The case for being smarter as a gun owner to improve maintenance

As a consumer, you may be as compelled as your grandfather to use a gun solvent that smells a certain way, and reminds you of a childhood experience with the old man. I appreciate the nostalgia, but it doesn’t serve you well.

You should use something that works better.

You should be compelled to use a gun cleaner that is safer.

You should use a gun lube that works better.

You should throw away the old stuff or give it to someone you don’t like, or at least put it on the table at your next garage sale.

Bore solvents and gun oils are not equal. There is a difference, as is your behavior in taking care of your investment in hardware. Follow these steps:

1. Use good gun cleaning products, including the use of clean, dry cotton patches, bronze brushes and whatever else you have to get the job done, whether that be with a cleaning rod or a bore rope.
2. Now this is key – Remove solvent residue with isopropyl alcohol. When you wipe gunmetal you will come up with amber or some other color. That is proof that the surface is still coated. Get that off because it will only counteract the next step. Remember, gun solvent is designed to eat away at gun lubricant. It is the antithesis.
   • We will save the discussion on CLP for another day.
3. Upgrade your firearms lubricant with something synthetic like a proven performer like Tetra Gun Lubricant, the original bore conditioner. Apply firearms lube to clean, dry parts.
4. Remove excess to avoid a mess as well as an accumulation of material that will just get in the way and slow down your action.

You should quickly see some level of better results, not only at the range, but afterwards when you wipe down your rifle, shotgun or handgun more easily, and then store it away with a greater peace of mind that it will be ok in the safe.

The #1 Issue when it comes to gun care is people complaining about is the condition of their firearms after using products and wanting to place blame. Understood. Nobody wants to see visible rust or corrosion, gummed up parts let alone jams or even seizure, or even discoloration or other visible damage.

If you follow the steps above and just be more careful and conscientious overall, you will see better results. That includes not introducing different chemicals together on the same bore metal surface. The interaction that you caused can be your worst culprit. Pretend you paid attention in high school chemistry and don’t try to be a scientist. Just be smart, and careful.

There are different ways to achieve the same end result but you should be consistent and attentive. I can’t emphasize that enough. Be aware, clean and lube with care.

I have written many gun care blogs and I am hoping that one of these versions of my advice regurgitations gets thru to you. Now it’s up to you.

#shootingsports #nra #gunculture #2a #gunrights #freedom #liberty #pewpew