How to Clean your Firearm

How to Clean your Firearm: A Comprehensive Guide for Gun Owners

Proper firearm maintenance is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. Whether you're a competitive shooter, hunter, law enforcement professional, or a firearms enthusiast; maintaining your weapons will ensure they serve you well for years to come. Regular cleaning removes dirt, carbon buildup, and moisture that can compromise your weapon. At ArmsUnlimited.com, we offer a wide range of top-tier cleaning products to keep your firearms in peak condition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions for cleaning each type of firearm, ensuring you have the knowledge to maintain your investment.
Why Cleaning Your Firearm Matters
 
Before diving into the "how-to," let’s cover why firearm cleaning is non-negotiable:
  • Safety: A dirty gun can misfire or jam, posing risks to the shooter.
  • Accuracy: Residue buildup affects barrel performance, reducing precision.
  • Durability: Corrosion from moisture or neglect shortens your firearm’s lifespan.
With the right tools from ArmsUnlimited.com—like bore brushes, cleaning rods, and gun oils—you can protect your firearm and keep it ready for action. Now, let’s explore how to clean each type of gun.
General Firearm Cleaning Supplies
 
For all firearms, gather these essentials (available at ArmsUnlimited.com):
  • Cleaning rod and attachments (bore brush, jag, patch holder)
  • Bore cleaner/solvent
  • Gun oil or lubricant
  • Cleaning patches or cloths
  • Nylon brush and picks
  • Gloves (optional, to keep hands clean)
  • A well-ventilated workspace
Always ensure your firearm is unloaded before cleaning—remove all ammunition from the area.
How to Clean a Revolver
 
Revolvers are classic firearms with a simple design, making them straightforward to clean.
Steps:
  1. Unload the Revolver: Open the cylinder and remove all rounds. Double-check it’s empty.
  2. Disassemble (if needed): Some revolvers allow removal of the cylinder—consult your manual.
  3. Clean the Barrel: Attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod, apply solvent, and run it through the barrel from the chamber end (not the muzzle) several times. Switch to a jag with a patch and repeat until patches come out clean.
  4. Clean the Cylinder: Use a solvent-soaked brush to scrub each chamber, then wipe with patches.
  5. Wipe Exterior: Use a cloth with solvent to remove grime from the frame, then apply a light coat of gun oil.
  6. Lubricate: Apply a drop of oil to moving parts like the cylinder release and trigger mechanism.
  7. Reassemble and Inspect: Ensure everything functions smoothly.
Pro Tip: Stock up on revolver cleaning kits at ArmsUnlimited.com for tailored tools.
How to Clean a Semi-Automatic Pistol
Semi-automatic pistols, like Glocks or 1911s, require attention to the slide, barrel, and magazine well.
Steps:
  1. Unload the Pistol: Remove the magazine and rack the slide to eject any chambered round.
  2. Field Strip: Disassemble per your manual (typically slide, barrel, recoil spring, and frame).
  3. Clean the Barrel: Run a solvent-soaked bore brush through the barrel from the chamber end, then use patches until clean.
  4. Scrub the Slide: Use a nylon brush with solvent to clean the slide rails and breech face.
  5. Clean the Frame: Wipe down the magazine well and scrub the trigger assembly.
  6. Lubricate: Apply gun oil to the slide rails, barrel hood, and contact points.
  7. Reassemble: Put it back together and perform a function check.
 
How to Clean a Semi-Automatic Rifle
 
AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles have complex internals that demand thorough cleaning.
Steps:
  1. Unload the Rifle: Remove the magazine and clear the chamber.
  2. Disassemble: Separate the upper and lower receivers, remove the bolt carrier group (BCG), and detach the barrel if possible.
  3. Clean the Barrel: Use a cleaning rod with a bore brush and solvent, running it from chamber to muzzle. Follow with patches.
  4. Clean the BCG: Scrub the bolt, firing pin, and carrier with solvent, then wipe dry.
  5. Wipe the Chamber: Use a chamber brush to remove carbon buildup.
  6. Lubricate: Apply oil to the BCG, charging handle, and buffer spring.
  7. Reassemble: Reattach components and test the action.
 
How to Clean a Bolt-Action Rifle
 
Bolt-action rifles, often used for precision shooting, need meticulous barrel care.
Steps:
  1. Unload the Rifle: Remove the magazine (if detachable) and open the bolt to ensure it’s clear.
  2. Remove the Bolt: Follow your manual to take out the bolt.
  3. Clean the Barrel: Run a solvent-soaked bore brush from chamber to muzzle, then use patches until clean.
  4. Clean the Bolt: Wipe down the bolt face and lugs with solvent.
  5. Wipe the Receiver: Remove dust and residue with a cloth.
  6. Lubricate: Lightly oil the bolt and trigger mechanism.
  7. Reassemble: Replace the bolt and check functionality.
 
How to Clean a Semi-Automatic Shotgun
 
Semi-automatic shotguns, like the Beretta A300, require attention to the gas system and barrel.
Steps:
  1. Unload the Shotgun: Clear the chamber and remove any shells from the magazine tube.
  2. Disassemble: Break it down into barrel, gas system, bolt, and receiver (per manual).
  3. Clean the Barrel: Use a shotgun-specific bore brush with solvent, then patches from chamber to muzzle.
  4. Clean the Gas System: Scrub pistons and ports to remove carbon buildup.
  5. Wipe the Bolt: Clean and lubricate the bolt and firing pin.
  6. Lubricate: Apply oil to the gas system and bolt rails.
  7. Reassemble: Put it back together and cycle the action.
 
How to Clean a Pump-Action Shotgun
 
Pump-action shotguns, like the Remington 870, are rugged but need regular upkeep.
Steps:
  1. Unload the Shotgun: Empty the chamber and magazine tube.
  2. Disassemble: Remove the barrel and, if needed, the trigger group (check manual).
  3. Clean the Barrel: Run a bore brush with solvent through the barrel, followed by patches.
  4. Clean the Action: Wipe down the pump slide and magazine tube.
  5. Scrub the Receiver: Use a brush to clean inside the receiver.
  6. Lubricate: Oil the pump action rails and bolt.
  7. Reassemble: Reattach components and test the pump.
 
Final Tips for Firearm Cleaning Success
  • Frequency: Clean after every range session or if stored for long periods.
  • Storage: Use a gun safe and silica packs to prevent rust.
  • Quality Products: Shop ArmsUnlimited.com for solvents, oils, and tools trusted by professionals.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your revolver, pistol, rifle, or shotgun performing at its best. Whether you’re a hunter, competitor, or enthusiast, proper firearm cleaning enhances reliability and safety.
Shop Firearm Cleaning Supplies at ArmsUnlimited.com
Ready to tackle gun maintenance like a pro? Visit ArmsUnlimited.com for cleaning kits, bore snakes, and lubricants designed for every firearm type. Keep your guns pristine and shop today!