7 Gun Cleaning Essentials
1. Cleaning Rod
It is important to choose a cleaning rod that is made with a softer material than the barrel of your firearm. Most barrels are steel, and cleaning rods are commonly carbon fibre or aluminum. We recommend carbon fibre cleaning rods as they are the least likely to scratch your barrel. The large handle gives you grip and leverage, while the carbon fibre rod won't damage the bore. It's important to remember, using a cleaning rod incorrectly can damage the barrel of your gun. The slightest ding on the crown can impact the accuracy of a rifle or handgun.
2. Jags
Jags are the little attachments that go on the end of your cleaning rod. They hold a cleaning patch in place while you push the rod through the bore. To use one, pierce the middle of a cleaning patch with the jag and push it through the barrel. The point keeps the patch in place as you push it through. Consider this jag by Tipton as its patented protective process shields it from bore solvents for long life and improved cleaning.
3. Cleaning Patches
When cleaning your gun, you should always use a clean patch through the bore. It is important to change the cleaning patch with every pass of the cleaning rod. Patches are designed for one-time use. Reusing a patch can redeposit dirt or particles back into the barrel. Consider purchasing patches like these from Hoppe's. They are inexpensive, and they are available in bulk.
4. Cleaning Brush
Cleaning brushes, these items are as simple as they sound. When picking a brush, be sure to choose one that will not damage your barrel's inside. Bronze brushes tend to work well for stubborn carbon removal, and brushes made of nylon work well for lighter cleaning. This brush set from Hoppe's includes a cleaning swab, tornado brush and a phosphor bronze brush in matching calibre or gauge.
5. Cleaning Chemicals
When you fire a gun, its internal parts deal with extreme heat, high-speed movement, and friction. The wear this creates is why cleaning with the right chemicals is so important. These cleaning chemicals have to work in that tough environment. They have to stay in place over a long time to continue protecting sensitive parts. The four basic types of chemicals that help clean and protect a firearm are:
- Solvent – this fluid removes carbon, lead, and other fouling from the bore.
- Degreaser – this fluid removes existing dirt and oil from the moving parts of a gun, creating a fresh, clean surface for applying a lubricant.
- Lubricant – this fluid lubricates parts and protects against rust.
- Protectant – this repels water, preventing rust and corrosion.
6. Gun Utility Brush
Yes, you can use an old toothbrush from your bathroom. However, a brush designed for use on guns, such as this one, can reach all the nooks and crannies, making it perfect for cleaning out slide grooves and trigger parts. A utility brush designed for gun cleaning will be durable enough to get the job done properly.
7. Bore Snake
A Bore Snake is a great tool to help prevent build-up in your firearm. It's quick and easy to use. In fact, we recommend using one every time you've been out shooting. First, spray some cleaner into the bore, then pull the bore snake through the bore and out the tip. Remember, it is important to always clean in the same direction that the firearm shoots.
If you shoot a lot or own multiple firearms, we recommend investing in a full cleaning kit covering handguns, rifles and shotguns. No matter what kind of gun cleaning item you are looking for, you can count on Triggers and Bows to have just what you need. Visit us today at 340 Bishopsgate Road in Burford, or check out our products online.