Q&A for How to Clean a Gun

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What is the best thing to clean rust off a gun?

Bryan Villella
Lead Firearms Instructor
Bryan Villella is the Lead Firearms Instructor and Owner of Don't Be A Sitting Duck in Kissimmee, Florida. Bryan has nine years of professional experience and is an NRA and Florida State Certified “K” Instructor. He leads certified training courses necessary to get licensed through the state to work in the private security field. He prioritizes safety and building comfortable environments for people to learn skills safely.

Bryan Villella

Lead Firearms Instructor

Expert Answer

Well, that will depend on the type of finish that's on the firearm. There's no magical solution or product. Sometimes, it can be as simple as just applying a bit of gun cleaner or gun oil with an abrasive brush. If it is starting to corrode the actual metal, you might need to clean it and then refinish your firearm.

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Question

How do I disassemble my gun?

Community Answer

Most guns are different. Take a course to learn about your gun. The user's manual will probably say, but you still may want to take the course so that you can see it hands on. Plus, there are videos online that can help as well.

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Question

Can guns get so dirty (from improper storage/just sitting around) that they are no longer usable or able to be cleaned?

Community Answer

Guns are metal, and metal can corrode and be weakened over time. Any firearm that has not been properly maintained should be taken to a gunsmith to be examined and cleaned. It is not an arcane process and many gun owners and hobbyists could probably do an equivalent job, but if you need to ask here, you need a gunsmith.

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Question

How do you clean a 17 HMR rifle?

Community Answer

There are specialized carbon fiber rods you can get that are made for 17 HMR (smaller than most common .22 caliber or bigger rods). You can find them at Walmart or any sporting goods store. If you have the money, though, invest in a bore snake. It is the best way to clean a small caliber rifle without damaging it. Just run the bore snake through a couple times, and you're good to go.

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Question

What's the best way to remove rust spots on guns?

Community Answer

Using WD-40 and a brillo pad is most effective. Spray some WD onto the rusty area and make light circles with the brillo pad. You will have to wipe down the gun to clean off brillo residue and the WD afterwards, but it's a good way to remove the rust.

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Question

How often should an unused gun be cleaned?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

At least once a year you should field strip the firearm and inspect it for any corrosion. Afterward, clean and oil it.

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