Introduction
Owning a firearm is a significant responsibility. It’s a commitment that extends far beyond the initial purchase. It’s about safety, understanding the mechanics, and ensuring its optimal performance for years to come. One of the first questions new gun owners often grapple with is, “Should you clean a new gun?” The immediate answer isn’t always straightforward, with conflicting advice readily available. Some seasoned shooters might tell you to fire the gun first, while others insist on a thorough cleaning before the first shot. This article delves into the debate, exploring both sides of the argument and providing a detailed guide to help you make informed decisions about your new firearm, and more importantly, ensure its longevity and safe operation.
The truth is, cleaning a new gun is often more important than you might initially think. It’s a critical step that contributes significantly to the overall reliability, accuracy, and long-term health of your investment. Let’s examine why.
The Importance of Cleaning: The Manufacturing Process
A critical aspect of cleaning a new gun stems from the manufacturing processes involved in creating firearms. These processes, while advanced, can leave behind various contaminants that can hinder the gun’s performance. During manufacturing, machines cut, shape, and assemble the various components of the firearm. This process inevitably generates tiny metal shavings, burrs, and other debris. Without proper cleaning, these particles can accumulate within the action, slide, barrel, and other critical areas of the gun.
Additionally, manufacturers often apply a protective lubricant to prevent rust and corrosion during storage and shipping. While this lubricant serves a vital purpose, it can sometimes be excessive. The same lubricant may not be suitable for long term use, and can contribute to the buildup of residue that can interfere with proper functioning. This residue, combined with potential manufacturing debris, can significantly impact the gun’s accuracy. It can cause malfunctions, like failure to feed or eject, leading to frustrating experiences at the range or, more critically, compromising your ability to respond in a self-defense situation.
Function Checks and Potential Issues
Beyond addressing manufacturing residue, cleaning a new gun allows for an essential function check. Before the first shot, a careful inspection and manual cycling of the action can reveal potential issues. This involves checking the movement of the slide (for semi-automatic pistols), the cycling of the bolt (for rifles), or the movement of the action and ejector on shotguns. Does the action feel smooth or gritty? Does the slide lock back correctly? Do all controls work as intended?
During this function check, you’re not only assessing the gun’s mechanical functionality but also identifying any potential problems. Issues such as a stiff action, a tight trigger, or a failure to lock in the open position can be immediately addressed. The sooner you identify any problems, the sooner you can find a solution. These issues may be related to manufacturing, or even just some excess packing grease. Whatever the case, identifying the problem early is always the better option. Addressing these concerns before firing the gun can prevent malfunctions that can create a negative first impression and possibly even cause damage or injury.
Corrosion Prevention: Safeguarding Your Investment
Another crucial reason to clean a new gun is corrosion prevention. Firearm components, particularly the barrel and moving parts, are vulnerable to rust and corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and humidity. During storage, your new firearm might have been exposed to varying environmental conditions. Factory lubricants, while offering some protection, are not always sufficient to prevent rust in the long term. Proper cleaning involves removing any potential contaminants and applying a high-quality protectant.
Consider your local climate. If you live in a humid environment, the risk of corrosion increases significantly. Even in a dry climate, changes in temperature can cause condensation within the gun, leading to the formation of rust. A thorough cleaning, including removing factory lubricants and applying a protective coating, will greatly minimize the risk of corrosion. This proactive approach significantly extends the lifespan of your firearm and contributes to its reliable function over the years.
The Counterargument: The “Break-in” Period and Potential Damage
Despite the compelling reasons to clean a new gun, there are arguments against this practice. Some gun owners may believe it’s unnecessary, based on their experiences or what they have read from other sources.
Some argue that a new firearm requires a “factory break-in” period. This often involves firing a certain number of rounds before cleaning, allowing the internal components to “wear in” and function more smoothly. The argument often rests on the belief that the tolerances are set to some default level. This break-in period is intended to assist the proper mating of the components. While this argument has some merit, it’s often overemphasized and can potentially lead to unnecessary wear on internal components. The presence of manufacturing debris and improper lubrication can contribute to accelerated wear during this break-in period. It is generally accepted that cleaning the gun is a better option.
Another consideration is the possibility of damage during cleaning. Improper techniques or the use of unsuitable cleaning tools can inadvertently scratch the finish, damage the barrel, or harm sensitive internal components. The wrong cleaning rod, improperly used brushes, or excessive force can all cause harm. Furthermore, using the wrong chemicals can cause damage to the components. This reinforces the importance of understanding the specific cleaning instructions for your firearm and using the correct cleaning supplies. It’s essential to read your owner’s manual and ensure that you’re using the appropriate methods and products to avoid causing unintended damage. Learning how to clean a new gun properly is paramount to its long term survival.
How to Clean a New Gun: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, how do you clean a new gun properly? The following steps outline the essential process for most firearms. Remember that the specific instructions for your firearm may vary, so always consult the owner’s manual for detailed information.
