Why You Should Clean Your Guns
Nearly every American servicemember and veteran can recall the great joy and elation of turning in a freshly cleaned firearm without being rejected by the arms room. Everyone who was issued with a rifle had to clean it with religious regularity not just to make sure it remained immaculate in appearance but also to make sure it operated smoothly if it needed to be used for what it was designed to do.
The same principle applies to the civilian world. People generally buy rifles for hunting and self-defense, and there are few things in the firearms world scarier than hearing a click when you should hear a bang, and the less a rifle is cleaned, the more likely it is to happen.
What Happens When You Don’t
Cleaning your rifle is like giving your car an oil change—it keeps things running smoothly. Over time, residue from gunpowder, dirt, and even tiny metal particles build up in your rifle. If left unchecked, this gunk (often referred to as fouling) can affect your rifle's performance. Accuracy drops, parts wear out faster, your rifle regularly jams, and in extreme cases, your rifle could even malfunction and explode. So, regular cleaning isn’t just about keeping your gear shiny; it’s about ensuring your rifle stays reliable when you need it most.
The Difference Between Cleaning and Lubrication
Cleaning and lubrication go hand-in-hand, but they’re not the same thing. Cleaning is all about getting rid of the dirt and fouling that can accumulate on a firearm. This usually involves using solvents to break down and remove these substances as well as prevent rust. Lubrication, on the other hand, is applying oil or grease to certain parts of your rifle to reduce friction and prevent rust. Think of cleaning as the scrubbing phase and lubrication as the protective layer that keeps everything moving smoothly. Skip one, and you might run into problems down the line.
How Different Ammunition Affects Fouling
Not all ammo is created equal, especially when it comes to how dirty it leaves your rifle. Some ammunition types burn cleaner than others, leaving less residue behind. For example, higher-quality, premium ammunition usually burns more completely, resulting in less fouling. On the flip side, cheap or surplus ammo can be dirtier, leaving more fouling in your barrel and action. If you’re using the latter, you’ll need to clean your rifle more often to maintain its performance.
How Often You Should Actually Clean Your Rifle
It depends. If you’re a casual shooter who hits the range a few times a year, you might get away with cleaning your rifle after every few outings. But if you’re regularly putting rounds downrange, a more frequent cleaning schedule is a good idea. A good rule of thumb for new shooters is to clean your rifle after every shooting session, especially if you’re shooting a lot of rounds or using dirtier ammo. As you get more familiar with your firearm, you’ll develop a feel for how often it needs a thorough cleaning.