Gun Cleaning...the safe way.

Please don't be that woman who just starts taking apart her gun without knowing what each part does.  Only disassemble your gun enough to the point needed to reach all areas that house powder residue (bore, chamber, bolt, etc).  If you're not sure about how to disassemble your gun for cleaning, get your owner's manual out.

First rule:  ALWAYS check to see if your gun is loaded before you start cleaning.

Something to remember:  Inspect while you clean.  Look for cracks, worn parts, or other signs of excessive wear.  Should you find any of these, go to a gun store for replacement of parts or advice.

I think everyone should own a gun cleaning kit if you have a firearm.  Every inch of the gun needs a good cleaning after being shot.  I'm not talking about shooting excessively.  I'm talking about even one shot.  Always clean it.

First, let's talk about cleaning a pistol...

1. Remove the magazine. Lock the slide open and ensure there are no bullets in the chamber. Remove the slide latch from the frame. Pull the slide forward off the frame. Remove the spring, being careful not to the let the spring get away from you. Then remove the barrel.

2. Using the brush from the pistol cleaning kit, run it down the barrel pushing the brush through the barrel in the direction the bullet travels. Attach the accessory tip to the cleaning rod and pass a patch wet with solvent through the barrel several times then leave the barrel soak while you clean the frame and slide.

3. Clean the slide and frame using Q-tips and square patches of cloth. Wet a patch of cloth with solvent and wipe the inside of the frame and slide. Use the wet Q-tips to clean the rails and grooves. Once you are satisfied, use a dry clean cloth and wipe the slide and frame dry.

4. Wet brush with solvent and clean the chamber, then push the brush back and forth across the bore. Change accessory tips and pass a dampened cloth through the bore. Continue to pass clean clothes through the bore until they come out clean. Then pass a dry patch through and dry the bore.

5. Clean the barrel with a solvent-wet patch. Pull the patch through the barrel in the same direction the bullet moves. Repeat with new patches until they come out clean. Then wipe the entire gun with clean dry cloths and reassemble the pistol.

Cleaning a revolver is relatively similar...

1. Tie a rag around the rear of the cylinder opening. Squeeze a few drops of solvent into the barrel, and clean with a bore brush.

2. Wet a cleaning patch with solvent, and run it several times through the barrel with a cleaning rod. Repeat with a dry patch. When dry patch comes out clean, place a few drops of oil on a patch and run through the barrel, followed again by a dry patch.

3. Place a few drops of oil on the bristles of an old toothbrush and clean the extractor assembly. Then wipe the assembly with a solvent-dampened patch. Remember to press the extractor rod to clean underneath the assembly, following the same process.

4. Brush out the cylinder using the same procedure used to clean the barrel. Wipe the interior and exterior with solvent-soaked patches, then follow with a dry cloth. Lubricate extractor shaft, cylinder crane and possibly the cylinder release.

If you have questions on cleaning any type of firearm, refer to its owner's manual.  They have them for a reason.  Use it.

I was taught how to clean a gun from a Marine's son.  If you follow this, your firearm will always look and perform great.  Clean for 3 consecutive days after shooting.  Obviously, routine cleaning is also important.

Happy shooting ladies!