Firearms Maintenance
I often get the question “How often should I clean my firearm?” from many of my firearm students. The short answer is, after each time you use it or every few weeks if unfired. It is not just the frequency of cleaning that is important, but also the level of cleaning that is performed.
First off cleaning is an integral part of proper firearms maintenance, maintenance being the key word. The level of this maintenance will depend on many factors such as type/purpose of the firearm, material of the firearm (or its key components), amount of ammunition fired and type of ammunition fired. For example, if you went to the range and fired 50 rounds of good quality ammunition through your stock handgun, there would be little post operation maintenance required. By contrast, if you were to fired 50 rounds of corrosive primed ammunition through a stainless steel barreled AR-15, the entire firearm (to include its gas system) would need to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent permanent damage to the firearm. High end sniper/long range precision rifles need to be fully cleaned every few rounds to maintain maximum accuracy. Regardless of what or how much you shoot through you firearm, you must establish a PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks & Services) protocol that is appropriate to maximize the life of your firearm, reduce costly repairs and prevent dangerous malfunctions.
Here is an example of a PMCS protocol for a stock semiautomatic pistol firing only high quality production ammunition:
Level One: Extended Non Use (clean firearm)
1.) Break firearm down into functional groups, wipe down and apply light coat of oil to all moving parts.
2.) Apply light of oil to bore of barrel.
3.) Reassemble, apply light coat of oil to exterior, perform functions check.
Level Two: Light Use (50-100 rounds fired)
1.) Break firearm down into functional groups, wipe down and visually inspect all components and moving parts for signs of wear or breakage.
2.) Apply light coat of oil to all moving parts.
3.) Apply light of oil to bore of barrel.
4.) Reassemble, apply light coat of oil to exterior, perform functions check.
Level Three: Heavy Use (100+ rounds fired)
1.) Break firearm down into functional groups, wipe down and visually inspect all components and moving parts for signs of wear or breakage.
2.) Apply cleaning solvent to all internal surfaces and moving parts, allow to set for a few minutes then wipe away.
3.) Remove visible carbon build up from all surfaces
4.) Apply light coat of oil to all internal surfaces and moving parts.
5.) Apply cleaning solvent to bore of barrel, scrub with bore brush and wipe clean with bore patches.
6.) Apply light of oil to bore of barrel.
7.) Reassemble, apply light coat of oil to exterior, perform functions check.
Level Four: Professional Servicing (after each 10,000 rounds fired)
1.) Break firearm down into functional groups, wipe down and visually inspect all components and moving parts for signs of wear or breakage.
2.) Apply cleaning solvent to all internal surfaces and moving parts, allow to set for a few minutes then wipe away.
3.) Remove visible carbon build up from all surfaces
4.) Apply light coat of oil to all internal surfaces and moving parts.
5.) Apply cleaning solvent to bore of barrel, scrub with bore brush and wipe clean with bore patches.
6.) Apply light of oil to bore of barrel.
7.) Reassemble, apply light coat of oil to exterior, perform functions check.
8.) Take firearm to a qualified gunsmith for inspection, repair or replacement of springs, internal parts and mating surfaces.
If at any time during an inspection you find signs of wear or breakage, something just doesn’t quite look right or your firearm fails a basic functions check, immediately take your firearm to a qualified gunsmith for further inspection. I cannot stress this enough, do not use your firearm until it has been fully inspected by a qualified gunsmith. Failure to do so could result in costly damage to your firearm or severe injury to yourself or others.
Following these simple guidelines will help you get years of reliable enjoyment out of your firearm. In fact a well maintained firearm can easily become a family heirloom that is passed on from generation to generation.
Elite Training Center supports legal, responsible and safe firearms ownership. We provide firearms training and consultation to our students and members of the law enforcement and military communities as a service to those individuals and to further those ideals. It is the responsibility of each firearms owner to fully know and understand the laws of their state that govern firearms ownership. Furthermore we believe that all firearms owners should partake in regular firearms training to ensure safe, responsible firearms handling and full enjoyment in the shooting sports.
Instructor William Green
ECCE·EGO·MITTE·ME
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Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
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