Basic Tips for Maintaining Guns

It has often been said, "Take care of your gun, and it will take care of you." This is a sentiment that probably began in the military, but it certainly stands true for hunters and sportsmen as well. A gun can be an heirloom, handed down through generations, if it is properly cared for. The key is to understand what the gun needs, and then make sure and give it the care that it deserves. When you are spending so much money on a gun (good ones are expensive!) you have to put the time and effort into making sure that it stays in good working order. You can also protect the aesthetic beauty of a gun through proper maintenance and care.

First, guns have so many metal, working parts, they have got to be kept well oiled. In most environments, a simple 3-in-one oil is sufficient for making sure that everything stays loose. Remington makes a great spray on gun oil that is perfect for spraying down in actions, and around firing pins. This is a little lighter than something like WD-40, and does not have quite as much odor as other commercial oils. This type of oil may have to be abandoned if you are going to be hunting in a very cold climate. Then a dry lubricant is needed, since oils can freeze firing pins, and cause a misfire.

Oil can also be used on the non-working metal parts of the gun. Many people do not realize that the oil in one's fingers, which leave fingerprints on the blued metal of a gun, can cause rusting. A gun should be wiped down thoroughly with an oil rag before being put away. Often, someone will put a gun away in a case, or in a safe, only to take it out a few months later to find rust, and pitting. This is caused directly by leaving finger prints on the gun! Wipe every gun down, so that you are not surprised to find your gun's finish marred.

Secondly, it is important to make sure that your gun is kept dry. If you hunt in the rain, and your gun is wet, it must be dried out. Set the gun on the barrel, to let all the water drain out for a few minutes. Then, use a gun cleaning kit to swab the barrel with a dry patch, making sure to get all the moisture out. After this, run a swab with oil down the barrel, to make sure and coat the barrel and ensure that it does not rust. Next, make sure and take the stock off the gun to dry any moisture that may have gotten between the stock and the barrel. Many rifles have a floated barrel, which will leave a small gap between the barrel and the stock, which can trap water against the barrel. This will cause rusting very quickly, so make sure and get it apart and dried out.

Third, remember that your barrel needs to be cleaned of the powder residue at least once per year. If you shoot more, you will need to clean the barrel more often, else your accuracy will be affected. Rifles should be cleaned from the breech end. Remove bolt, or break the action to expose the breech. Start with a rifle cleaner like Hoppe's #9 Solvent. This will break down and remove any powder residue, preparing the barrel for a good coat of oil. You can look down the barrel, and see that there is no powder left in the rifling. When you are satisfied that the barrel is clean, then swab with oil, and once again spray the working parts of the action to ensure protection.

Fourth, it is important to try and keep your gun from getting scratched. Damage to the stock can cause the wood to start absorbing water. This can cause swelling, which can cause a lot of problems, if it is in the wrong place. Most guns are balanced perfectly, with the action fitting snugly into the stock. If the stock begins to swell, it can make it difficult to assemble or disassemble the rifle. So, handle the gun carefully, and try to make sure that you don't gouge the gun. If a deep scratch happens to the stock, then make sure to refinish at least that part. The best solution is to have the whole stock refinished if you are concerned about the aesthetics of the gun.

It is also possible to scratch the bluing off of the metal parts of the gun. If this happens, the gun will be much more susceptible to rusting. There are some products that are on the market to "touch up" scratches on the bluing, but they do not look as good as the original finish. You can, if the damage is bad enough, have your barrel re-blued by a gunsmith.

Finally, storage is important for the proper maintenance of your guns. The best solution is a modern safe with a dehumidifier unit installed. This will keep your guns dry, and safe at the same time. Gun cabinets are also a viable option. Get one that locks, to at least add a bit more security to them. It is unwise to store guns in a gun case, as that will keep all moisture right up against the stock, and the metal of the gun. You can cut off a lot of problems by storing your guns properly.

These suggestions should serve to help you maintain your gun in good working order. If you are going to invest in a high quality firearm, it is important to put in the effort to maintain it. You will be happy that you took the time to care for it when you are giving it to your grandson or granddaughter one day!