Gun Cleaning Training

We're frequently asked about how to clean a gun. We provide gun cleaning instruction as a free service the first Tuesday night of each month, unless we have a CHL class going on that night. Click here to let us know you're coming.

You don't need a lot of expensive equipment to clean a modern firearm, unless it has been neglected. We'll show you what you need and will probably save you a bunch of money.

To clean any gun correctly some disassembly is required. This is where your owner's manual comes in handy. Please bring it with you when you come to one of our free gun cleaning classes.

Bring your gun, but NO AMMO, please!

The Steps

If you can't come to class, or if you just want little refresher, here is how we clean a gun. You can do this with a cleaning kit that costs as little as $9.95, along with just a few chemicals. Here are the steps:

1. Check to make sure the gun is UNLOADED! Keep all ammo away from the cleaning area.
2. Break the gun down, following the instructions in the owner's manual.
3. Put a cleaning brush of the appropriate size on the end of a cleaning rod. I like to use a bronze brush. Saturate the brush with a solvent, such as Hoppe's No. 9 and run it through the barrel multiple times. If it's possible, push the brush from the breech or chamber end towards the muzzle end.
4. Push a cleaning patch through the barrel. If it comes out dirty, do another one. Keep doing this until the patch comes out clean.
5. Put a little gun oil on a cleaning rag and run it through the barrel. The object is to leave a very light coat of oil on the lining of the barrel.
6. Next, turn your attention to the action. I like to use Gun Scrubber to spray the action down really well and let any powder built up or residue run off.
7. Use a wire brush or small pick to dislodge any built up areas of powder or gunk that don't readily wash off with the Gun Scrubber.
8. Spray the Gun Scrubber into the parts of the action you can't see, as well and work the trigger and hammer to help distribute the cleaner.
9. Wipe everything down with a clean cloth or cleaning patches until you get no more smudges.
10. Spreay a light coating of gun oil over the action, especially where any metal to metal parts make contact.
11. Reassemble the gun and work the action a few times.
12. Wipe off any excess oil and the gun should be good to go!

What About a Really Dirty Gun

Parts of a really dirty gun, or one that hasn't been cleaned in a long time, may need to be soaked in solvent to dislodge built-up gunk. If that doesn't work, you may need to take the gun to a gunsmith who has a parts cleaning tub that vibrates or uses sonic pulse to dislodge built-up dirt particles.