Regular gun maintenance is essential if you want your shotgun or rifle to remain reliable, safe and in good working order. Following the end of the shooting season, it is worth taking the time to keep your kit clean and in top condition. Equally as important as the rules and routines that surround the safe handling of a firearm, making sure that your gun is in the best condition takes little effort and drastically reduces the chances of malfunctions and misfires.
Timing is crucial, and the earlier you begin your maintenance routine, the sooner you will treat this task as simply part of owning the gun, and it will become second nature. With shotguns and rifles proving to be a costly lifetime investment, the simplest of routines will not only ensure consistent performance of your weapon but also help protect its monetary value. When looking at pre-owned firearms, it is clear which ones have been cared for over their lifetime, so those 20 minutes spent cleaning will go a long way toward retaining the value of your firearm.
As for gun cleaning itself, a good starting point is to ensure that your hands are clean when handling the weapon. Duck blood has proven especially tricky for blued metalwork, often stripping the blue from your barrels over time. It is also wise to keep an eye on the condition of your cleaning rods and ropes, as, over time, corrosive acids can build up and damage the walls of your barrel, even if it is made of chrome. Remove and clean the chokes for optimal performance, and be sure to lightly grease or oil the threads before refitting.
Now that your gun is cleaned, storing it in the correct position and conditions ensures your hard work does not go to waste. Ensure you do not use a gun slip when storing your firearm in a gun safe, and pick a safe without heaters or lightbulbs, as both may over-dry your stock and cause long-term cracking. You may also want to store your gun barrel down to prevent any excess oil from seeping into your stock.
By putting these simple yet effective tips into place, you should be able to hit the ground running and ensure a smooth transition to the new season. You can shop our extensive range of gun maintenance kits and individual items through the gun cleaning kits and accessories collection, the gun cleaning mops and brushes collection, and the wider shooting collection.
