Many hunters fail to properly care for their shotguns and rifles when storing them for long periods.
In the "old days" it was necessary to clean guns after every outing because ammunition would leave a residue in the barrel that rapidly contributed to rust problems.
With today's ammo, shooters are no longer faced with much of a residue problem and, as a result, we've become careless or forgetful.
Despite today's better ammunition, proper cleaning and care is still necessary to keep a firearm in top shooting condition.
First, the shotgun or rifle should be stored in a dry place.
For goodness sake, don't make the error we did several years ago when we left our 12-gauge stored in one of those fleece-lined cases. Somehow, moisture got into the case and, when the shotgun was removed eight months later, it had turned reddish-brown with rust from stem to stern resulting in many hours of tiring labor to properly restore it.
The easiest solution to gun cleaning problems is to purchase a kit specially made for a shotgun, rifle, or handgun at a sporting goods store. These kits contain a cleaning rod for the barrel, a bore brush, powder solvent, gun oil, and a supply of cleaning patches. Keep in mind that kits are made for different calibers and gauges, so be sure to pick the right one.
Since many firearm accidents occur with "unloaded" guns, be absolutely certain that it's empty before starting the cleaning operation.
Those who break guns down must keep track of the various pieces and remember where they go during the re-assembling process. Few things are more frustrating to those of us who are mechanically inept than discovering a leftover spring or small part and being unable to figure out where it goes.
Being klutzy, we never break down shotguns or rifles for cleaning, opting instead for cleaning the assembled piece "by the numbers," or, more accurately, according to the step-by-step directions on the cleaning kit.
To properly clean a weapon, moisten the bore brush with powder solvent and push it through the barrel several times. Then, use a solvent-moistened patch and scrub the bore. Keep using fresh patches until you can push one through the barrel that comes out clean.
After this, run another patch through the barrel that has been moistened with a few drops of gun oil to help prevent rust development between uses.
Other parts of a gun that pick up grit, dirt, or dust should be cleaned with solvent and given a light coat of oil. A thin film of light gun oil is all that is needed, according to the experts. But it's better to use no oil at all than to use too much because an excess will collect dirt and grit, forming a gummy paste that can jam the gun's moving parts.
Experts also tell us it's best to store guns in a cool, dry place with circulating air. Personally, I like a closet because the guns and rifles stay dry and are concealed to some extent by clothes hanging from a rack.
I'm sure glad that we wrote this piece today because I'm reminded that I haven't cleaned that old 12-gauge since last season's finale.
Better get to it.
Copyright (c) 1996 Herb Allen. All rights reserved.
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