If you own a firearm, you know how important it is to keep it clean and well-maintained. A dirty gun can malfunction, lose accuracy, and even rust over time. But how do you clean your gun properly? What products should you use to remove fouling, lubricate moving parts, and protect metal surfaces?
In this post, we will compare two common types of gun cleaning products: gun oil and gun cleaner. We will explain what they are, what they do, and how to use them effectively. We will also give you some tips on choosing the best gun oil and gun cleaner for your needs.
What is Gun Oil?
Gun oil is a liquid product that is designed to lubricate and protect the metal parts of your firearm. Gun oil reduces friction, prevents wear and tear, and creates a thin film that repels moisture and prevents corrosion.
Gun oil is usually synthetic, meaning it is made from artificial chemicals rather than natural oils. Synthetic gun oils have several advantages over natural oils, such as:
- They can withstand high temperatures and pressures without breaking down or evaporating.
- They do not attract dust or dirt that can clog your gun and cause malfunctions.
- They do not gum up or become sticky over time.
- They do not react with the metal or the ammunition of your gun.
Some gun oils also have cleaning properties, meaning they can help dissolve and remove carbon, copper, lead, and other residues from your gun. These are called all-in-one oils or CLP (cleaner, lubricant, preservative) products. They are convenient and versatile, but they may not be as effective as dedicated cleaners or lubricants.
What is a Gun Cleaner?
A gun cleaner is a liquid or aerosol product that is designed to clean and degrease the metal parts of your firearm. Gun cleaner dissolves and removes fouling, grime, and other contaminants that can affect your gun's performance and appearance.
It is usually solvent-based, meaning it contains chemicals that break down organic or inorganic substances. Some common solvents used in gun cleaners are:
- Acetone: A powerful solvent that can remove paint, varnish, glue, grease, oil, and other residues. It evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue behind.
- Alcohol: A mild solvent that can remove light oils, dirt, fingerprints, and other residues. It also disinfects and sanitizes your gun.
- Ammonia: A strong solvent that can remove copper fouling from your gun bore. It neutralizes acids and prevents corrosion.
- Kerosene: A petroleum-based solvent that can remove heavy oils, grease, wax, tar, and other residues. It also lubricates and protects your gun.
Some gun cleaners also have lubricating or protective properties, meaning they can help reduce friction or prevent rust on your gun. These are called all-purpose cleaners or CLP products. They are convenient and versatile, but they may not be as effective as dedicated lubricants or protectants.
How to Use Gun Oil and Gun Cleaner?
The best way to use gun oil and gun cleaner depends on the type of product you have and the condition of your gun. However, here are some general steps you can follow to clean your gun with oil and cleaner:
Image credit: N Rotteveel
Step 1: Unload your gun and make sure it is safe to handle. Remove the magazine and check the chamber for any rounds. Keep the ammunition away from your cleaning area.
Step 2: Disassemble your gun according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to remove the slide, barrel, bolt, trigger group, or other parts depending on the type of firearm you have.
Step 3: Apply some gun cleaner to a patch or a brush and scrub the bore of your barrel from the breech to the muzzle. Repeat this process until the patch comes out clean. You may need to use a bore snake or a rod with a jag for this step.
Step 4: Put some gun cleaner on a cloth or a brush and wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces of your gun. Pay attention to the slide rails, bolt face, firing pinhole, extractor claw, chamber mouth, feed ramp, trigger mechanism, and other areas where fouling may accumulate.
Step 5: Lightly coat the metal parts of your gun with a thin layer of oil. Do not over-oil your gun as this can attract dirt or cause malfunctions. Wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth.
Step 6: Reassemble your gun according to the manufacturer's instructions. Function check your gun by dry-firing it several times (make sure it is unloaded). Store your gun in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity.
Tips on Choosing the Best Gun Oil and Gun Cleaner
There are many brands and types of gun oil and gun cleaners on the market, and each one may have different features and benefits. Here are some tips on how to choose the best gun oil and gun cleaner for your needs:
- Consider the type of firearm you have and how often you use it. Different guns may require different levels of cleaning and lubrication. For example, a semi-automatic pistol may need more frequent cleaning and lubrication than a bolt-action rifle.
- Know the environment you shoot in and store your gun. The conditions you expose your gun to determine the levels of dirt, dust, moisture, temperature, and humidity your weapon is exposed to. For example, a gun used in a humid or salty environment may need more protection from corrosion than a gun used in a dry or cold environment.
- Consider what you need to use the gun for. Different products offer varied levels of cleaning, lubrication, or protection. For instance, a gun used for competition or self-defense may need more reliable performance than a gun used for plinking or hunting.
- Are you looking for convenience or effectiveness? Your cleaning products differ in form, application, or effects. For example, a spray cleaner may be easier to use than a liquid cleaner, but it may also be more wasteful and less effective.
Conclusion
Gun oil and gun cleaners are essential products for any firearm owner. They help you keep your gun clean, lubricated, and protected from wear, tear, rust, and corrosion. They also help you improve your gun's performance, accuracy, and longevity.
You, however, need to choose the right product for your specific needs and preferences. Also, use the product correctly and follow the proper steps to clean your gun.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the difference between gun oil and gun cleaner and how to use them effectively. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy shooting!