Our firearms serve us in various ways. The most important of those is their ability to provide us with protection from lethal threats. While they can provide us with hours of enjoyment on the range, once we return to society, they take on a much more serious role. For us to have ultimate faith in our firearms, though, we must consistently maintain them. We need to understand the importance of gun cleaning.

As a Gun Owner You Need To Understand The Importance Of Gun Cleaning

Some see gun cleaning as an annoying chore that they avoid at all costs. To exacerbate the issue, urban legends regarding gun cleaning have developed over the years. This is especially true with striker-fired guns. The cliché is that Glocks do not really need to be cleaned because they are super reliable. While the Glock does indeed have great resistance to dust and carbon, it is still a mechanical device that needs regular maintenance.

Ultimately, the question is, would you bet your life on that gun should the worst-case scenario take place? This presents the maintenance and cleaning of our firearms in a profoundly serious light. I am here to tell you, though, that regular maintenance of your firearm can be enjoyable and educational. Many people find the process relaxing and almost meditative.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your weapon not only improves reliability but also extends the gun’s lifespan. This is important, as many people invest a significant amount of money in their guns. A well-maintained gun can last generations. When we spend time at the range, our guns naturally accumulate residual fouling, which consists of particles from the bullet and burnt gunpowder that accumulates in the barrel and action. Throw into that our lube collecting debris and dust, and the gun quickly can become a mess.

This build-up over time can affect the gun’s ability to fire and cycle and can ultimately lead to a trip to a gunsmith. An unwelcomed collection of gunk in our gun can also greatly affect accuracy. Fouling in the barrel interferes with the weapon’s ability to reliably rotate the bullet consistently, making target practice less enjoyable. In a personal defense situation, accuracy is crucial, and we must ensure our gun is up to the challenge.

Understand Your Gun

One of the overlooked benefits of regular gun maintenance is gaining a deeper understanding of how it works. Getting a detailed look at the inner workings of your gun helps you to understand how it runs. I have found this to be invaluable knowledge, especially with newer shooters. While it may be difficult to explain, I have found that people tend to have increased comfort and confidence with their guns once they disassemble and reassemble them.

For those new to gun maintenance, there are a few essential steps that should be part of your routine. First, consult the owner’s manual for your gun. While it is a running joke that people do not read owner’s manuals of any kind, it is important when it comes to your gun. Disassembling your gun and then putting it back together without proper directions can not only be frustrating but also lead to a gun that does not function properly.

The next step is to set up your cleaning area. Find a quiet location that is free from distractions. It should also have good lighting and ventilation.  Some gun cleaning solutions can be harsh on the nose, so fresh air is a must. On that note, a growing number of cleaning and lubrication solutions are now non-toxic and environmentally friendly. You can use a table or bench as long as you have plenty of room to work. I also suggest using a neoprene cleaning mat to protect the surface you are working on. I encourage you to use a magnetic bowl or plate to place your parts on. Many a gun owner has launched into an expletive rich tirade when they have small parts launched off the bench, never to be found again.

Make Sure It Is Unloaded

One part of the importance of gun cleaning is safety. The final step we must take before we start to break down our gun is to make sure it is unloaded. One of the four firearms safety rules is to assume all firearms are loaded. History is full of people who negligently discharged their firearms during disassembly because they broke this rule. You should remove the magazine and then clear the chamber. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty, then insert a finger into the magazine well to confirm that no magazine is present. I suggest you go one step further and remove any ammunition or loaded magazines from your cleaning area.

Once you are safe to proceed, break the gun down and start the cleaning process. It is essential to inspect every part of the gun thoroughly during cleaning for damage and excessive wear. This is yet another benefit of regular maintenance. Finding issues with the internal components of your gun before they become a serious problem is priceless. In many cases, a replacement part can be ordered online and at your door in a matter of days. It is much better to discover a potential issue during cleaning than to have the gun fail when it is absolutely needed. 

Lubricate and Test

The final two things to do after cleaning are to lubricate and function test the gun. Gun lubrication is an area full of myth and misunderstanding. Once again, I will refer to Glock and the urban myths surrounding its need for lube. The cliché is that they do not need lube or that they can be “over lubed.” Both of these are nonsense. What is true is that certain guns require more lubrication than others, but all guns require lube. 1911s, for example, require quite a bit of lube, while most striker-fired guns require less. Your owner’s manual will provide you with detailed instructions on not only how much lube you need but also where the critical areas are.

Lastly, we need to do a function check. This will confirm that the gun is reassembled properly and in good working order. Once again, we refer to the owner’s manual to follow the manufacturer’s directions for safety and function checks.

The Importance of Gun Cleaning

Cleaning and maintaining your firearms are responsibilities we need to embrace as responsible gun owners. Along with the benefit of improving performance and prolonging its life, regular maintenance helps make the gun reliable. This is critical to any gun that we may one day have to trust our lives to. Go ahead and dive right in. I believe you will find it much more enjoyable than you once thought.