A Beginner’s Guide to Gun Cleaning and Gun Maintenance

Gun maintenance is critical for a firearm owner because it keeps the weapon in working order.

Failing to maintain your firearms could cause issues when you attempt to use them, making them less effective whether you’re going target shooting, hunting, or need to protect your home.

Most gun maintenance comes down to keeping the firearm clean, free of debris, and well oiled.

*View our online inventory of Firearm Cleaning Products.

It's important to remember that every firearm is different, so read your operator's manual to ensure you understand the gun's unique characteristics.

However, every new gun owner should also follow some general tips to keep their firearms on the right track.

Here's a look at eight firearm maintenance tips for new gun owners. 

Key Takeaways

• Firearm Safety Rules (Recap)
• Gun cleaning maintenance is essential
• Cleaning the firearm is a significant part of this maintenance
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions is important
  
  

There are some general tips to consider, too

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded:
Always assume that a firearm is loaded, even if you personally know it is not. This rule emphasizes the importance of treating firearms with the utmost respect and caution at all times.

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
Always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. This means being mindful of where the muzzle is pointed at all times, whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you have made the decision to shoot. This helps prevent accidental discharges caused by unintentional trigger manipulation.

Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
Before firing, positively identify your target and what lies beyond it. This rule emphasizes the importance of knowing your target and what is behind it to prevent unintended injury or property damage.

Selecting the right location to clean your firearm is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Choose a well-ventilated area with good lighting and a flat, stable surface to work on.

Ideally, this space should be free from distractions and away from children, pets, or anyone who is not involved in the cleaning process.

It's also important to pick a location where you can easily access cleaning supplies and dispose of any used materials safely.

Additionally, consider using a cleaning mat or tray to contain small parts and prevent them from rolling or getting lost. By selecting an appropriate location, you can ensure a safe, efficient, and focused cleaning session for your firearm.

When selecting gun cleaning supplies, kits, and tools for basic firearm cleaning and maintenance, it's essential to prioritize quality and compatibility with your specific firearms.

A basic cleaning kit typically includes essentials such as cleaning rods, brushes, patches, solvent, and lubricant.

Look for kits that are designed for the caliber and type of firearms you own to ensure proper fit and functionality.

Additionally, consider investing in high-quality cleaning solvents and lubricants that are specifically formulated for firearms to effectively remove fouling, carbon buildup, and protect against corrosion.

Other useful tools to have on hand include a bore snake for quick cleaning, a nylon or brass brush for delicate parts, and microfiber cloths for wiping down surfaces.

By selecting the right cleaning supplies, kits, and tools, you can maintain your firearms in optimal condition, ensuring reliable performance and longevity.

Hoppes
Hoppe's is a venerable brand with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality gun cleaning and maintenance products. Founded in 1903, Hoppe's offers a comprehensive range of cleaning solvents, lubricants, brushes, and accessories designed to keep firearms in top condition.

Their products are trusted by shooters, hunters, and military personnel worldwide for their effectiveness in removing fouling, carbon buildup, and preserving firearm integrity.

Birchwood Casey
Birchwood Casey is a well-known brand that provides a diverse selection of gun cleaning and maintenance solutions.

Established in 1948, Birchwood Casey offers cleaning kits, solvents, oils, and protective coatings designed to meet the needs of firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Their products are known for their reliability, ease of use, and ability to protect firearms from rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance and appearance.

Breakthrough Clean
Breakthrough Clean is a relatively newer brand in the firearms maintenance market but has quickly gained recognition for its innovative and effective cleaning solutions.

Founded in 2013, Breakthrough Clean offers a range of non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally-friendly cleaning solvents, lubricants, and accessories.

Their products utilize advanced cleaning technology to penetrate and remove carbon fouling and other contaminants, leaving firearms clean, lubricated, and protected.

Real Avid/Revo
Real Avid/Revo is a brand known for its innovative and user-friendly gun cleaning and maintenance tools and accessories.

With a focus on creating products that simplify the cleaning process, Real Avid/Revo offers a wide range of cleaning kits, mats, brushes, and specialized tools designed to make firearm maintenance more efficient and effective.

Their products often feature ergonomic designs, durable construction, and specialized features tailored to the needs of firearm enthusiasts and professionals.

Once you have your space prepared, the right kit in hand, and the outside of the firearm cleaned up, it's time to start the disassembly process. 

Most manufacturers will have instructions for disassembly in the owner's manual, so have a look and follow the directions carefully.

