Gun Maintenance Questions

[Memphys]

Howdy,

I was wondering about firearm maintenance items and best practices? I recently purchased a few firearms, they are my first ones and I was wondering about maintenance for these and few other things too. I've wet my feet with a Mossberg 500, Ruger American 22lr, and a XD9 5inch so if you suggest anything please let me know if it will be good for all or just one specific gun.


Are those universal cleaning kits worth a damn? (A buddy of mine suggested Hoppe's Universal Gun Cleaning Accessory Kit about $20 on amazon)

Bore snakes good buys? Can use this alone or do I need these along with a kit?

What Solvents are considered essential? (Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner and Hoppe's No. 9 Synthetic Blend Lubricating Oil are on order)

What is the best practice with regards to maintenance? I have heard that you need to clean your guns after every use. What would be a good schedule if I plan to go out to a range at least 2 times a month.

I'm not too comfortable taking a gun completely apart, is this something that everyone should really learn? I will eventually of course but initially I'm working if it is something I should learn sooner than later.

What should I never do when cleaning and maintaining?

Thank you for your help

[HighWildFree]

You tube videos are great for learning to take apart any firearm.

I don't clean after every range trip, roughly every 500 rounds of so. Shotguns get a bore snake after each trip, same with .22's. Nothing wrong with a good universal kit.

[JustEd]

Rule number one....make sure your firearm is unloaded and all ammunition is stored out of reach.

Otherwise, what HWF said about utube for instruction.

Finally, I clean my handguns after shoting them. Just don't want the dirt and grit from the action range to sit on them and attract moisture. Usually a quick wipe of the exterior and a lubed swab down the bore will hold them until I get time to do a thorough cleaning. Usually shoot a couple of hundred rounds per gun each time, btw.

Some guns, such as Glocks require less cleaning than others, like a 1911.

[penguin0123]

Are those universal cleaning kits worth a damn?
As a field kit, it is useful for clearing jams if necessary. To clean, I would get a one piece CF rod with bored guide. Add jag and patch.

Bore snakes good buys?
Good for field cleaning.

What Solvents are considered essential?
Elbow grease. Hoppes is good but if you clean dilligently, you should never get horrible buildup.

What is the best practice with regards to maintenance?
Never go to sleep in the same house as a dirty gun. Shoot corrosive ammo? Clean immediately.

I'm not too comfortable taking a gun completely apart, is this something that everyone should really learn?
Yes. Get the armorer's manual or watch youtube for detail strip vids.

What should I never do when cleaning and maintaining?
Shoot yourself.

[Red-Osier]

I'm picky about my handguns, So I clean them after every trip. Like said before universal kits will get the job done they are fine. You should learn how to tear down every gun you own.

[Bansh88]

Toothbrush and a Boresnake. Done. Don't over oil.
I've had a Mossberg 500 for 20 years now and I don't think it's ever needed a cleaning. Maybe cleaned it 6 times ever.

Many guys go overboard with cleaning. I usually clean a gun when I just kinda feel like it. Which isn't often.

AKs with corrosive is the only exception.

[Memphys]

Sweet advice! Thank you, i'll make sure to not shoot my self while cleaning

I like the 500 round schedule suggestion, and I'll make sure to study up on youtube!

[Divernhunter]

1) No
2) they are useful but still need a 1 piece coated or SS rod.
3) #9 solvent is a waste of time and money. Some people still stuck in the 1950's when nothing else was out there still like it. There are much better solvents. Use Wipe-out 1st and most all is done. Some stop there and that is ok. Others use a good copper remover also such as Sweets7.62, Barnes CR-10 or Montana Extreme or Butches Bore Shine. Then oil the bore.
Tetra gun, Shooters choice are also good and much better than #9.
You can prove it by cleaning with #9 then clean with one of the above and you will be surprised just how much more stuff comes out of the barrel.

#4) No need to clean every time. Actually a somewhat fouled(dirty) bore will shoot better than a perfectly clean one. That is why it is smart/common to go to the range and fire a few shot before hunting season and not clean the firearm until the season is over if even then. Some of my firearms have not been cleaned in a year and still shoot excellent. At least wait until you have fired 100-500 rounds before cleaning. Remember more firearms have been ruined from improper over cleaning than not enough.
NOT: If you shoot corrosive ammo or even think you may have be sure to clean when done. I take a cleaning rod(Dewey), patches and a bottle of windex to the range and while the barrel is warm I run some wet patches then dry one thru it. It is surprising how much that help to make the cleaning at home easier. RULE: clean everytime if shooting corrosive ammo.

