Cleaning Firearms

AJCrowley

AJCrowley

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Hey all,

So I'm trying to be meticulous about keeping my firearms clean. Every time I take them out, the first thing I do when I get home is strip them (well, the handgun), clean the barrels with ammonia based copper solvent, then give them a thin coating of gun oil.

However, the actions and other inside type parts are starting the get a bit dirty, and while I was instructed on how to keep my barrel clean (and the importance of doing so), I'm a bit lost when it comes to cleaning out the rest. I've got a toothbrush for trying to clean the inside of the action and any other parts that might need it, but I'm not sure of what cleaning fluid to use. So far, I've just been using the ammonia based solvent, drying as best I can, then oiling.

Am I going about this the right way, or getting it drastically wrong? Does anyone have any tips on the best way to do this, or time saving tricks?

Thanks!
 
I just use G96 gun treatment on everything else but for cleaning the barrel, but after cleaning the barrel it too gets a patch of g96 to oil it up a bit. Plus it smells great!
 
I like to use big cleaning patches soaked Hoppes 9 when cleaning the action and everything. Make sure you wear gloves, if it can strip copper, I am sure its not good for your hands.
 
Here is what I was taught; The general idea of cleaning is you want to remove anything that isn't originally part of the gun. Start with brushing, make sure your brush everything out of the gun. What won't brush away, wipe away. You don't even need to use cleaner, just dry patches. Although if you gun is really dirty (probably wont be if you're cleaning after ever trip) then obviously use some cleaner. I use G96 as well, great stuff. I really want to get some ballistol, but haven't found a good place to order it online yet. Once your gun is all clean and dry, lube it up according to the instruction manual. You can tell which parts need lubing the most cause they'll be shiny from friction. If its shiny, lube it! If the oil runs under the force of gravity, you got too much. When you lube, apply enough oil so that you see it, and when you touch it it leaves a finger print.
 
A spray bottle of varsol works wonders. Field strip and spray varsol into all the corners and float/flush the gunk out. Let it dry, relube, and reassemble for the next range day.

A gallon will last you five years.

You might want to wear surgical gloves; I have developed a sensitivity over 40 years of working with oils, fuels, and solvents.
 
I also used to be real anal on always cleaning my firearms right after shooting them, but not any more, unless I am shooting corrosive ammo.

I realized that some of my firearms, like my Ruger, like to be a bit dirty, and shoot better when it has not been cleaned, so I only clean them when I notice my groupings opening up. Others like my Marlin shoot better when they are cleaned more often.
 
I'm of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" motto. If my guns are cycling properly and are shooting tight groups I don't muck with them. I figure a guy can do alot of damage rammin' a rod down the barrel everytime you use it if it isn't neccecary.

my $.02
 
Cleaning my handgun takes <5 minutes.

I almost never brush the bore anymore. I use a jag and patches with G96. If its been a long while, I'll use a brush with some Hoppe's.

The receiver is polymer, so really not too much too worry about. Brush it down, lubricate the critical parts and move on.

Its the same story with my 1911....very quick cleaning process.
 
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