*Visit the Ammunition Depot Firearm Resource Center to find your firearm's manual.

It's also recommended that you immerse the barrel in the cleaning solution that came with your care kit at this point.

You can soak the barrel and remove any residue that has built up while you take the rest of the gun apart.

Every firearm has a series of moving parts that you'll want to clean thoroughly.

As the barrel soaks, grab a brush from your care kit and scrub each section of the gun. Use a solvent to assist with the cleaning, too.

Visually inspect the weapon for carbon buildup at this point, paying particular attention to those areas. Components with carbon buildup could experience premature wear if you don't address them.

After you've scrubbed everything with the brush and solvent, take a lint-free cloth and wipe everything down again.

If you see dirt or debris on the fabric, it's a signal that your firearm requires more cleaning before you're ready for the next step.

At this point, your barrel has been soaking for a while, but it isn't spotless.

You can clean it thoroughly by rubbing a brush inside of it, scrubbing the remaining residue.

Check your progress by taking a cotton cleaning patch, which should be in your care kit, and swabbing the inside of the barrel.

If the cotton is clean, your barrel is clean. On the other hand, if the patch has residue on it, you'll want to scrub the barrel even more.

We've mentioned gun oil a couple of times in this post, and you'll finally get to use it during the reassembly process.

As you put your firearm back together, lubricate all the moving parts with gun oil throughout the process.

This oil is generally only applied to parts of the gun that aren't exposed to the elements to keep them functioning at optimal levels whenever you fire the weapon.

Remember to follow the reassembly instructions in your gun's manual to ensure you get everything back together in the proper order and lubricate all the moving parts that require it.

Keeping your firearm clean is essential for reliable performance, but how often you should clean it depends on how frequently you use it and the conditions it’s exposed to.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to clean your gun after every time you fire it.

This helps remove carbon buildup, unburned powder, and debris that can affect performance over time.

For occasional or infrequent use, aim to clean and inspect your firearm at least once every few months—even if it hasn’t been fired.

This is especially important for firearms stored in humid environments, where moisture can cause rust or corrosion.

Here’s a simple guideline:

After each range session – Always clean your gun.

• After hunting trips – Clean immediately, especially if exposed to dirt, moisture, or cold weather.
• If your gun is in storage – Inspect and clean every 2–3 months to prevent buildup or rust.
• Carry firearms (CCW) – Wipe down and inspect weekly, and clean thoroughly once a month.

Regular cleaning keeps your firearm in good condition, improves its lifespan, and ensures it functions when you need it most.

While cleaning your gun is a crucial part of firearm ownership, doing it the wrong way can lead to damage or safety risks.

Whether you're a first-time gun owner or getting back into shooting, avoid these common mistakes:

Skipping the Owner’s Manual

Keep in mind, that each firearm is different. Always read your gun’s manual before disassembling or cleaning it. The manual provides guidance on how to properly take it apart and which parts require oil or special attention.

Over-Lubricating

More oil isn’t always better. Too much lubricant can attract dust and debris, causing buildup and potential malfunctions. Apply oil only where needed, usually on moving metal parts, and wipe away the excess.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Household cleaners or motor oil should never be used on firearms. Only use products made specifically for gun cleaning to avoid damaging the barrel, finish, or internal components.

Neglecting to Clean the Barrel Thoroughly

The barrel is one of the most important parts of your firearm. If residue or fouling is left behind, it can affect accuracy and lead to premature wear. Always clean the barrel until your cleaning patches come out clean.

Rushing the Process

Take your time during each step. Losing small parts, skipping inspections, or haphazardly reassembling your gun can lead to issues later on. Create a distraction-free workspace and work methodically.

Failing to Inspect for Wear

Cleaning time is also inspection time. Look for cracks, excessive wear, or loose parts. Catching issues early can help you avoid major repairs or malfunctions.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll protect your investment and ensure your firearm is always safe, functional, and ready to perform.

Education is essential before and after purchasing your first firearm.

The more you know about these weapons, the safer you’ll be as an owner.

Part of your research should include looking up places to buy guns and ammo that offer the low prices and first-rate customer service necessary to make your transaction a good experience.

For more information on Firearm Cleaning, Ammunition, and How-Guides, visit any of the following resource Links:

• Firearm and How-To Guides
• Ammunition Resource Center
• Firearm Resource Center
• Basic Ammunition and Firearm Terms
  
  

Our team knows that taking home protection into your own hands is the only way to ensure your family is always safe, which is why we aim to make high-quality ammo as available as possible to the American public.