When it comes to handguns, powder residue can be found, to some degree, all over the gunmetal surfaces as well as on polymer and other firearm materials. To ensure for a properly operating piece of hardware, you need to keep key friction points and sliding surfaces as free of debris as possible. Cleaning is fine, but lubrication is the key.

A pre-lubricated barrel, especially within the bore, will minimize buildup. Additionally, treat the slide, rails, the top of the hood for semiautomatic pistols. For revolvers, the cylinder should be the focal point for care.

For suppressors, the baffle and the crown of the muzzle seem to accumulate the most residue from gases and other debris sources, not to mention the impact on performance. I guess if you start feeling a weight difference or that the silencer effect is lessened, you need to address this. Some believe a lubrication inside of the structure will minimize buildup, but you need to consider side effects. Consult with the manufacturer.

On a shotgun, let alone any firearms type, the action is at the heart of both performance and failure. Clean and lubricate the sear attentively. Use grease on slower moving parts such as the hinge, choke and trigger. In all cases, remove solvent residue first to prevent caking or possible seizure.

As far as rifles go, whether centerfire or rimfire, much of what is mentioned can still be universally applied, but for a bolt action rifle, ensuring for freely moving parts is critical. You will know when it all moves smoothly vs. resistance. Clean, then lubricate. Sounds simply, but many fail to adhere to this principle.

Any firearm with a magazine needs to also be clean and have a lubed finish to move freely and efficiently as to avoid jams. A dirty feed ramp has always been my nemesis. Carbon accumulation that is allowed to build just makes uninterrupted action impossible, or at least highly suspect. Nobody wants anything but reliability. There are other factors, but you can’t let fouling be the culprit of a misfire. Ammunition, for example, is another story.

Here are a few overall tips to adjust your behavior:

1. Wipe down a firearm action a shoot
2. Long term storage demands protectant on gunmetal surfaces
3. Store in a cool, dry place to avoid rust that is most often caused by a combination of humidity and solvent residue remaining on gun parts
4. Inspect your guns before use, disassemble to properly inspect, and reassemble with care. Even a basic breakdown will do
5. Noticeable wear needs to be addressed, accentuating the need for relubrication to counter any loss of performance, prior to needing parts replacement

Ultimately, you always want to refer to the firearm manufacturer’s maintenance guide if not question directed to customer service technicians. Gunsmiths and counter staff at a gun shop are helpful but nobody will have a more accurate knowledge than the maker.

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