#5) No need to take gun apart every time.
#6) Never shoot yourself or anyone else. Something I learned long ago is NOT to lube a 22RF semi-auto. 22RF is dirty and it will just gum up and cause problems. The rifle will not wear out due to this. You can oil the bore if you are not going to use it for awhile to prevent rust. You can use lighter fluid on the action to flush, clean it and the lighter fluid will leaver a lube flim on it if you feel like it. I learned long ago with several Marlin 60, Ruger 10/22 and some others to just remove the barrel/action from the stock and spray the heck out of it(also while working the action) with Brake Clean Spray. It is the same thing as the gun scrubbers but $2/can vrs $10-12/can.
I do the same for my centerfire rifles/pistols(remove the grips). The lighter fluid will also not cause a sluggish action due to grit or frozen due to oil when hunting. Tubbs a well known benchrest shooter taught me this at a SCI convention.

Remember the MUST clean every time you shoot was something started(and true then) when ammo all had corrosive primers. Some still believe it even though it is no longer true or even desirable. Also many of them still use 3 piece alum jointed rods which are the worse thing you can use to clean a firearm.


SO:-----Get some wipe-out and a better bore cleaner, one piece coated or SS cleaning rods suitable for your firearms, Correct Bore Snakes for quick cleaning(I just pull them thru one time and dry--no solvent/oil on them), correct size jags/brushes/patches/toothbrush/brake cleaner/lighter fluid and do not over clean(clean too often is not needed). You already have some oil for the bore and there are others that also work. Most of this stuff will also work on a shotgun but get a proper cleaning rod and jag/brush.

Most of all enjoy your new firearms-----and do not listen to your buddy for too much advise

[Memphys]

1) No
2) they are useful but still need a 1 piece coated or SS rod.
3) #9 solvent is a waste of time and money. Some people still stuck in the 1950's when nothing else was out there still like it. There are much better solvents. Use Wipe-out 1st and most all is done. Some stop there and that is ok. Others use a good copper remover also such as Sweets7.62, Barnes CR-10 or Montana Extreme or Butches Bore Shine. Then oil the bore.
Tetra gun, Shooters choice are also good and much better than #9.
You can prove it by cleaning with #9 then clean with one of the above and you will be surprised just how much more stuff comes out of the barrel.

#4) No need to clean every time. Actually a somewhat fouled(dirty) bore will shoot better than a perfectly clean one. That is why it is smart/common to go to the range and fire a few shot before hunting season and not clean the firearm until the season is over if even then. Some of my firearms have not been cleaned in a year and still shoot excellent. At least wait until you have fired 100-500 rounds before cleaning. Remember more firearms have been ruined from improper over cleaning than not enough.
NOT: If you shoot corrosive ammo or even think you may have be sure to clean when done. I take a cleaning rod(Dewey), patches and a bottle of windex to the range and while the barrel is warm I run some wet patches then dry one thru it. It is surprising how much that help to make the cleaning at home easier. RULE: clean everytime if shooting corrosive ammo.

#5) No need to take gun apart every time.
#6) Never shoot yourself or anyone else. Something I learned long ago is NOT to lube a 22RF semi-auto. 22RF is dirty and it will just gum up and cause problems. The rifle will not wear out due to this. You can oil the bore if you are not going to use it for awhile to prevent rust. You can use lighter fluid on the action to flush, clean it and the lighter fluid will leaver a lube flim on it if you feel like it. I learned long ago with several Marlin 60, Ruger 10/22 and some others to just remove the barrel/action from the stock and spray the heck out of it(also while working the action) with Brake Clean Spray. It is the same thing as the gun scrubbers but $2/can vrs $10-12/can.
I do the same for my centerfire rifles/pistols(remove the grips). The lighter fluid will also not cause a sluggish action due to grit or frozen due to oil when hunting. Tubbs a well known benchrest shooter taught me this at a SCI convention.

Remember the MUST clean every time you shoot was something started(and true then) when ammo all had corrosive primers. Some still believe it even though it is no longer true or even desirable. Also many of them still use 3 piece alum jointed rods which are the worse thing you can use to clean a firearm.


