Proper Care and Storage of Your Firearms

Written By John Crews

Maintaining and storing firearms correctly is essential for ensuring their longevity, reliability, and safety. Proper care not only enhances the performance of your firearms but also protects against damage from environmental factors and misuse. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for and store your firearms safely.

Importance of Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining a firearm's functionality and safety. While using your firearm, unburnt powder, carbon, metal shavings and other debris can work its way into every nook and cranny. Obstructions and residue buildup can lead to malfunctions, excessive wear, poor performance and safety hazards. Regular cleaning removes these unnecessary items from the firearm.

Two Types of Cleaning

After each shooting session your firearm should be field stripped (per your weapons manufacturers standard guidelines), cleaned and lubed. This can be done by you and shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes. Many people don’t bother cleaning after each range session. But if you carry your gun for self defense, cleaning and lubing gives you the opportunity to inspect the weapon and ensure that it will function when you need it.

Depending on the number of rounds fired, along with the amount of time since the last detail strip and clean, periodically you should take your firearm to a trained armorer or gunsmith. They should completely disassemble and thoroughly clean all those nooks and crannies we talked about earlier. Carbon and unburnt powder, combined with lubricant, can become a thick and sometimes rock-hard paste that can hinder the function of your gun.

Note: Trust me when I say this; Don’t try this yourself if you are untrained. I have had many customers bring me a bag of parts asking me to put the gun back together after they tried and failed. It is always more expensive this way.

Cleaning Routine

1. Frequency: Clean your firearm after each use, or at least every few months if not used frequently.
2. Tools Required: Acquire a quality cleaning kit suitable for your specific firearm type, which typically includes:

  • Cleaning rod

  • Bore brush

  • Jag or patch holder

  • Cleaning patches

  • Solvent

  • Lubricant

  • Cloths

  • Gun scrubber

3. Steps to Clean:

  • Clear your weapon: I can’t emphasize this enough. . .Make sure your gun is unloaded.

  • Field Strip: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for disassembling your firearm.

  • Clean Barrel: Insert a bore brush soaked in solvent from the chamber end, if possible. Push all the way through - all the way back. Followed by cleaning patches until they come out clean.

  • Clean Action and Other Parts: Use a brush and cloth with solvent to clean the action, slide, and other components.

  • Lubricate: Apply lubricant sparingly to moving parts to prevent rust and ensure proper function.

  • Reassemble: Once dry, reassemble your firearm and ensure it functions smoothly.

Proper Lubrication

Why Lubricate?

Lubrication prevents friction during operation, reduces wear, and protects against rust.

Lubrication Guidelines

  • Use firearms-specific lubricants. Make sure to use a lubricant rated for the temperature range you will experience. Cold weather makes oil thicker and can cause malfunctions. Thinner oils can run away and must be refreshed more often.

  • Apply only a small amount to moving parts to avoid attracting dust and debris.

  • Regularly check lubrication levels to ensure optimal performance.

Safe Storage

Storing Firearms

1. Secure Storage Devices: Use a gun safe, locked cabinet, or dedicated locking/secure gun case. Ensure its adequately secured and cannot be easily accessed by unauthorized individuals, especially children.

2. Environmental Considerations:

  • Temperature and Humidity: Store firearms in a cool, dry environment. Humidity levels should be kept low to prevent rust. Use desiccants or dehumidifiers, if necessary.

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Excessive heat and light can damage finishes and materials over time.

  • Avoid moisture collecting surfaces: Don’t store guns touching fabric, fleece, foam or leather. These materials collect moisture and cause rust wherever they touch metal.

3. Storage Preparation:

  • Ensure firearms are clean and dry before storing them.

  • For long-term storage, consider applying a protective coating of oil to metal surfaces to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Ammunition Storage

  • Store ammunition separately from firearms in a dry, locked container.

  • Always label ammunition containers with specifications (caliber, date purchased, etc.) for easy identification.

Regular Inspections

Conduct regular inspections of your firearms, at least monthly, even when not in use. Check for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Look for signs of rust or residue that may accumulate over time, and take corrective actions promptly.

Conclusion

Proper care and storage of your firearms are vital for ensuring their performance and safety. By following the guidelines outlined above, firearm owners can protect their investments and ensure they are ready for use whenever needed. Regular maintenance, secure storage practices, and vigilance will contribute not only to the longevity of your firearms but also to the safety of those around you.

John Crews
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