that hard. It is best to start taking proper care from the very beginning.
(I would cover lists of cleaning kits, agents, and an easy-to-follow step-by-step process along with important tips and precautions.)
What Do You Need To Clean A New Gun
Usage of proper tools along with the right ingredients is always required to clean your gun.
The Gun Cleaning Kit
The first key item that you will be needing is the cleaning kit. A cleaning kit is a lifelong companion for your gun. Once you get it, this will be working for you from day one to forever. Doesn’t matter if you get an inexpensive one as long as they have the right tools in the set.
You need 5 basic tools in your cleaning kit.
Cleaning Rod: It is very easy to damage your gun while cleaning and this mostly happens due to the tool used. And cleaning rods are one such piece of equipment that can harm your gun. Hence it is always advised to get a cleaning rod of a softer metal. Cleaning rod of carbon fiber or aluminum— anyone is good to go.
Bore Brush: A bore brush is one of the extensions that is connected with the cleaning rod. It can be of nylon or bronze. It is used to break up any build-up inside the gun barrel. Given its slim structure, it can reach the inside of the barrel swiftly.
Cleaning Patches: Cleaning patches are small pieces of cloths that are mostly fiber-free. The patches are attached to the cleaning rod to clean. It can pass through the bore and clean the inside area without difficulty. Note that patches are for one-time use.
Luster Cloth / Silicone Gun and Reel Cloth: The luster cloth is not merely any cloth piece. It is a flannel cloth that is silicone impregnated. This is used to remove any remaining debris, including acid from fingerprints, and this can add a perfect shine to the gun.
Cotton Swabs: For the unreachable inner lining, cotton swabs are used. This is nothing unusual. It is the regular cotton swabs that we use in our daily life.
The Gun Cleaning Agents
You will be needing some cleaning agents for perfect cleaning. These chemicals are the regularly used ones for a gun cleaning session.
Solvents: The solvents are fluids that remove carbon, lead, and other debris from the bore. They are the liquids that the patches are soaked in.
Degreaser: A degreaser is another form of fluid that removes existing dirt and oil from the moving parts of a gun. This creates a fresh and clean surface for applying a lubricant.
Lubricant: The lubricant is the regular emollient for the machines that we know. The only thing is it is specifically for the guns. It helps lubricate parts of the gun and protects against rust.
7 Steps To Clean A New Gun
Now we can move to the steps of cleaning. Make sure you follow the steps and don’t break the order.
Step 1: The first step is to check the gun if it is unloaded properly. Make sure you double-check before starting to clean.
Step 2: Next, disassemble the gun. Follow the manufacturer’s given manual. This way you can easily disassemble the gun and without damaging it. You would be needing to get the chamber, barrel, frame, and bolt out.
Step 3: Using a regular cloth piece, wipe out the body and disassembled pieces. You can use cotton tips to clean the unreachable areas.
Step 4: Clean the barrel of the gun using the cleaning rod and patches. Cut the patches in the right sizes and soak them on the cleaning solvent. Using the cleaning rod push the solvent-soaked patch through the bore until it exits the other end.
Don’t try to pull it back. This action redeposits the junk back on the barrel. Take it out when it reaches the other opening end.
Step 5: If the patch comes out clean then you can proceed to lubricating. Otherwise, get the bore brush and run it back and forth through the barrel a couple of times. You can also use a bore snake for this task.
Step 6: After cleaning you have to lubricate. Wipe off the surfaces to get rid of extra solvent sticking on them. Then add a lubricating agent to the moving parts lightly.
Avoid heavy lubrication as it attracts debris and makes the gun dirty quickly. Then assemble the parts carefully.
Step 7: The last step is to wipe the gun holistically one last time. Use a luster cloth for this last stage. This helps in cleaning the leftover debris, including the added fingerprints while cleaning, and adds shine.
Tips And Precautions For Cleaning A New Gun
Cleaning can seem to be an easy task, but it is always better to be on your toes. Some small tips can make cleaning safer and easier.
Follow The Owner’s Manual
The manual is the best help you can get for a new gun. It can give you all the information you need for the gun including the details about disassembling, cleaning and maintenance. You can learn about the working mechanism to safely handle it. It is best to follow the manual for using a new gun to avoid unwanted damages.
Prepare Your Supplies And Area Of Work
Before starting the work of cleaning, it is better to choose a designated working place. The place where you can disassemble your gun and put the parts around without losing any. Many advise cleaning the gun leaving an open window but it is just for you to not have breathing difficulty while using the solvents. You do not have to do the cleaning work outdoors.
Make Sure The Firearm Is Empty
It is the first and most important task. When starting to clean the gun make sure it is emptied. Even after removing the magazine, there can be a round ready to fire in the barrel. So always double-check and inspect every area.
Inspect The Gun In The Meantime
While you’re cleaning a gun, do not just indulge yourself just to cleaning. Inspect all the parts for defects or signs of wear. In case you get any take the gun to a gunsmith.
Final Words
Telling the truth, it’s a huge debate whether to clean a new gun or not. Some find it an extra headache when others think of it as a first duty once you get your gun at hand.
Nonetheless, knowing about the benefits you have from a clean gun, I think it’s best to get it cleaned. There is no harm in care, and for the gun you just bought, it’s worth the hard work.
So, I will suggest you spare a little time for your new mate and give it a quick ‘ritual’.
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