At some point, many people decide to purchase a firearm for home and personal protection. It might happen when you turn 21. It might cross your mind long after retirement when you realize you’re not as spry as you once were. It may be once you have a child and understand that you’re responsible for the baby’s safety. Perhaps it will be after your job transfers you to a rough neighborhood.
No matter when you decide to become a first-time gun buyer, it’s important to know the fundamentals and have a plan in place. A firearm comes with many strings attached. Here are important tips and suggestions for first-time handgun buyers.
Here at Sportsman's Finest believe in safe, sane, and rational approaches to firearms, and we think more people should learn the basics, even if just to understand this often misunderstood world. This is the ultimate one-page guide that covers all the basics, along with practical tips for you to get started.
Before we begin, it is important that we speak on gun handling and gun safety. Accidental shooting death statistics can be a sobering reminder of mortality, but they are important in promoting prevention and safety measures. Many Americans keep guns in the home. Some simple precautions and proper gun safety can help lower the likelihood of a gun-related accident.
The 4 Rules Of Gun Safety
The fundamental Sportsman's Finest rules for gun safety are:
1. All Guns Are Always Loaded.
The purpose of this rule is to develop safe habits. Even if you are home and are absolutely sure your gun is unloaded, you may develop unsafe habits that creep into when you’re on the range with a loaded weapon.
If you get used to swinging your gun around like an action movie in your room, you might accidentally do it at the range.
Always check yourself to see if a firearm is really unloaded before things such as handling or transportation. Even if someone says it is empty/clear, still check it yourself.
Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. When not in use, firearms and ammunition should be secured in a safe place, separate from each other. It is your responsibility to prevent children and unauthorized adults from gaining access to firearms or ammunition.
2. Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction.
This is the most basic safety rule. If the firearm can fire, assume it will fire, and make sure it goes off into a safe direction. This means no playful pointing at other people and also being careful of where the front of the gun “sweeps.”
Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction.
Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing at all times, and be sure that you are in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. This is your responsibility, and only you can control it.
3. Keep Your Fingers Off The Trigger Until Your Sights Are On The Target.
Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Treat every gun as though it can fire at any time.
Even as you grip a gun but do not have the sights on target, keep your trigger finger out of the trigger guard area. An easy way to spot a disciplined shooter is how they properly index their trigger finger when they are not ready to shoot.
The “safety” on any gun is a mechanical device that serves as a supplement to proper gun handling but cannot possibly serve as a substitute for common sense. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the “safe” position or anywhere in between “safe” and “fire.” It is possible that the gun can fire at any time, or even later when you release the safety, without you ever touching the trigger again.
The only time you can be absolutely certain that a gun cannot fire is when the action is open and it is completely empty. Again, never rely on your gun’s safety. You and the safe gun handling procedures you have learned are your gun’s primary safeties.
4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Beyond It.
The first part is to positively identify your target. Then to realize that even if you are firing at the correct target, other targets may be hit. Once a gun fires, you have given up all control over where the shot will go or what it will strike.
- Don’t shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike.
- Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond your target.
- Firing at a movement or a noise without being absolutely certain of what you are shooting at constitutes disregard for the safety of others.
- No target is so important that you cannot take the time before you pull the trigger to be absolutely certain of your target and where your shot will stop.
Besides at the range, you’ll need to consider this rule when choosing a home defensive weapon and ammunition combo since there are most likely family members or neighbors behind the walls and ceilings.
Everything To Know About Gun Maintenance: For Beginners
It will take some time, but learning to maintain your firearms is necessary. If you neglect your firearms, you will find them rusty and in a state of disarray. Cleaning and lubricating your firearm makes them work smoothly and without the risk of malfunctioning. You can even feel the difference when shooting a freshly cleaned gun.
Knowing how to clean a gun is about more than just having an attractive looking firearm. It’s about safety.
Not following protocol when cleaning your weapon can lead to accidental injuries – or worse. Besides the risks of physical injuries, there are legal implications as the firearm owner is liable for any injuries or damages that may result from a negligent discharge.
Preparation and Cleaning Safety Is Key
Before you start cleaning your gun, you need to choose a clean area with plenty of space to work. The area should be well-lit and well-ventilated to avoid any mistakes or side effects from the cleaning chemicals. The best place to work is outdoors or in an open garage.
If you have to clean your gun indoors, make sure it is near an open window and on a sturdy table (avoid using your kitchen/dining room table or any other surface where people eat or drink) clear of clutter as well as:
- Following the 4 Rules of Gun Safety.
- Wear Gloves, Mask/Safety Goggles, and face-covering while cleaning (if possible.)
- Wash Your Hands and Face After Cleaning.
- Keep ammunition away from your cleaning area.
Empty all gun magazines and secure all ammunition in a different location or nearby gun safe until the cleaning process is done. This involves ensuring the removal of any other live ammunition (even if it is boxed) from the room or cleaning area and will prevent any possibility of mishandling or inadvertently introducing live ammunition in a firearm.
