General Maintenance Principles (Applicable to All Firearms)
Firearm Manufacturer Manuals: Always refer to the owner manuals for your particular firearm.
Safety First: Ensure the firearm is unloaded before any cleaning or maintenance.
Regular Cleaning: Clean firearms after each use, or at regular intervals if not used frequently.
Proper Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and prevent wear.
Inspection: Regularly inspect firearms for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
Storage: Store firearms in a clean, dry, and secure location.
Pistol Maintenance
Disassembly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for field stripping the pistol.
Cleaning the Barrel: Use a bore brush and cleaning rod to remove fouling from the barrel.
Cleaning the Slide and Frame: Wipe down the slide and frame with a clean cloth and appropriate cleaning solution.
Lubrication: Apply a light coat of lubricant to the slide rails, barrel, and other moving parts.
Rifle Maintenance
Disassembly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for field stripping the rifle.
Bore Cleaning: Use a bore guide to protect the rifling when cleaning the barrel.
Bolt Cleaning: Disassemble and clean the bolt assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Trigger Mechanism: Clean and lightly lubricate the trigger mechanism.
Stock Maintenance: Wipe down the stock with a clean cloth and appropriate cleaning solution.
Shotgun Maintenance:
Disassembly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for field stripping the shotgun.
Choke Cleaning: Remove and clean the choke tubes regularly.
Action Cleaning: Clean the action and trigger mechanism to remove fouling and debris.
Barrel Cleaning: Clean the barrel with a bore brush and cleaning rod.
External Cleaning: Wipe down all external surfaces of the shotgun.
Important Notes
Use only high-quality cleaning supplies and lubricants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembly and reassembly. If you are unsure about any aspect of firearm maintenance, seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith.
Firearm Safety Team (FST) 