Prioritize Safety First
Before you begin, prioritize safety. Ensure that the firearm is unloaded. Visually and physically check the chamber and magazine to confirm that they are empty. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, away from any people or sensitive areas. Always follow the four basic rules of gun safety, which are:
- Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Next, you’ll need to gather your cleaning supplies. These will vary depending on the type of firearm, but some essential items include: a cleaning rod of the appropriate size for your gun, bore brushes (nylon, bronze, or a specific type for your barrel), a cleaning solvent designed for firearms, patches of the correct size, gun oil or lubricant, a soft cloth or paper towels, and a cleaning mat or surface to protect your work area. A cleaning kit often contains all of these items.
Disassembly, if Necessary
Once you have assembled your supplies, the next step involves disassembly. For many firearms, you’ll need to partially disassemble the gun to access the internal components for cleaning. This is where your owner’s manual becomes crucial. The manual provides specific instructions on how to disassemble your firearm safely and correctly. Do not attempt to disassemble the firearm further than the manual advises.
For example, with many semi-automatic pistols, you may need to remove the slide from the frame. For a rifle, you may need to remove the bolt and possibly disassemble the bolt carrier group. For a shotgun, you may need to remove the barrel from the receiver. Familiarize yourself with the disassembly process as detailed in your manual. This should include how to remove the magazine, and how to release the slide. Take care to note the exact order of removal and reassembly.
Cleaning the Bore
With the firearm partially disassembled, the next step involves cleaning the bore (the inside of the barrel). Attach the appropriate-sized bore brush to the cleaning rod. Dip the brush in the cleaning solvent (or apply the solvent directly to the bore). Insert the brush into the chamber end of the barrel and run it back and forth several times. This loosens any debris and residue inside the barrel. Do not insert the brush from the muzzle end, as doing so can damage the rifling. After brushing, remove the brush and attach a patch to the cleaning rod. Run the patch through the bore to remove the loosened debris. Repeat this process until the patches come out clean. Use the bore cleaning solvent as needed. This cleaning should be done for all of the barrels of the gun.
Cleaning Other Parts
After cleaning the bore, focus on cleaning other parts of the firearm. This includes the action, slide, or other moving parts, and also the bolt carrier group. Use a solvent-soaked brush or cloth to remove any accumulated debris, carbon buildup, and old lubricant. Pay close attention to areas where parts rub against each other, as these areas are prone to wear and tear. You may need to use a smaller brush (such as a toothbrush) or a cleaning pick to get into hard-to-reach areas. Wipe down all of the parts with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all the solvent residue is removed.
Lubrication is Key
Once all components are clean, the next step is to lubricate the firearm. Apply gun oil or lubricant to the designated lubrication points. Refer to your owner’s manual to identify these points. These typically include the slide rails, the action, the bolt (for rifles), and other areas where parts move against each other. Apply a thin, even coat of lubricant. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris.
Reassembly and Function Check
Following cleaning and lubrication, reassemble the firearm. Again, consult your owner’s manual to ensure that you reassemble the parts in the correct order. After reassembly, perform a function check. Ensure that the action cycles smoothly, the trigger functions correctly, and all safety mechanisms operate as intended. If you encounter any issues during the function check, stop, disassemble the firearm again, and re-evaluate the cleaning and lubrication process.
Considerations and Variables
When deciding whether to clean your new gun, several factors can influence your approach. First, consider the type of gun you own. Pistols, rifles, and shotguns all have different designs and cleaning requirements. Semi-automatic pistols and rifles typically have more complex actions than revolvers. Bolt-action rifles require specific cleaning techniques for the bolt and barrel. Shotguns might have interchangeable chokes that require attention.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Your owner’s manual provides the most accurate and specific instructions for your particular firearm. It will guide you through the recommended cleaning procedures, the appropriate lubricants, and any specific cautions or warnings. Failure to follow these instructions could potentially damage your firearm and void your warranty.
Ultimately, personal preference plays a role. Some gun owners prefer to clean their firearms after every range session, while others may clean them less frequently. Regular cleaning is always the best approach. Frequent cleaning helps to prevent problems. More importantly, it provides an excellent opportunity to inspect your firearm for any potential wear or damage. Finding those issues early is the goal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, should you clean a new gun? The answer is a resounding yes. Cleaning a new gun is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a fundamental step in ensuring its safety, reliability, and longevity. It removes manufacturing debris and residue, allows for a critical function check, and prevents corrosion. By following the steps outlined in this article and referring to your owner’s manual, you can confidently clean your new firearm. This will guarantee it performs at its best for many years.
Always remember that responsible gun ownership includes regular maintenance and a commitment to safe gun handling practices. Take the time to learn about your firearm, practice proper cleaning techniques, and prioritize safety. This will ensure you can enjoy your firearm while upholding the highest standards of responsibility.
