Question 1

What is the top-rated gun cleaning kit?

Accepted Answer

That is a question that can only be answered based on what types of guns you need to clean. Brand name companies like Winchester make great cleaning kits, but you can find the same products in a cheaper kit, too. Look for the gun cleaning kit with the highest quality components and the precise sizes you’ll need for your collection of guns.

Question 2

How does a gun cleaning kit work?

Accepted Answer

In general terms, gun cleaning involves the following steps. The components found in a gun cleaning kit will ensure a thorough cleaning:

Always ensure that the gun is not loaded!
Set up your cleaning station in a well-ventilated area. The more open windows, the better. The solvent is strong!
Remove the bolt in a rifle or open the action of a pistol or shotgun. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to do so.
Run a cloth patch that’s soaked in solvent down the barrel. Let stand for 1-2 minutes.
Once the solvent has soaked in, run the rod and bore brush up and down the barrel several more times.
Run a clean cloth patch through the barrel until no more residue comes off.
Lubricate the barrel, bolt, and other surfaces with a bit of lubricating oil on a fresh cloth patch. (Or spray the lubricant over key parts of your gun, and wipe it off with a clean cloth.)

Question 3

Does one gun cleaning kit work for all guns?

Accepted Answer

Some do, some don’t. Anytime you see “universal” attached to a gun cleaning kit, it should provide the gun cleaning tools you need to clean all of your guns, provided that it’s not a specialized make or model.

Question 4

Should you clean your gun every time you shoot?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If you’re a clean freak or shoot infrequently (once a month or less), then yes, clean your gun every time! We’re serious about the infrequent shooting, though — even a little corrosion can damage your gun if left unattended for several months. However, if you’re a frequent shooter (once or twice a week, minimum), then you shouldn’t need to clean your gun every time; just wipe it down with a clean rag to keep your hand’s oils off of the exterior. Set aside time once a month to give your guns a thorough going-over, and you’ll be good to go.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141117" src="../wp-content/uploads/2021/09/man-cleaning-rifle.jpg" alt="man cleaning rifle" width="950" height="600" />

Question 5

What happens if you don't clean your gun?

Accepted Answer

Without proper cleaning, your gun will corrode over time, which may result in a failure to fire. Rust may oxidize your gun's steel components, locking the firing pieces in place or damaging the bores inside the barrel.

Question 6

Do you need to clean a brand new gun?

Accepted Answer

No. Brand new guns have only been shot once and are constructed of all new materials. If you want to wipe off the oil from your hands or run a clean cloth patch on the barrel, go for it. However, it’s not necessary prior to shooting.

Question 7

How often should you clean your gun?

Accepted Answer

If you are an infrequent shooter (once a month or less), then you should clean your gun every time. Even a little corrosion can damage your gun if left unattended for extended periods of time. However, if you’re a frequent shooter (say you hit the range once or twice a week or are planning to go out every weekend of hunting season), then you shouldn’t need to clean your gun every time; just wipe it down with a clean rag to keep your hand’s oils off of the exterior. Set aside time once a month or at the end of hunting season to give your guns a thorough going-over, and you’ll be good to go. If you’re shooting in competitions or in grimy conditions, clean your gun more often.

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