Photo Tutorials - Basic Firearm Cleaning

Notes about cleaning: Before cleaning, make sure your weapon is unloaded and ammunition as far away from you. Clean in a well-lit and ventilated room, and use correct cleaning equipment sized to your firearm. Whenever possible, clean from the rear of the gun - always in the directing the bullet would travel. If this isn't possible, such as revolvers or lever action rifles, take great care not to hit the rear of the action when the patch, jag, brush or other rod attachment exits the barrel. When possible, use bore and muzzle guides to center the rod down the barrel. NEVER switch directions of the rod while cleaning while attachments are still in the barrel. We recommend keeping a manual of the firearm around in the event you are unsure of how to disassemble, proper lubrication points and any other information. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.

Disassemble your gun only as far as is needed. The manufacturer should have information on how to field strip your weapon if you are unsure. Again, make sure there is no ammunition in the firearm or near you. Take a patch of the correct size; soak it in the solvent or cleaner of your choice. Using a jag or patch loop, push the solvent soaked patch down the bore (through the guide if being used), fully exiting the barrel at the other end. Remove patch and remove rod from barrel. We would recommend letting the solvent sit a few moments while it cleans the barrel. While this it is sitting, it is a good time to clean the bolt, chamber, action, slide or other parts that get fouled. Using a hand brush, solvent and rags - clean the frame, rails, slide, cylinder, actions and/or other areas of the firearm. Once the other parts are cleaned, use a properly sized bore brush to clean the barrel. Attach the brush to the rod and dip or soak in solvent. Insert brush in the barrel (or guide if being used) and push through the barrel, fully exiting the other side, normally the muzzle side. Once it is complete out the other side, you may draw the rod back through and fully exit the breech. Repeat several times. The more fouled your firearm, the more passes it may need. Next, with a jag or loop on your rod, put a clean dry patch on, and pass the rod through the bore. Repeat process until an unsoiled patch comes out. If in approximately 4-6 patches there is still fouling, repeat step two and five. Take a bore mop or a clean patch, put some lubrication oil on it, and pass through the bore. Make sure to lubricate according to the manufacturer's specifications Wipe down entire weapon with oil or silicone treated cloth. Finally, reassemble the firearm according to instructions.

For more in-depth looks at how to clean a firearm, see our more advanced tutorials.