You might be surprised to learn that when brand-new guns leave the factory, they’re not quite ready to be used. Some arrive without any lubrication, while others are coated in a protective layer that’s great for preventing corrosion but not so much for operation. And let's not forget about the factory grease that can be all over the external parts of your gun, which could affect your grip. Just like a new car, you need to properly grease and clean your firearm to ensure everything is as smooth as possible. In this blog, we'll show you how.
Why Clean Your New Gun Before Its First Use?
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So, you’ve just got your hands on a brand-new carry gun. It’s shiny and ready to shoot... or is it? Even though it’s fresh from the factory, cleaning it before you use it is crucial. But why exactly do you need to do this? Let’s dive into the reasons:
1) To Remove Protective Coatings
New firearms are usually shipped with a layer of protective packing grease or oil to prevent rust and damage during transit. This stuff is great for storage but not ideal for firing. It can be too thick, affecting the smooth operation of moving parts, which might lead to the gun not working properly.
2) Check for Manufacturing Debris
It’s rare, but sometimes small pieces of metal or other debris from the manufacturing process might end up inside the gun. Cleaning your gun gives you the opportunity to get rid of these bits before they can lead to wear or cause the gun to jam.
3) Familiarize Yourself with Your Gun
Cleaning guns isn’t just about maintenance; it’s also a great way to get to know your new firearm. As you disassemble, clean, and reassemble it, you’ll learn how it works. This knowledge is priceless for all gun owners.
4) Spot Any Potential Issues
Finally, cleaning your gun before the first use allows you to inspect it closely for any defects or issues that might have slipped past quality control. It's a great chance to make sure everything is as it should be and working properly before you begin shooting.
How to Clean Your New Gun
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Before you hit the gun range, let’s walk through the steps to properly clean it. This is a crucial part of gun ownership. Here’s how you do it:
- Check If it's Unloaded: Always start by making sure your gun is unloaded. Remove the magazine, open the action, and visually inspect the chamber to ensure there are no rounds present. It’s crucial to treat every gun as if it’s loaded until you’ve confirmed it’s not.
- Disassemble Your Gun: Refer to your gun owners manual for specific instructions on how to safely disassemble it. Most guns only require partial disassembly for basic cleaning. For complete cleaning, you'll need to completely disassemble your gun.
- Clean the Barrel: Use a bore brush attached to a cleaning rod to scrub the inside of the barrel. Run the brush through the barrel several times to loosen up the residue. Next, attach a clean patch to the rod and pass it through the barrel to wipe it out. Repeat with new patches until they come out clean. Finally, apply a thin layer of gun oil to a clean patch and pass it through the barrel to lubricate it.
- Clean the Action: Using a gun cleaning solvent, apply a small amount to a cleaning brush or a clean cloth, and gently scrub the moving parts of the action. This includes the bolt, slide rails, recoil spring, or any other parts that move when the gun operates. Wipe them down with a clean cloth to remove any loosened residue and dirt.
- Reassemble Your Gun: Once all the parts are clean and lubricated, follow your manual’s instructions to reassemble your gun.
- Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a clean cloth with a bit of gun oil to wipe down the exterior surfaces of your gun. You might need to do a few cycles of cleaning to ensure there's no gunk present.
- Function Check: After reassembling your gun, perform a function check according to your gun owner's manual to ensure everything is working correctly.
Do's and Don'ts When Cleaning a New Gun
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Cleaning your gun is essential, but doing it the right way is just as important. Here’s a simple guide on what you should and shouldn’t do when cleaning your new firearm:
Do:
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in a good quality gun cleaning kit. Using the correct brushes, rods, and solvents will make the cleaning process more efficient and prevent damage to your firearm.
- Clean in a Well-Ventilated Area: Gun cleaning solvents can be harmful if inhaled in large amounts. Always clean your gun in a well-ventilated area to avoid exposure to toxic fumes.
- Wear Gloves: To protect your skin from harsh chemicals and prevent oils from your skin from contaminating the metal surfaces, wear gloves while cleaning your gun.
Don't:
- Don't Use Excessive Oil: While lubrication is important, too much oil can attract dirt and debris, leading to a gunky buildup. Use just enough to cover the necessary parts lightly.
- Don't Disregard Safety: Even when disassembling and cleaning, always handle your gun as if it were loaded. Never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Don’t Use Household Cleaners: Household cleaning products aren’t formulated for firearms and can damage the metal and finishes. Stick to products designed for gun cleaning.
Should You Clean Your Gun After Use?
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Yes, you should clean your gun every time you use it.
Cleaning gets rid of the gunk left behind from shooting, which helps your gun work better and shoot accurately. It also lets you check for any signs of wear or damage, allowing you to address small issues before they become bigger problems. Moreover, a clean gun is a reliable one; keeping all parts free from debris. Finally, regular cleaning is a key part of protecting your investment. Guns are valuable, and maintaining yours in good condition can extend its lifespan significantly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?
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It depends on how often you use it. If you shoot regularly, cleaning your gun after every use is best. This keeps it in top shape and prevents issues from buildup or wear. But, if you don’t use your gun often, a good rule is to give it a thorough clean every few months, even if it's just sitting in storage. Over time, dust and moisture can still affect its condition.
Summary
Cleaning your new gun before the first use and after each session at the range, ensures it runs smoothly and lasts longer. How often you clean depends on use—regular shooters should clean after each use, while occasional users can do so every few months.
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