Newbie question about new gun ownership

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SG1Fan

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Hey Guys!

I have been lurking for a bit now and just bought my first lever action Centre-fire Winchester!

Super excited but have a few questions that I hope y'all can help answer.

1) The manual suggests servicing/cleaning the rifle prior to first use, the person at the store didn't say anything about it; should I circle back and get a kit to clean it before taking it out for the first time?(or it doesn't really matter?)

2) I have read mixed comments regarding the type of .357 and .38 specials I can use, will I need to trial and error to find the right type and grain that my Winchester likes or are there any widely suggested.

3) Would you guys recommend getting a separate (soft) gun case for transporting the non-restricted to a range? Or would it be better if I bring the gun case that I got with the rifle?(it is a bit bulkier, and I plan on getting another rifle; reason for this question is there are some alcohol checkpoints here at night sometimes, want to avoid unnecessary conversation with the officers if it ever comes up and I happen to return home late)

Thanks! I know these are newbie and borderline stupid questions, any constructive answers are appreciated!
 
Its always a good practice to clean a new firearms before going to the range . There could be metal shavings or other stuff left behind in the manafacture process. There can be alot of preservation oil or grease. Also you can inspect if there is a manafacture defect, bent barrel etc.

Don't expect gun counter people, or stores to do this. They grab a box off the shelf and wrap it.

I had a Stevens 200 with a stock full of metal shavings. I also had a gun that was dunked in oil and tossed in a plastic bag. Then you can get milsurps stored in grease.

I assuming you got a lever action? My exp from having a Marlin was some ammo was too long for it. Guns are always find the right ammo for your gun. Sometimes can save some trial and error and find posts with people with same gun that did some tests.

Harder cases provide better protection. I was coming back from the range and deer ran infront of me, I slammed on my brakes and rifles in the trunk, slammed hard against my range box. Were only in soft cases, lucky no damage.
 
OkayShooter said:
Its always a good practice to clean a new firearms before going to the range . There could be metal shavings or other stuff left behind in the manafacture process. There can be alot of preservation oil or grease. Also you can inspect if there is a manafacture defect, bent barrel etc.

Don't expect gun counter people, or stores to do this. They grab a box off the shelf and wrap it.

I had a Stevens 200 with a stock full of metal shavings. I also had a gun that was dunked in oil and tossed in a plastic bag. Then you can get milsurps stored in grease.

I assuming you got a lever action? My exp from having a Marlin was some ammo was too long for it. Guns are always find the right ammo for your gun. Sometimes can save some trial and error and find posts with people with same gun that did some tests.

Harder cases provide better protection. I was coming back from the range and deer ran infront of me, I slammed on my brakes and rifles in the trunk, slammed hard against my range box. Were only in soft cases, lucky no damage.
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Thank you!

The guy literally opened a box in front of me and showed me the Short Lever, will a simple snake and oil do for my case?

Yea, looks like some stores are running promotions on the .357/38 specials, wanted to load up, i already know i will go down this particular rabbit hole.

Oh wow, I live in a city core, so there's quite a lot of stop and go with different kinds of nonsenses; I drive a smaller car as well, but I will get a smaller hard case that fits the firearms I intend to bring.

Thanks!
 
If your planning on getting more firearms in the future , in different calibers , get yourself a GOOD cleaning kit now ! It will pay for it's self in the long run . Don't cheep on the snakes , unless you plan on throwing them in the washer now and then . They get pretty dirty pretty fast , Just my 2 cents !
 
second on blackcats suggestion - Don't bother with a snake, they drag dirt and cra* thru the bore and will f-up stuff. And they can break off INSIDE the bore - you won't like that ! A GOOD cleaning rod and good cleaner/solvent is a necessity to ensure the longevity or your rifle. . . and your pleasure. And maybe have a blanket to throw over your gun case if you think there might be ponies in your future . . . AND Don't volunteer info to them ! !
 
