Regularly cleaning a gun is an extremely important task, but that process can get somewhat complicated. While some steps are fairly straightforward, there are a few things that can confuse even the most avid gun enthusiasts, including when to oil the inside of the barrel and whether that task is even necessary. If you’re ready to give your firearms a little extra care, you might want to spend some time learning more about the importance of oiling the barrels and how that type of maintenance should be carried out. The firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC explain what you need to know
The Importance of Oiling Your Firearms
Many new gun owners are surprised to hear that oiling a gun barrel isn’t necessary for lubrication. Some gun owners used to assume oiling a gun barrel helps the bullet move as quickly and smoothly as possible, but that all changed when rifling was adopted. Whenever a bullet is discharged through a rifled barrel, it can remove a microscopic layer of material, which exposes the underlying metal. When the fresh metal is left exposed to the elements for a long time, it will most likely result in rust.
Finding the Right Oil
Practically every firearm owner has a different type of oil he or she prefers, and there isn’t a single product that’s going to work in every situation. For the barrel, you should typically use gun oil designed to prevent corrosion and other types of environmental damage. There are also various types of oil designed for long-term storage, extreme temperatures, and various humidity levels. You’ll need to take all of those different factors into consideration before you choose your gun oil.
Properly Oiling the Gun Barrel
Cleaning and oiling the gun barrel is usually one of the easiest steps in maintaining a firearm, and it should only take a few minutes to complete. As a general rule, all you’re going to need is a bore cleaner, gun solvent, and your preferred oil. In a spacious and well-ventilated environment, you can begin the process by double-checking the chamber before disassembling the firearm as much as possible. You’ll then use a bore brush and a small amount of solvent to clean the inside of the barrel and remove excess carbon. Once it’s clean and dry, the barrel can then be oiled with one or two drops of oil and a second bore brush.
When to Oil the Barrel
Every situation is slightly different, but most gun owners should try to clean their firearms immediately after they’re done using them. Cleaning and oiling your firearms just before you head out to use them could result in issues with accuracy or handling. You should also plan on cleaning and oiling your guns before and after storing them for a long time. Even if your firearms are in an airtight safe, quite a bit of debris could still get into the barrels and moving parts, and those particles will impact a gun’s durability.
If you already own a firearm or you’re considering purchasing one, it’s essential to know how to use and maintain it properly. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely or you want to take a Texas license to carry online class, Online Texas LTC has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