SO:-----Get some wipe-out and a better bore cleaner, one piece coated or SS cleaning rods suitable for your firearms, Correct Bore Snakes for quick cleaning(I just pull them thru one time and dry--no solvent/oil on them), correct size jags/brushes/patches/toothbrush/brake cleaner/lighter fluid and do not over clean(clean too often is not needed). You already have some oil for the bore and there are others that also work. Most of this stuff will also work on a shotgun but get a proper cleaning rod and jag/brush.

Most of all enjoy your new firearms-----and do not listen to your buddy for too much advise

Wowsers! Thanks for all the detailed info I'll be looking in all the products and items you mentioned.

[Wordupmybrotha]

Answered within the quote below.

Howdy,

I was wondering about firearm maintenance items and best practices? I recently purchased a few firearms, they are my first ones and I was wondering about maintenance for these and few other things too. I've wet my feet with a Mossberg 500, Ruger American 22lr, and a XD9 5inch so if you suggest anything please let me know if it will be good for all or just one specific gun.


Are those universal cleaning kits worth a damn? (A buddy of mine suggested Hoppe's Universal Gun Cleaning Accessory Kit about $20 on amazon)

I don't have this and I'm doing fine. I have an aluminum rod with detachable tip. The pointy one to push through patches, is what I just use.

Bore snakes good buys? Can use this alone or do I need these along with a kit?

Definitely. I have one for all my calibers. I use it inow conjunction with the patch.

What Solvents are considered essential? (Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner and Hoppe's No. 9 Synthetic Blend Lubricating Oil are on order)

MPro7 and Froglube is the combo I use. Weapon Shield instead of Frog lube sometimes.

What is the best practice with regards to maintenance? I have heard that you need to clean your guns after every use. What would be a good schedule if I plan to go out to a range at least 2 times a month.

If it's going to sit in the safe for over a month, I clean, if I'm going to shoot next week, no. I run the bore snake after every trip.

I'm not too comfortable taking a gun completely apart, is this something that everyone should really learn? I will eventually of course but initially I'm working if it is something I should learn sooner than later.

I've never stripped it down butt naked, just field stripped it.

What should I never do when cleaning and maintaining?

Never oil the fire pin channel. Keep it dry by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol or Mpro7.

Thank you for your help

[Memphys]

Answered within the quote below.

Oh man I gotta start doing my homework, you guys have thrown out lots of good products. Gonna take some time to sort through it all but thats half the fun right?!

Are there any stand out kits that you guys know of that my serve my purposes for maintaining a shotgun, 22lr bolt action rifle and xd9? I'm considering the Otis, Remington, and M-Pro 7 Kits, or do you guys think thats overkill? They are all around $50. Or should I just part out my own kit? I'm looking to keep costs down on my end.

Edit:
Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Remington Hunting Cleaning and Maintenance Kit

M-Pro 7 Tactical Universal Cleaning Kit

Otis 3-Gun Competition Cleaning System

[bassjam99]

Great thread! I needed this information. Thanks OP for the great question!

[nedro]

These guys got you over thinking it.
Step away from the minutia.
YES Hoppe's is great stuff, but allot of people don't like the smell. Make sure to be in a ventilated area.
But so is MP7. And it has no petroleum smell to it.
If you have the money, get the MP7. If not, get Hoppe's.
I am a fan of the Otis kit but many are not. Otis pulls the brush and patch through the barrel with a cable. Most other kits have you push a rod through the barrel.
Just as a starter, I would buy a cheap Outers kit for each caliber you have and try them out. If they work well for you, you can buy a more expensive type of rod brush.
I like the Otis because after looking at the other brushes, Otis seems to have more brush strands than other brands.

Oh ya, you didn't even talk about lube. Wait till you ask that one.

By the time you figure out which oil/lube you like best, you will have enough lube for 5 lifetimes.

I've used Hoppe's, Otis, Snake Oil (really named snake oil) and now I use Militec-1 dry synthetic lube (its actually a liquid) and Militec-1 grease.

A couple of tips.
Simple Green is great on polymer parts. Just rinse off with water and dry.
Don't Choot yourself.

[Bgillette91]

I LOVE my boresnakes.

[Epaphroditus]

Some guns I clean like OCD frequently and some I clean only after they are so dirty they malfunction and one has not been cleaned for 40 years but gets shot very often.



Sent from my SM-G360V using Tapatalk