Susan Knox Wilson
It might be a tad late to include gun cleaning on your spring cleaning list, but you’ll want make up for lost time by including this June 5 event on your calendar: Gun Cleaning and Maintenance; Tips and Techniques from an Expert. Monday, June 5, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Home of Gary Long, 15690 N. Avalon. RSVP: [email protected]
Your gun is like any other tool; it needs to be maintained to operate the way it was designed to operate and cleaning your gun is just one of the many different ways to help preserve its function. Here are a few reasons why regular cleaning is so important:
1. Longevity: Simple maintenance and cleaning can make your gun last for generations, not years. Have you heard people say their shotgun belonged to their great grandfather? The gun lasted because it was taken care of. The owner didn’t likely shoot the gun then throw it in a dirty, damp basement for 30 years. A simple cleaning, oiling and storing the gun in a case or safe can preserve it for a long time. Keep in mind, guns with wooden inserts, handles or stocks need some extra care.
2. Knowing How the Gun Works: You may not have a burning desire to know what happens to make the bullet leave the chamber of your Glock, but cleaning and maintaining your gun will help you learn how the gun works and how the parts interact with each other.
3. Proper Lubrication: More lubrication is not always a good thing when you’re maintaining your gun. If the moving parts of your gun have too much lubrication, excess dirt can build up and cause light primer strikes and Failure to Fire (FTF). Failure to Eject (FTE) can occur when the lube works its way into the parts of the gun and magazine which transport the round from magazine to chamber.
4. Safety and Reliability: After shooting your gun you should clean it! You could be betting your life on the gun working when you pull the trigger.
5. Cleaning guns with friends is not only good for your firearms, it’s fun – so come on out!