Having the proper cleaning equipment for a firearm is as essential a part of firearms ownership as having the correct ammunition.

Ideally, keep cleaning equipment designed for specific firearms in separate containers such as plastic freezer bags. Cleaning kits include:

• Bristle brushes—preferably brass—for each caliber and gauge firearm you own
   
• Cleaning rods of varying lengths for rifles, shotguns and handguns
   
• Patch holders that screw into the ends of the cleaning rods
   
• Patches sized to fit down the bore of each different firearm
   
• A stiff toothbrush
   
• Bore solvent
   
• Gun oil

The procedure for cleaning all firearms is essentially the same:

1. Make certain the firearm is unloaded
    
2. Check for obstructions in the bore and malfunctions
    
3. Run a patch, brass brush, or fine steel wool
   soaked in bore solvent down the bore
    
4. Run dry follow-up patches to dry the bore and check for traces of rust
    
5. Once clean, run a patch with a light coat of gun oil down the bore
    
6. Clean all exposed parts of the action
    
7. Clean and oil all exterior metal parts.

Cleaning Shotguns

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The procedure for cleaning a shotgun is as follows:

1. Make certain the shotgun is unloaded
    
2. Consult your firearm's owner's manual to determine
   the extent to which you may safely disassemble your shotgun
   for cleaning
    
3. Visually inspect the bore for blockages, rust, and leading
    
4. Apply bore solvent to a brass brush or fine steel wool,
   and swab out the barrel
    
5. Run a dry patch down the bore and check for leading or rust
    
6. If no trace of either exists, run an oiled patch down the bore
    
7. Follow the instructions and remove all dirt and debris
   with a brush and solvent-soaked cloth
    
8. Once clean, apply a light coat of oil to interior and exterior metal surfaces
    
9. Reassemble and store safely.

Cleaning Rifles

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The procedure for cleaning a rifle is as follows:

1. Make certain the rifle is unloaded
    
2. After unloading the rifle, visually inspect the barrel's bore
    
3. Open the action to see areas fouled by powder or lead
    
4. In bolt-action rifles, remove the bolt
    
5. The bore can be inspected by holding the muzzle towards a light source and looking from chamber to muzzle; many semi-automatic and lever action rifles must be cleaned from the muzzle only
    
6. If there is evidence of lead deposits or rust, use a solvent-soaked brass brush or fine steel wool on the end of the cleaning rod, and swab out the bore
    
7. Run a dry patch through the bore
    
8. Continue the process until all signs of rust are missing from the follow-up patch
    
9. Once the surface of the bore is mirror clean, run a lightly oiled patch (greased patch if the firearm is to be stored) through it
    
10. Clean the inside of the receiver, including the face of the breechblock
     
11. Check your firearm's manual, and disassemble it to the degree recommended
     
12. Clean all parts thoroughly with patches and brushes
     
13. Apply a very light coat of protective oil as the last step
     
14. Reassemble the rifle and store it safely.

Cleaning Handguns

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The procedure for cleaning a handgun is as follows:

1. Be sure the handgun you intend to inspect and clean is unloaded
    
2. Consult your owner's manual and follow instructions on the degree of disassembly recommended for cleaning
    
3. For revolvers, be certain to thoroughly clean and oil not only the barrel's bore but also the interior walls of each chamber in the cylinder
    
4. Clean and oil the inside of the frame surrounding the cylinder, as an incredible amount of debris collects there
    
5. