Keep your Handgun Clean
You’ve taken the time to purchase a handgun that fits you and your shooting style. You’ve taken your firearms safety course and gotten your concealed weapons permit so that you can carry and defend yourself, your family and your property. Now it only makes sense to keep your weapon in good working order so that it will work if you should ever have the need to
defend yourself.
In order for a firearm to function properly when you most need to fire the gun it must be clean and well maintained. Even if you do not fire your hand gun often, dust and humidity can get in the barrel which will impair your handgun and you’ll risk a misfire or other serious problem. Regular cleaning is imperative to keep your handgun in reliable working order.
Cleaning a firearm is a simple process and does not require many steps. To begin you will need the following supplies: oil, cloth patches, cleaning rod, cleaning brush (tooth brushes work well), and cleaning solvents. Handgun cleaning kits are normally available that have all these supplies in one handy kit and they will be made for the correct caliber of your handgun.
Once you have your supplies and are prepared to get to work lay out everything you will need on a large table or work bench with adequate space and good ventilation to protect yourself from the solvent fumes. Cover the table with a soft, lint-free towel that will protect your quipment while you are cleaning. Remove your firearm from its holster or carrying case and remove the magazine, empty the chamber and ensure that the firearm is unloaded. If you can
disassemble the firearm then do so at this time for easier cleaning. When you have disassembled your firearm use the brush and cleaning solvent to clean the handgun and wipe off all dirt, dust and grease with an old rag. Use a cleaning rod with the cloth patch attached in the correct size for the caliber of your handgun to clean the barrel by running the cloth patch through the barrel. Using a new clean cloth patch each time, continue to run the patches through the barrel until the patch comes out the opposite side of the barrel clean. Finally, use a small amount of oil on all moving parts of your handgun and wipe off any excess oil prior to reassembling. Return your handgun to its holster or carrying case for storage.
With regular cleaning and maintenance you will have many years of worry free use for your firearm. Get into the habit of regularly cleaning all of your firearms to protect them from damage due to dirt, dust and humidity.
