| As any gun owner knows, proper care means | | | | Now it is time to begin the cleaning process. Dip |
| regular cleaning of the basic gun parts. For the | | | | the brush or toothbrush in the chemical cleaning |
| novice, this may seem like an intimidating task, | | | | solvent and clean the inside of the cylinder and |
| but by following the proper steps, the gun can be | | | | gun frame. Although these areas may be dirty, |
| cleaned safely and effectively. The guide below | | | | with proper and consistent cleaning, they will not |
| walks gun owners through the basics of cleaning | | | | have an excessive build up of dirt and debris. |
| gun parts, but it is always best to follow any | | | | After scrubbing, wipe the areas with a clean, dry |
| special instructions provided by the gun's | | | | rag to remove the dirt and chemical cleaner. |
| manufacturer. | | | | Step 5 |
| Step 1 | | | | Attach a cleaning patch to the end of the cleaning |
| Unload the gun. Before doing anything else, make | | | | rod using a clip provided. Soak the cleaning patch |
| sure that the gun is completely unloaded. Check | | | | with gun chemical cleaning solvent until it is |
| the chamber and the barrel to make sure that it | | | | saturated, but not dripping. Slowly push the rod |
| is free and clear of bullets. Never skip this most | | | | into the barrel, cleaning the inside of the gun as it |
| important first step. | | | | is pushed through. Replace the dirty, wet cleaning |
| Step 2 | | | | patch with a clean one and soak it with solvent |
| Move to a well-ventilated work area with a large, | | | | when the rod pokes through the other end of the |
| flat surface to work on. The gun chemicals that | | | | barrel. Continue cleaning the barrel this way, |
| will be used for cleaning have a strong odor, so | | | | replacing the cleaning patch each time it comes |
| proper ventilation is a must. The table or | | | | through the barrel. It may take four or five times |
| workbench should be covered by a soft cloth | | | | before the barrel is completely clean and a dry |
| where the gun can be taken apart without worry | | | | patch slides through with no residue left on it. |
| of scratching or damage. | | | | Step 6 |
| Step 3 | | | | The final step is to lubricate the gun parts with |
| Take out the gun cleaning kit designed for the | | | | the oil that came in the cleaning kit. Attach a |
| type of gun being cleaned along with a supply of | | | | fresh cleaning patch to the end of the cleaning |
| clean rags. There are different cleaning kits for | | | | rod, soak it in oil and slide it into the gun's barrel |
| different types of guns. If you own more than | | | | and back out again. Then, using a clean rag, apply |
| one type of firearm, there are also cleaning kits | | | | a small amount of oil to the moving parts of the |
| that are made to work with a variety of gun | | | | gun, testing them along the way to make sure |
| types. They are called Universal Cleaning kits and | | | | that they are in good working order. |
| can usually be found at any gun or hunting supply | | | | Once the gun is cleaned, put away the gun |
| store. The basic pieces of the cleaning kit include | | | | chemicals and work cloth. Take the time to store |
| the following: a gun chemical cleaning solvent, oil | | | | things neatly, so that the next time the gun is |
| for lubrication, a cleaning rod with clips and cleaning | | | | ready to be cleaned they can be easily found. Gun |
| patches. Some kits also include a small brush, but | | | | care is about being meticulous, patient and sticking |
| a toothbrush will work just as well. | | | | to a routine. With the proper care and cleaning, a |
| Step 4 | | | | gun can last a lifetime. |