Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Gun Cleaning Tips

GUN CLEANING TIPS


1. IMPORTANT - Always check the chamber to make sure that the firearm is unloaded before attempting to clean. Remove any clips or magazines.

2. Do not disassemble the firearm beyond what the manufacturer has recommended in the owner’s manual.

3. While disassembled, inspect for cracks and other signs of excessive wear. Consult with a qualified gunsmith for any necessary repairs.

4. Clean your firearm from the breech end whenever possible. If this method of cleaning is not possible, take precautions not to push debris into the action. Be sure to use the included Muzzle Guard if the cleaning is done from muzzle end. This helps to protect the crown (the area where the bullet exits the muzzle) from nicks and wearing. Protection of this area is critical to shooting accuracy. This is also an excellent tool to keep the cleaning rod centered when cleaning from the breech end.

5. Select the proper Jag or Patch Holder and correct size patch for your application. Saturate the patch with No. 10 Solvent or No. 10 Copper Cutter.

6. Run the patch down the barrel to soak the fouled bore. Remove soiled patch from rod as it exits the end of the bore. Pulling the patch back through can redeposit fouling and draw debris into the action. Let the solvent soak a couple of minutes to help remove any lead or carbon buildup.

7. Remove the Jag or Patch Holder, and attach the appropriate bore brush. Saturate the brush with the solvent and work it back and forth through the bore 3-6 times. Reattach the Jag or Patch Holder with a soaked patch, and run down the bore with new patches until they emerge clean. Run a dry patch down the bore to remove any remaining residue. Check barrel for traces of fouling and repeat process if necessary.

8. Place 3-4 drops of Formula 3 Gun Conditioner or TW25B High Tech Lubricant (follow instructions) on a patch or Cotton Mop and run it down the cleaned bore to leave a light coating of rust preventative behind.

9. Using the double ended Nylon Gun Brush soaked in No. 10 Solvent or Copper Cutter, begin to remove any unburnt powder or debris in and around the action. If available, use a degreaser, such as Kleen-Bore’s “Gunk-Out” to remove loosened fouling and wipe with a clean cloth. Be sure to lightly lubricate all surfaces that have been degreased, and all moving parts. This will aid in rust prevention as well as increase the life of the firearm. Do not over lubricate, this can cause the action to become gummy, allowing dust and debris to collect.

10. When reassembling the firearm, be sure to wipe down any metal surfaces that you have come in contact with, due to the acid content in perspiration. The Silicone Gun and Reel Cloth are ideal for this. It will remove handling marks, restore luster, and provide rust protection.

11. CAUTION: Before any firearm is fired, be sure the bore is free of any obstruction. This may cause bodily harm, as well as damage to your firearm. Never attempt to shoot an obstruction clear.


Cleaning the Bore of Your Gun CLEANING THE BORE 1. Dip a patch in No. 10 or No. 11 Copper Cutter Solvent and pass it, on a jag or patch holder, through the bore several times to penetrate and loosen fouling. Work from the rear whenever possible and don't pull the dirty patch back through the bore. Note use of muzzle guard to center rod and protect bore. Cleaning the Bore of Your Gun 2. Dip a phosphor bronze brush of the proper size in solvent and pass it through the bore several times. Again, work from the rear and go in one direction only.
Cleaning the Bore of Your Gun 3. Pass clean, dry patches through the bore until there are no signs of residue on the patch. Work from the rear and go in one direction only. Lubricating the Bore 4. Lightly lubricate (just a dab of TW25 or 3 or 4 drops of Formula 3) a bore mop of the proper size and pass it through the bore 3 or 4 times.
Cleaning the Action CLEANING THE ACTION 5. Dip a nylon or phosphor bronze gun brush in solvent and scrub areas where powder residues and fouling build up (top strap, forcing cone, ejectors, slides, etc.). Cleaning the Parts of Your Gun 6. Follow the same procedure on bolts, frames, trigger assemblies, etc. to loosen burnt powder, old lubrication and other fouling.
Removing Loose Foulings 7. Blast away loosed foulings with a powerful cleaner/degreaser (Gunk Out) to prepare for proper lubrication. Lubricating Your Gun 8. LUBRICATION: Sparingly use a quality lubricant like TW25 B, Formula 3 or Super Lube to protect moving parts and inhibit rust. Do not over-lubricate.
Cleaning Your Gun 9. After reassembling the gun, wipe all exposed metal surfaces with a silicone gun and reel cloth to eliminate fingerprints and provide rust protection. If gun is to be stored for a length of time, consider using Rust Guardit for long-term protection.