Firearm Cleaning Instructions (General Guide)

This is a General Gun Cleaning Overview

1. Safety First (Critical Step)

  1. Unload the firearm completely
    • Point the gun in a safe direction at all times.
    • Remove the magazine (if applicable).
    • Open the action (slide, bolt, or cylinder).
    • Visually and physically check the chamber to confirm it is empty.
  2. Remove all ammunition from the room
    • Store ammo in a separate area to prevent accidental loading.
  3. Engage the safety (if the firearm has one).
  4. Wear eye protection and nitrile gloves to protect against solvents and debris.

2. Gather Cleaning Supplies

You will typically need:

  • Cleaning rod or bore snake (correct caliber/gauge)
  • Bore brush (bronze or nylon, correct caliber)
  • Cleaning patches
  • Patch holder or jag
  • Gun cleaning solvent (for carbon/fouling)
  • Gun oil or lubricant
  • Nylon brush or old toothbrush
  • Lint-free cloths or shop towels
  • Cotton swabs or wooden picks
  • Cleaning mat or towel to protect surfaces

3. Field Strip the Firearm

  1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to field strip (basic disassembly).
    • Usually involves separating:
      • Barrel
      • Slide or bolt
      • Frame or receiver
      • Recoil spring (for semi-autos)
  2. Do not force parts
    • If something doesn’t come apart easily, stop and recheck the manual.

⚠️ Do not fully disassemble internal components unless trained—this can damage the firearm or affect safety.

4. Clean the Barrel

  1. Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod.
  2. Apply solvent to the brush.
  3. Run the brush through the barrel from chamber to muzzle (preferred direction).
    • Do not reverse direction mid-barrel if using a rigid rod.
  4. Repeat 5–10 passes to loosen fouling.
  5. Replace the brush with a patch holder.
  6. Run solvent-soaked patches through until they come out mostly clean.
  7. Follow with dry patches untilj to remove excess solvent.
  8. Lightly oil a patch and run it through once to protect against rust.

5. Clean the Action and Other Components

  1. Apply solvent sparingly to:
    • Bolt or slide
    • Feed ramp
    • Chamber area
    • Locking lugs
  2. Use a nylon brush or toothbrush to scrub carbon buildup.
  3. Use cotton swabs or wooden picks for tight areas.
  4. Wipe all parts dry with a clean cloth.

6. Clean the Frame or Receiver

  1. Wipe down exposed metal and internal rails.
  2. Remove dirt, carbon, and old lubricant.
  3. Avoid soaking the frame—especially polymer frames.
  4. Ensure no debris remains in moving parts.

7. Lubricate the Firearm

Apply light lubrication only—more oil is not better.

  • Common lubrication points:
    • Slide rails
    • Bolt or bolt carrier contact points
    • Barrel exterior (light coat)
    • Recoil spring (very light)
  • Use one drop at a time, spread evenly.

⚠️ Excess oil attracts dirt and can cause malfunctions.

8. Reassemble the Firearm

  1. Reassemble in the reverse order of disassembly.
  2. Ensure parts seat correctly and move freely.
  3. Do not force components into place.

9. Function Check (Unloaded)

  1. Rack the action to ensure smooth movement.
  2. Engage and disengage the safety (if applicable).
  3. Dry fire only if the manufacturer allows it.
  4. Confirm the trigger resets properly.

10. Final Wipe Down and Storage

  1. Wipe the exterior with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.
  2. Store the firearm:
    • Unloaded
    • In a locked safe or case
    • With a desiccant or humidity control if possible

Cleaning Frequency (General Guidance)

  • After each range session
  • After exposure to rain, dirt, or dust
  • Periodically for stored firearms (every few months)

Truly Epic FFL 
701 W. Valley Forge Rd.
King of Prussia, Pa. 19406
(610) 220-2001

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