I've become a collector...

[wormwood777]

So I'm pretty much just a collector now, so my question is; If I'm storing new firearms long-term, do I have to clean them. A few people have told me to clean them even though they are brand new. Do they not come from the manufacturer clean and ready for storage? Or is it because they test fire them and then don't clean them? So if I buy a firearm new, do I need to clean it when I bring it home in order to store it long term?

Thanks.

 

[Griffin6869]

Cleaning it yourself before storage will give you peace of mind that it is properly protected and done the way you want it.

 

[sigrunes]

Myself I would definetly clean it before long term storage. Also after cleaning a very light bit of barricade or some other preservative/anti rust would be in order. If you clean with a CLP the preservative/anti rust is already in the cleaning agent. Finally a dessicant pack or silica pack in the gun safe or storage area will absorb any moisture in the area further protecting the firearms.

 

[kennymo]

I like to degrease factory new firearms. I've had some trouble with heavy grease/oil in them in the past. I usually spray the metal parts down with an action cleaner, wipe them down and give them a light coat of oil. If they're never to be fired you might not have any issues though.

 

[scott_karana]

If I was going to store them long-term, I might invest in something like Eezox for rust inhibition. Depends on how long-term you mean though

 

[Stevebot-7]

Most guns come filthy from the manufacturer, at least in my opinion. All the ones I've gotten have been at least dirty as shooting a hundred handloads through it.

 

[wormwood777]

Thanks! Also, when brushing the barrel are you only supposed to pull it only in one direction, from the action to the end of the muzzle or is it okay to go back and forth with it?

 

[Stevebot-7]

Thanks! Also, when brushing the barrel are you only supposed to pull it only in one direction, from the action to the end of the muzzle or is it okay to go back and forth with it?

It seems to me that it's a lot like the recommendation to only file in a single direction, or only stroke with sandpaper in a single direction. There are people who do both ways and swear they get the best results ever.

Much of it also seems to be the idea of trying to keep as much junk away from the action and to avoid dragging bits of debris through the barrel again. If you're curious some time, get a piece of white paper and have it near the muzzle when your brush comes out of the barrel, bits of carbon buildup and whatnot go flying in all directions as the bristles spring up. Get enough of that into places like your trigger group springs and it can cause some problems.

I've done both ways and it didn't really seem to cause any problems, but I don't have a bore sighter or anything to really get a good look in there. Now if I had a $500 match grade barrel I'd be a bit more protective of it. It just seems to me that unless you're overcleaning then either way will do you just fine.