Maintenance of your CCW is an important part of your daily defensive strategy. A properly-maintained firearm will be much more reliable and will function the way it is supposed to in case you need to use it to defend yourself from a violent attacker.
Learn Proper Technique
Firearm maintenance varies from gun to gun. You should know how to field strip your handgun to clean it properly. Check your user’s manual to learn how the manufacturer suggests you clean and maintain the firearm. If you bought a used handgun, contact the manufacturer or look online to find the appropriate user’s manual. You can also ask a local gunsmith to help you learn how to maintain the gun.
Obtain Appropriate Cleaning Supplies
Purchase appropriate cleaning supplies to ensure you are able to thoroughly clean your firearm. Many sporting goods stores sell firearm cleaning kits. Make sure you have cleaning solvent, cleaning rods, bore brushes, lubricant, cotton swabs, patches and polishing cloths.
Clean Your Gun Regularly
Get in the habit of regularly cleaning your CCW. The process of cleaning your firearm does more than keep the gun free of dirt and debris. It also gives you an opportunity to inspect the various parts of the gun for signs of wear or any other problems that may affect the functionality of your weapon. If you notice any issues, you can have them repaired by a gunsmith.
Don’t Over-Lubricate
Guns function best with just a bit of lubrication. Using too much lubricant will attract dirt, lint and powder particles and may affect the reliability of the handgun. Make sure you use an oil that is specifically designed to be used for guns. There is no one answer about how frequently to oil a gun. Some gun owners lubricate their firearms after each range trip while others aim for once a month.
Wipe it Down
Once you’ve finished cleaning the inside of your gun and reassembled it, use a clean cloth to wipe down the outside of the firearm. The cloth will remove excess oils, dirt and other grime, and will keep your gun looking nearly brand-new for years to come.
