Keeping your gun clean and safe to use requires knowing what can hinder your progress. Here are mistakes with cleaning guns and how to avoid them.
Gun ownership is not for everyone. Guns are inherently dangerous tools that have the ability to permanently alter or end someone’s life. If you’re going to own one, you need to accept the responsibility that comes with cleaning guns.
However, responsible gun ownership also entails the proper care and maintenance of your firearms. Like a car or home, they will only continue to function efficiently if they’re well maintained.
But before you start disassembling your weapons, let’s talk about some mistakes with cleaning guns. Keep reading for four things you’ll want to avoid.
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Not Ensuring the Weapon is Clear
One of the most dangerous mistakes with cleaning guns is failing to ensure the weapon is clear and safe. To avoid accidentally discharging the firearm, ensure the safety is on.
Then, while keeping your finger off the trigger, release the magazine. Next, pull back the slide or bolt to verify the chamber is empty.
Once the weapon is clear, you can begin disassembling it.
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Not Using the Proper Cleaning Tools
There are countless types of guns, many of them calling for their own unique cleaning tools. You can buy gun cleaning kits that come with all the attachments you need for handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc.
Not using the right attachment could fail to clean the barrel properly. You also need to avoid scratching the inside of the barrel where the rifling grooves are.
Furthermore, you need the right tools for cleaning gun parts. Depending on the weapon, you might need specialized cleaning accessories to ensure you’re getting into all the nooks and crannies of the weapon parts.
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Not Knowing How to Disassemble and Reassemble the Weapon
One of the most common mistakes with cleaning guns is not knowing how to properly disassemble the weapon. Unfortunately, this leads some gun owners into cleaning the weapon without taking it apart. This results in an improper cleaning which will reduce the weapon’s performance over time.
In most cases, taking a gun apart is much easier than putting it back together. Make sure you remember how it all fits back together.
You can also use YouTube for a visual tutorial on how to reassemble your firearm. Otherwise, check out the Gun Room for more cleaning and safety tips.
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Not Cycling the Weapon to Ensure Proper Function
Finally, when you complete the process of cleaning all the gun parts, make sure you oil everything up with the proper gun oil. This will ensure smooth functioning.
Once everything is oiled and reassembled, don’t make one of the common mistakes with cleaning guns – failing to cycle the weapon. Cycling the weapon multiple times will help distribute the oil. More importantly, it will verify that you put everything back together correctly.
Make Sure You’re Avoiding These Mistakes With Cleaning Guns
As noted above, guns can be dangerous, but they don’t have to be. Through safe gun cleaning and proper handling, you can avoid unnecessary accidents and injuries. Make sure you’re avoiding the mistake with cleaning guns listed above.
And if you’re looking for more hobby ideas, lifestyle advice, or cleaning hacks, stick around. Browse through some of our other articles before you go to learn more about hobbies, finances, and more.
