Proper cleaning is a major part of efficient firearm maintenance. Having a gun is a big responsibility in itself. It is important that you ensure proper maintenance of the gun and clean it the right way after each use. This post will show the various gun cleaning products essential for running firearms smoothly.
Cleaning Chemicals
Gun cleaning chemicals are numerous and include action cleaners, lubricants, and bore cleaners. Bore cleaners are required to dissolve the fouling in the barrel, while action cleaners remove grime from moving parts. Lubricants are essential to keep everything running smoothly.
● Bore cleaners: bore cleaners are designed to dissolve and remove the fouling from the barrel of the firearm. They are extremely effective against copper, lead, and powder residue. There are two types of bore cleaners- general-purpose solvents, designed to remove a wide range of residues, and copper solvents, formulated to remove copper fouling, which is difficult to dissolve with general-purpose solvents.
● Action Cleaners: Action cleaners are gun cleaning products used to clean the moving parts of the firearm, like the trigger assembly, bolt, and slide. They come in aerosol cans for easy application. Degreasers remove grease, oil, and other contaminants, while carbon removers dissolve the carbon buildup, which is common in semi-automatic firearms and revolvers.
● Lubricants: Lubricants are formulated to lubricate the firearm in order to reduce friction between the moving parts. Some of them also provide a protective layer against rust and corrosion. Oil is a traditional choice for gun lubrication as it is easy to apply and works well under normal conditions. Another option is grease, which is thicker than oil and stays in place better. It makes a great choice for high-stress areas or extreme conditions. You can also go for CLP or cleaner, lubricant, or protectant, an all-in-one product that cleans, lubricates, and protects the firearm. It is a good option for quick cleaning or field use.
Cleaning Rod
This is a key component of any gun cleaning kit and is used to push cleaning patches, brushes, jags, and other tools through the barrel of a firearm to clean it.
● Single-piece rods: single-piece rods are used for their durability due to their construction from a solitary piece of material. Thus, they are less prone to bending or fracturing under stress.
● Sectional rods: sectional rods are segmented, which allows the user to join them together as needed. This enhances their portability and adaptability, enabling length adjustments to accommodate various firearms. But they should be used cautiously to prevent barrel damage.
Cleaning rods are made from steel, carbon fiber, brass, and coated steel. They are caliber-specific.
Cleaning Jags
These small attachments are connected to the cleaning rod and hold the cleaning patch in place as you push it through the barrel. They come in two main types:
● Slotted jags have a slot or loop where a cleaning patch can be inserted, which can then be folded over and pushed through the barrel.
● Form-fitting jags are designed to hold the patch tightly against the bore for more thorough cleaning. Typically shaped like a spike or button, the cleaning patch can be wrapped around it, entering the bore before the jag, thus creating a tight fit. This allows the patch to make full contact with the barrel walls.
● Cleaning jags are typically made of brass or plastic that prevent scratches within the barrels. Brass ones are more robust, while plastic ones are softer.
Bore Brush
These are used to scour the inside of the firearm barrel. They are extremely useful in dislodging and removing persistent fouling consisting of gunpowder remnants, copper, lead, and other residues accumulated after shooting. Bore brushes are available in various types:
● Nylon brushes are softer than metal brushes and less likely to wear down the barrel over time. They are perfect for firearms with delicate or older barrels or lighter cleaning tasks.
● Bronze/ brass brushes: the metal bristles are strong enough to scrub away tough fouling but soft enough not to damage the barrel’s rifling.
● Stainless steel brushes: the toughest type of bore brush is stainless steel, which is especially useful for stubborn fouling. However, these brushes should be used carefully since they can damage the barrel.
Cleaning Swab
These form an integral part of any gun cleaning kit. Cleaning swabs are used for applying lubricants and solvents as they allow them to reach inaccessible areas and eliminate residue from the firearm. Cotton swabs are the most popular as they exhibit high absorbency and are gentle on the gun components. They are available in diverse sizes. You can also go for foam swabs, which are reusable, don’t shed lint, and do not leave any debris during the cleaning process.
The swab can be immersed in solvent or oil before applying it to the firearm. It can also be used to scrub off any dirt and residue. They are great for cleaning minute and difficult-to-reach areas of the gun.
Wrapping Up
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your firearms will prepare them for action and offer failure-proof performance. You can choose from numerous gun cleaning products for keeping your firearm well-performing.
