Safely Cleaning a Gun

Whether holstered or unholstered, make sure your firearm is performing to specifications. Leather holsters and handguns must be properly and regularly cleaned. Most problems firearms encounter are from dirty bores and actions when holstered. Gunpowder can damage your firearm if not regularly removed before holster storing. Below are tips on safely cleaning your gun before placing it in a leather holster. This will help ensure your firearm will work properly when you grab your holstered gun for use.

SAFETY FIRST

Remove the gun from the holster making sure it's an empty pistol! Remove magazine clips and ammunition from the chamber and store them in a holster. It never hurts to check more than once. A pistol that has been stored in a holster for long periods of time is subject to being forgotten if stored in the holster under the bed or in a closet.

DON’T DISASSEMBLE TOO FAR

After treating the holster, read the gun owner’s manual and go only as far as recommended. You should only need to disassemble far enough to reach the major components which need cleaning due to powder and residue buildup. These will typically include the bore, chamber, and bolt or action. Check for rust that may have developed during storage in the holster.

EXAMINE THE FIREARM AS YOU BREAK IT DOWN

While the firearm is disassembled, inspect for worn components. You should also check for hairline cracks, rust, and signs of too much wear. If you find anything like this you should take the firearm to a professional gunsmith for repairs. If not stored properly, custom leather holsters can hold moisture and cause rust on your handgun.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING YOUR GUN

REMEMBER: CHECK THE CHAMBER FOR ROUNDS BEFORE YOU START!

  1. Remove from the holster and clean the gun from the breach end if possible. If not, don't “push” any debris down into the action of the gun. A muzzle guard protects the “tip” from scratches or nicks. Muzzle damage will result in lost accuracy in shooting. Avoid extended storage time of holstered guns.
  2. Use the proper patch holder for the caliber of the weapon. Soak the patch with a factory-approved solvent or copper cutter.
  3. Run a patch-down barrel to saturate the bore of your unholstered pistol. Remove the dirty patch from the other end of the barrel. Let solvent “stew” a couple of minutes to break up stubborn lead or carbon buildup.
  4. Pull the “empty” rod back out of the barrel. Attach the proper brush to the rod. Soak the brush with solvent and run it up and down the barrel 4 or 5 times to scrub the pistol bore. Repeat with a new saturated patch until it comes out free of discoloration. Run a “dry” patch through to remove the remaining solvent. Check the bore for debris and repeat if necessary.
  5. Apply a few drops of gun oil to the new patch and run it through the barrel to leave LIGHT oil film inside the barrel to prevent rust during holster storage. (separate oil for holster leather).
  6. Using a nylon gun brush saturated in a solvent, brush away unburnt powder or debris away from the action. Don't use it on a holster. After cleaning action, use gun oil to LIGHTLY coat surfaces and moving parts.
  7. Reassemble the gun and wipe touched areas with a lightly oiled cloth or silicone fabric. Wipe the gun down to leave it with a “new” look. You are now ready to place your pistol into the holster for safekeeping and storage. Remember to clean the holster.

CHECK BORE FOR ANY OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU FIRE THE GUN!!!

Have fun. Be safe with your holster and clean gun.

Billy Willis