Firearms need, better yet require, consistent maintenance and cleaning. With each and every shot, a buildup of copper, carbon, plastic (shotgun), and lead is left behind in your chamber, action, and barrel. You have to consider the elements to which your firearms have been exposed. What type of firearm you have and what you primarily use it for also factor into why and when you should clean your firearm.

WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR FIREARM

Most of today's ammunition
is very clean in comparison to older smokeless powder and primers. However, it's impossible to find ammunition that doesn't foul your firearm at all. All ammunition, centerfire, and rimfire, is made with a lead core with some type of copper jacketing encasing it. Even lead-free ammunition contains copper elements. Fouling occurs because carbon, copper, lead, or plastic build up in your firearm each time you shoot. Lack of cleaning could lead to the loss of velocity and accuracy, but even worse, it could lead to a malfunction. The most common malfunctions in firearms with excessive build-up and fouling are a failure to fire or a failure to feed. In a fight for your life, these malfunctions could have devastating results. Malfunctions during hunting season could lead to that missed trophy mount. Malfunctions at the range will leave you embarrassed, both on the firing line and downrange. A clean firearm is a safe and reliable firearm! Cleaning your firearm will not only lead to longevity, but it will also help maintain your firearm's function, accuracy, and durability. Consider your firearm as a machine. All machines need maintenance, cleaning, and lubrication to operate efficiently and effectively. Firearms are no exception.

JRA Gallant Rifle

WHEN YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR FIREARM

There are varying opinions on when firearms should be cleaned. Some believe that you should clean your gun after every use, while others only clean their guns every three to four months. There is even an opinion that you can over clean your guns. There is no right or wrong answer, but all responsible gun owners agree that cleaning is of the utmost importance to maintaining your gun. There are times when you will need to clean your firearm immediately after use. When your firearm is exposed to damaging elements like water or moisture, or if you are shooting corrosive ammunition, you should clean your firearm as soon as possible after use. In addition to corrosive ammunition and exposure to water and moisture, other elements such as salt, dirt, and dust can lead to rust and corrosion of your firearm and components. Firing your gun repeatedly when there is a buildup of corrosion or rust will cause excessive and unnecessary wear and tear, and eventually the failure of your firearm.

Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Cleaning Vise

There is a school of thought that cleaning your firearm after each use will lead to damaging your firearm, especially the muzzle and the rifling of your barrel. Selecting the right cleaning tools
for your firearm will eliminate that worry and allow you to clean your firearms as often as you want. Oil build-up is also a concern for those who believe that you should not clean your firearm after every use. It is important not to gum up your firearm and its working parts with too many solvents and oil. Select a good, clean oil for lubrication, and make sure to wipe away any excess. Your firearm should never be "shiny". Even if you have not used your firearm or it has been in storage
for a while, consider the elements that it could be exposed to. Elements like dust and dirt can build up in your firearms at the same rate that it builds up in your home. Check them every now and then and show them a little love with a good cleaning.

CLEANING KITS

Classic Firearms
offers a large selection of cleaning kits
, as well as solvents
, oils
, and accessories
. Investing in a good cleaning kit is like having an insurance policy on your firearm. Be proactive with cleaning your firearm and prevent corrosion before it happens, rather than try to fix your firearm afterward. Most purchases of firearm cleaning kits are universal kits
. If you want a more caliber specific cleaning kit, check out our OTIS
line of cleaning kits. Otis offers a specialized kit for your specific caliber.

Otis 13 Piece Defender Cleaning Kit 5.56/7.62

Investing in a good universal kit is an essential part of maintaining your firearm. Good universal kits give you the tools to clean everything from a .22 to a 12GA. These kits are perfect for those who have a collection of different firearms in varying calibers. Our selection is wide and the choice is yours, but, while browsing, take a look at the Remington All-Around 2.0 Universal Cleaning Kit
, Outers Gun Care Universal Kit
, and Tipton Ultra Cleaning Kit Universal Rifle
. Don't forget to click on our cleaning mats link and check out our selection of cleaning mats
. You're sure to find one that you like. Start every cleaning with a smooth, clean surface.

Tipton Ultra Cleaning Kit Universal Rifle

Summed Up

Some firearms have fixed parts that restrict the areas that you can clean. Other firearms can be field stripped and cleaned, however, field stripping your firearm is not necessary for a quick wipe down. Be sure that you understand the layout of your firearm before field stripping it. If you're not sure, refer to the owner's manual that came with your firearm when you purchased it. A clean firearm is a safe firearm. If you take care of your gun, it will take care of you!