Gun cleaning is a relatively easy task, but only if you know what you are doing and are using the right equipment. There are tools and solutions specifically made for cleaning guns. Using improper products can make the job harder, and may even damage your firearm. With this in mind, no matter if you’re a long-time gun owner or new to gun ownership, let’s review some of the things you need to clean rifles, shotguns and handguns in Olathe, KS:
- Quality cleaning rod: You need a quality cleaning rod to clean down into the barrel of your gun, but it’s important to know that it can damage the barrel. The crown, which is the end of the barrel, is easily damaged by the slightest nicks and dings. This greatly impacts the shooting accuracy of your gun. Use a cleaning rod made of a material that is softer than the steel of the barrel, and damage can be avoided.
- Jag or loop: You’ll need to get a jag or loop, which are little attachments that go on the end of your gun’s cleaning rod. These hold the cleaning patch (discussed below) on the cleaning rod and cleans as the rod pushes through the bore. A jag attachment has a small point on the end that’s used to stab the center of a cleaning patch, keeping the patch in place. A loop works similarly. It looks like a giant sewing needle; it has a hole in which you pull the patch halfway through so it’s secured as it passes through the bore.
- Cleaning brush: Like jags and loops, gun cleaning brushes attach to the ends of cleaning rods. This means you want to pick a brush that won’t damage or destroy the inside of the barrel. Choose a bronze brush, or a brush made of nylon for lighter duty cleaning. Either way, be sure to get a brush that’s the right size for the bore of your gun. A worn brush won’t be as effective, so discard and replace it with a new one.
- Cotton patches: Never put a naked cleaning rod through the bore—use it with a clean cotton patch every time you clean your gun. And don’t reuse dirty patches, because if you do, you run the risk of spreading dirt and debris around in the barrel. Coat the patch with solvent to loosen gunpowder and debris, then apply a light coating of protectant after cleaning. Cotton patches are also great for wiping down other parts of your gun.
- Gun cleaning fluids: From extreme heat to friction to possible rust, there’s a lot that happens inside a gun. For this reason, it’s important that you invest in the right types of cleaning and protectant products—including solvents, degreasers, lubricants and more. Additionally, consider using a water-displacing protectant if your gun will be exposed to extremely wet or harsh environments. This will repel water, preventing rust and corrosion.
Here at Harrison Street Pawn, we offer professional gun cleaning and repair services for all kinds of firearms, including handguns in Olathe, KS. Call us today!