Gun Cleaning Kits And Solvents
Whether you purchase a pre-assembled cleaning kit from a sporting goods store or you assemble the necessary components individually, you'll need a few basic things to have in your arsenal of cleaning supplies.
A basic set includes:
- Cleaning Patches/Mop
- Lubricant
- Cleaning Rod
- Jags & Loops
- Cleaning Brush (A well-used toothbrush can do the trick just as well)
- Gun Cleaning Solvent
- Bore Snake
Extras Include:
Let's Get Cleaning
Now let's get down to brass tax. Cleaning your firearm can be a relaxing experience if you know what you’re doing. Knowing the ins and outs of your weapon, and becoming intimately familiar with it, can give you insight on the range should anything go awry. But how exactly do you clean a firearm properly?
Using the following method should keep your firearm working for many years to come.
- Field strip the weapon
- Thoroughly clean the bore
- Lightly oil the bore
- Clean the slide
- Oil the slide
- Clean the frame
- If the trigger assembly can be taken apart, clean the component and oil
These 7 simple steps can take a few minutes, or much longer depending on the current state of your firearm. You won’t know the amount of work until you get into the weeds, and actually, field strip your weapon.
Field Stripping Your Weapon For Cleaning
The first step in the cleaning process is to clear your weapon. To do this you must drop the magazine, or empty the cylinder.
On an automatic, you’ll also need to open the action and ensure there isn’t a round in the chamber. Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to begin field stripping - taking apart - the weapon.
Before you get to work, find the owner’s manual from the manufacturer. It should explain how to take the gun apart and clean it.
Over the years, the manual for an older firearm, or one that was bought used, may have been lost - in this case, the internet is more than useful in being able to locate an online manual and hundreds of videos showing the disassembly and assembly of virtually any firearm!
You should have clear instructions on hand, or have a knowledgeable instructor with you that can show you how.
Cleaning The Bore
Once you’ve field stripped the weapon, it’s time to give it a thorough scrubbing. Typically, start with the bore, although the cleaning steps are interchangeable. However, most of the debris will build up on the feed ramp, and within the barrel. Furthermore, the heat resulting from a fired weapon means the debris can bake onto the bore. Therefore, this is one of the most difficult parts to clean and likely the dirtiest.
How To Use A Wire Brush
Before you run the cleaning rod down the bore, it's recommended using the wire brush to clean the feed ramp on the barrel. Apply a cleaning solvent liberally, and get to scrubbing. It’s worth noting that the wire brush shouldn’t be used on the exterior of the weapon, as it can scratch up the finish.
How To Use The Cleaning Rod
Cleaning rods typically come in several different pieces to accommodate barrels of varying lengths. One piece, will have a handle on the end, the remaining pieces screw in, sequentially, to create one long cleaning rod. For the uses of a pistol, however, you’ll likely only need the portion with the handle. Several attachments can be screwed into the end of the cleaning rod. Among these are, bore jags, slotted tips, and copper bore brushes.
How To Use Copper Bore Brush
As previously discussed, the bore brush fits into the cleaning rod. This is the primary way to clear debris from inside the barrel. Some people prefer not to use this brush because it seems abrasive, but to clear caked-on grime, this is the best tool in your repertoire. The brush shouldn’t harm your barrel since the material should be far stronger than the copper of the brushes bristles. Apply the cleaning solvent to either the brush or the barrel to assist with cleaning the bore.
How To Use Bore Jags or Loops
Once you’ve loosened up the debris, it’s time to actually clear it from the bore. Attach the bore jag to the cleaning rod by screwing in the threaded end. Select the bore jag that matches the caliber of the round the firearm shoots. It should fit snugly into the barrel with a little room to spare, which allows you to attach the cleaning patch.
Next, you’ll need to attach a cleaning patch to the jag. But first, apply the cleaning agent to the cleaning patch. Use the pointed tip of the bore jag to puncture a corner of the cleaning patch. This will hold the patch to the jag to ensure it doesn’t fall off as it travels down the barrel. Wrap the jag with the remainder of the cleaning patch.
Whichever direction you wrap the jag in (clockwise or counter-clockwise) is the way you will push and twist the cleaning rod down the barrel. Run at least one patch for each configuration (clockwise and counter-clockwise) to ensure the threading and land of the barrel are both cleaned. Always push the debris toward the muzzle so you aren’t pulling the gunk onto the freshly cleaned feed ramp. Do this until the bore is completely clear and no buildup remains.
Do not use a sawing motion when cleaning as this can result in the patch being dislodged from the bore jag. It also leads to simply spreading the buildup around, rather than clearing the barrel.
Put a drop of lubricant on the barrel and run a dry patch down the bore to finish things. Attach the cotton mop to the cleaning rod. Apply a few drops of gun conditioner or lubricant to the cotton mop and run it through the bore to leave a light coating of gun oil on the inside.
