How to Clean Your Gun: Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Regular cleaning keeps your firearm reliable, accurate, and safe. Whether you shoot weekly or keep a gun for home defense, proper maintenance is essential. Here's how to clean your firearms the right way.

Why Clean Your Gun?

• Removes corrosive residue that causes rust
• Ensures reliable function
• Maintains accuracy
• Extends firearm lifespan
• Gives you opportunity to inspect for wear or damage

What You'll Need

• Cleaning rod (proper caliber)
• Bore brush (bronze or nylon)
• Cleaning patches
• Bore solvent (Hoppe's No. 9, CLP, etc.)
• Gun oil/lubricant
• Cleaning mat
• Nylon brush (old toothbrush works)
• Microfiber cloths

How to Clean a Handgun

Step 1: Safety First

Remove the magazine, lock the slide back, and visually and physically verify the chamber is empty. Always point in a safe direction.

Step 2: Field Strip

Disassemble according to manufacturer instructions. Most semi-autos break down into frame, slide, barrel, recoil spring, and guide rod.

Step 3: Clean the Barrel

1. Attach bore brush to cleaning rod
2. Apply solvent to brush
3. Run through barrel several times (breech to muzzle when possible)
4. Switch to patch holder with solvent-soaked patch
5. Run patches through until they come out clean
6. Finish with a lightly oiled patch

Step 4: Clean the Slide

Use solvent and nylon brush to clean the slide rails, breech face, and extractor. Wipe clean with cloth.

Step 5: Clean the Frame

Brush out the frame rails, trigger mechanism area, and magazine well. Remove carbon buildup with solvent.

Step 6: Lubricate

Apply light oil to:

• Barrel hood and locking lugs
• Slide rails
• Frame rails
• Barrel where it contacts slide

Less is more—excess oil attracts dirt.

Step 7: Reassemble and Function Check

Reassemble and verify proper function with dry fire (pointed safely) and slide manipulation.

How Often to Clean

• After every range session: Ideal practice
• Monthly: Minimum for carry/defense guns
• Before long storage: Prevents corrosion
• After exposure to moisture: Immediately

Pro Tips

• Clean in a well-ventilated area
• Never use WD-40 as a lubricant (it's a solvent)
• Invest in quality cleaning supplies
• Keep your cleaning kit organized
• Follow manufacturer recommendations

Need Supplies or Help?

Most gun stores carry cleaning supplies and can demonstrate proper technique. Many training providers include maintenance instruction in their courses.