Essential Step by Step Guide to Gun Cleaning and Firearms Lubrication

tetragundirect
Nov 19
4 min read

Proper gun maintenance is crucial for safety, reliability, and longevity. A clean and well-lubricated firearm performs better, reduces the risk of malfunctions, and extends the life of its components. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a beginner, following a clear, step-by-step process for cleaning and lubricating your gun ensures it stays in top condition.

This guide walks you through each stage of gun cleaning and lubrication, providing practical tips and examples to help you maintain your firearm effectively.

Preparing for Gun Cleaning

Before you start, safety is the top priority. Always treat your firearm as if it is loaded until you have personally confirmed otherwise.

Find a well-ventilated workspace with good lighting.
Gather your supplies: cleaning rod, bore brush, patches, cleaning solvent, lubricant, nylon brush, cloths, and safety glasses.
Unload the firearm: Remove the magazine and check the chamber to ensure it is empty.
Disassemble the gun according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves separating the barrel, slide, and frame.

Taking time to prepare properly makes the cleaning process smoother and safer.

Cleaning the Barrel

The barrel is where residue and fouling accumulate most, so it requires thorough attention. This is more of an issue for down the bore of long guns, namely rifles and shotguns.

Clean out a gun bore with Copper Solvent to eat up hard fouling. You want to remove it before lubricating because you want to apply lube to clean, dry parts. Run a bore mop or cotton patches saturated with the bore solvent liquid.

ALTERNATIVE: Cleaner degreaser aerosol is another form of gun solvent that is great for a quick spray down. Once again, removing carbon fouling and pre-existing gun lube is important as the Step 1. Work over a mat or towel to avoid a mess.

In general:

Apply solvent: Attach a patch holder or a cotton mop accessory (in the right caliber) to the cleaning rod and dip the cotton patch in solvent. Run it through the barrel several times to loosen debris.
Scrub the barrel: For more significant buildup, attach a bore brush with solvent to scrub the inside of the barrel. Move the brush back and forth several times.
Run patches through the barrel: Attach a clean patch to the rod and push it through the barrel. Repeat with fresh patches until they come out clean.
Inspect the barrel: Use a bore light or flashlight to check for any remaining residue or damage.

Cleaning the barrel regularly prevents buildup that can affect accuracy and safety.

Lubrication Inside the Bore

Saturate a cotton patch or mop accessory with a quality lubricant. Then run it thru the bore. For other gun metal parts, use the cotton patches or a rag.

Another way to apply gun lubricant is to use a gun spray. Quick and easy but not as heavy a dose of treatment as liquid, of course. Spray, and then wipe down any excess. Some formulas will leave an oil finish, others dry.

For high wear gun parts, use grease. The consistency is much more effective than oil, which runs off and doesn't have enough body to properly provide a barrier on those kinds of contact surfaces. Even with grease, you don't want to over-lubricate. There should only be a gloss finish vs. white showing.

Summary

Whether you use liquid solvent or cleaner spray, just as you can choose between gun oil, CLP or grease, they are different options to get the job done.

Try to choose better quality gun cleaning and gun lube products. It will make a difference, as will your efforts in taking care of your firearms

Cleaning Other Components

Residue can build up on the slide, frame, and other parts, affecting the gun’s function.

Use a nylon brush dipped in solvent to scrub the slide, frame rails, and other metal parts.
Wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth to remove loosened dirt and solvent.
Pay special attention to the chamber area and firing pin channel, where fouling can cause misfires. NOTE: Keep lube away from the firing pin.
Use cotton swabs or small brushes to reach tight spots.

Keeping these parts clean helps maintain smooth operation and prevents jams.

Close-up view of gun barrel and cleaning rod inserted

Lubricating the Firearm

Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear but avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt.

Apply a small amount of lubricant to moving parts such as the slide rails, barrel exterior, and trigger mechanism.
Use a cloth to spread the lubricant evenly and wipe off excess.
Avoid lubricating the inside of the barrel.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of lubricant and amount.

Lubrication keeps your firearm running smoothly and prevents corrosion.