A rifle bore calls for special care (to avoid causing any harm). When it comes to the "right" way to clean a firearm, there are many common themes but little consensus. Common themes include 'first, do no harm...', and 'read your manual', but... depending upon the individual, the firearm, the individual's expectations for the firearm and the individual's degree of investment... actual recommended practices are all over the map. More often than anything else, for a quick cleanup or a simple restoration of function, if I have it with me I'll use a clean and dry boresnake (followed by lubricant) - but I'll use it very carefully (taking care to not contact the crown at all). Having been used, they're easily cleaned. A sectional rod has a place in the field, carried with you (in case you need to deal with a bore obstruction), but a quality one-piece sized-to-the-bore stiff-as-possible non-embedding-surface cleaning rod - used very carefully, with a proper-fitting rod guide and a quality jag - is a better choice for routine cleaning.) Personally, for cleaning at home, I recommend a quality one-piece sized-to-the-bore stiff-as-possible non-embedding-surface cleaning rod, a proper-fitting bore guide, and a quality jag. Brands to consider include Bore Tech, Dewey, Kleen-Bore, Possum Hollow, Pro-Shot, and Tipton (among others).
 
Thank you all for your helpful suggestions!

I bought a snake, Ballitsol CLP, gun lube, an otis kit, and a gun mat!

I already feel the beginning of a beautiful journey.
 
1) when a rifle is new its a good idea to clean it super frequently while you wear in the barrel (including before use)
2) for ammo different guns like different ammo play with a few and see what you and your rifle likes
3) I would get a case. Cabela's has em for $30 worth it for keeping things clean and more convenient to carry. Does make it much less conspicuous too even just bringing it from your vehicle into your house.
 
SG1Fan said:
Hey Guys!

I have been lurking for a bit now and just bought my first lever action Centre-fire Winchester!

Super excited but have a few questions that I hope y'all can help answer.

1) The manual suggests servicing/cleaning the rifle prior to first use, the person at the store didn't say anything about it; should I circle back and get a kit to clean it before taking it out for the first time?(or it doesn't really matter?)

2) I have read mixed comments regarding the type of .357 and .38 specials I can use, will I need to trial and error to find the right type and grain that my Winchester likes or are there any widely suggested.

3) Would you guys recommend getting a separate (soft) gun case for transporting the non-restricted to a range? Or would it be better if I bring the gun case that I got with the rifle?(it is a bit bulkier, and I plan on getting another rifle; reason for this question is there are some alcohol checkpoints here at night sometimes, want to avoid unnecessary conversation with the officers if it ever comes up and I happen to return home late)

Thanks! I know these are newbie and borderline stupid questions, any constructive answers are appreciated!
Click to expand...
1. Cleaning is a matter of personal preference. The most important answer to the question is, yes. Clean. It really doesn't matter how or when, but yes you do clean. Firearms are little machines, and they need oiling and sometimes to have fouling removed. Don't overthink this!
2. Ammo is a consumable. Buy enough. Cheap or expensive for almost all shooting, it doesn't matter. There's no number how much, just get enough. You will find bullet weight and velocity choices will be overpowering. But, when you reach into the box and plucking those cartridges out, whatever the salesman said isn't important.
3. Yes. Buy a soft gun case or a hard case. Whatever can be carried and stored and holds what you need. I prefer hard cases with space inside for the firearm, a chamber flag or trigger lock. Maybe a vinyl coated cleaning rod - so it is where you need it. But do what works.
4. I've never once in my lifetime shooting history gone through a Ride Check or Checkstop while transporting. Never. I suppose, if a cop asked I'd stick to the simple truth. "Yes officer I have firearms in the vehicle.' 'Going home after a day at the range.' 'Yes the rifles are unloaded and in gun cases.' Don't say anything more or offer any other openings for the officer to be any more involved than operating a drunk driver check stop. He's got a job to do, and talking means he has to decide on more and more things.
 
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