Another option you have when cleaning the bore is a slotted tip attachment but keep in mind; First, the attachment is not wrapped in the same manner as the bore jag. Therefore, the metal can contact the inside of the barrel and scratch it. This can interfere with the accuracy of the firearm. Second, the patch does not make solid contact with the entirety of the bore, which can mean that some debris is missed.
If you’d like to try this method, it works similarly to the bore jag. First, coat a patch with a cleaning solvent. Then thread the patch through the slot. You’ll have a bow tie-shaped cleaning patch at this point. Run this down the barrel in a similar method as the jag. Push and twist the cleaning rod toward the muzzle. Afterward, use a drop of lubricant in the bore and run a dry patch through it using the cleaning rod.
How To Use A Bore Snake
A thorough cleaning requires you to field strip the weapon. Although a quick run of the bore snake down the barrel can assist with removing large chunks of debris that is caked on at the range. To use your bore snake, clear the weapon, and open the action on your pistol. Feed the slender end of the snake through the breach and down the bore. Once the slender end comes out of the muzzle, simply pull the string to guide the thicker end of the bore snake down the bore. Once you have done so, take a look down the barrel (from the breach) to ensure you have cleared any obstruction or debris you were targeting. Load up the magazine, and continue putting rounds downrange.
Cleaning The Slide and Frame
Next, you’ll need to move onto cleaning the slide. Use less cleaning solvent and lubricating oil when cleaning and lubing around the firing pin. Ensure to clear any gunpowder residue that may have caked into the corner of the slide before lubricating. Since this is the biggest friction point, you’ll want to make sure the slide moves freely when you are done cleaning and re-assembling your weapon.
Lastly, use a needle applicator to precisely apply lubricant drops at the specified lubrication points on the frame/action, slide assembly, and exterior of the barrel, as recommended by the manufacturer.
It is important not to over lubricate, as this will more readily attract contaminant accumulation and could potentially cause reliability issues. A light coating helps prevent rust. A heavy coating gets gummy and attracts debris, so only use a small amount.
How To Use The Nylon Brush
Use the nylon brush to clean the exterior of the slide and or frame. You can also use a cleaning solvent to assist, though there shouldn’t be excessive buildup on the outside of the slide.
Don’t Forget the Magazines
Magazines are the source of ammunition and are responsible for the proper feeding of a semiautomatic firearm. Reliable, clean magazines are critical for the proper operation of a semiautomatic.
They can be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Special purpose brushes are available for magazine cleaning. Use safety glasses and extra care when working with magazines during the disassembly and reassembly process, as magazine followers are spring-loaded.
Magazines must never be cleaned using petroleum products, as these will contaminate ammunition primers. Magazines should never be lubricated, but rather cleaned with a residue-free solvent or cleaning agent.
Reassemble the Firearm and Perform a Functional Check
Anytime a firearm is disassembled and reassembled, a functional check needs to be conducted in order to ensure that the firearm still operates as designed following the disassembly.
During this check, the proper functioning of the trigger mechanism, safety or safeties, slide operation, and locking, magazine retention and ejection systems are verified.
Wipe Down the Rest of Your Gun with a Luster Cloth.
Once the inside of the gun and it’s moving parts are clean and lubricated, it’s time to clean the exterior. A luster cloth is perfect for this job. This is a flannel cloth that comes pre-treated with a silicon lubricant. It will remove any remaining debris, including acid from fingerprints, and add shine.
If you don't have a particular cloth designated for cleaning guns, old t-shirts and pairs of socks work really well for the purpose. Use something you've got lying around and won't need to reuse.
American Handgunner Magazine editor Roy Huntington shows the fast and easy way to clean an auto pistol.
Regular Gun Maintenance
Properly taking the time to maintain and care for your firearms is very wise. They are a big investment and you want them to perform as they should. You need to treat it like a machine. If a machine is not properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis it will break down and stop functioning properly.
Often times many people neglect their cleaning responsibilities and just throw them in a safe after firing and they say they’ll get around to it when they have the time.
Moisture and carbon buildup can easily lead to rust. If you’re not taking good care of your gun, then it’s not going to take care of you.
To ensure the longest life for your gun, don't store them anywhere they'll be significantly affected by the elements. Keep them indoors, in temperature-controlled environments and consider investing in trigger locks to keep your gun safe and tamper-proof.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve just decided to purchase a firearm or have owned guns for years, it’s important to clean them properly.
There’s no rulebook when it comes to gun cleaning. It’s up to you to learn from others with experience to avoid common mistakes and accidents. Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two from this brief guide and have become inspired to take more time to care for your firearms.
There’s a wealth of knowledge out there, with great video guides on youtube that you can watch for free. Take the time to learn as much as you can about your firearms, care for them and if you’re good to your guns, they’ll be good to you.
Be sure to shop Sportsman's Finest for all of your firearm maintenance needs! Stay tuned to our blog page as our pros continue the series on all things you need to know about your firearms!