Cleaning your handgun impacts both how well your firearm works and how accurate your shot may be. Debris and grime that clogs the barrel interfere with the flight path of a bullet, potentially leading to unwanted and deadly consequences. Your lifestyle may be too busy to go into a full out detail, but a few minutes can still do a great job of keeping it clean. Here’s what you need to know.
Have the Right Supplies
To make quick work of cleaning your gun, you should consider buying a cleaning kit that is specifically suited for your gun type. With a kit, you have a cost-efficient way to have all the supplies on hand needed to start cleaning your gun. For first-time gun owners, purchasing a kit simplifies the process of shopping around for what you need.
Start With the Exterior
Prior to doing any work on the gun, make sure you complete your firearm safety checks. Empty the magazine and confirm that the gun is not loaded. After this, start with a thorough cleaning of the exterior. Use a plain dry cloth to get all the loose dirt and dust off the gun. Once you start adding liquids and cleaners, you create a muddy mess. After this step, start to carefully disassemble the gun. You will probably want to keep the owner’s manual handy to help you navigate the mechanic of your firearm. If you have made any modifications, such as adding a Glock trigger kit, you will definitely need to reassemble it correctly.
Move Methodically Through the Piece
Let the inside of the barrel soak while you clean the rest of the gun. The solvents need time to break down all the grime inside. For deep cleaning, you can let it soak overnight. Using a multi-surface wipe wrapped around a nylon bristle gun brush, thoroughly clean all other parts. Use a clean cloth to finish wiping them down until all carbon traces are gone.
After thoroughly cleaning, you can carefully reassemble. Spending a few minutes with your gun ensures better performance.
