According to data from the FBI, record numbers of you bought or received new guns for Christmas. In the last 5 weeks over 1.6 million Instant background checks were performed for buyers applying to buy one or more firearms.
Whether you got a long box with a rifle or shotgun wrapped under the tree or a pistol in your stocking, many of you now have a new firearm that you are planning to shoot.
It has been said that guns have only two enemies: Rust and Politicians! We will take care of the politicians in November, but for now let’s make sure our guns are well cared for.
When you get a new gun it is often in a plastic bag and covered with oil. You may think you can just wipe if off and go shoot, but that is incorrect. New guns are usually drenched in oil that is intended to prevent corrosion. A gun maker does not know if that new gun will sit on the shelf for two weeks or two years, so the oil used is primarily for corrosion protection.
You need to take that new gun apart, clean off any excess preservative and then oil it with high quality gun oil. If you do not already have gun cleaning supplies, a kit is a good way to start and then you can add specific materials or tools as you need them. My favorite supplies are Hoppes, although there are others.
Typically a starter kit that will work for multiple calibers including pistols, rifles and shotguns can be purchased for as low as $20. The kit will include solvents to clean and dissolve gun powder deposits, carbon, lead and copper from the barrel bore and mechanism of the gun. A cleaning rod to attach brushes to clean the bore, loops to attach cloth cleaning patches and high quality oil that both lubricates and protects the metal surfaces will also be included. Most kits will also include basic instructions.
Always make sure the gun is unloaded and ensure there is no ammunition in your work area. It is important to read the owner’s manual for proper disassembly and reassembly instructions. Another good source if you are unfamiliar with your new gun is Youtube.com. A quick search on your specific model will typically reveal videos on disassembly and reassembly. Wipe down the external metal surfaces with gun oil to ensure perspiration and fingerprints do cause corrosion.
Next month we’ll talk about hand loading your own ammunition.
Until then …….Safe Shooting!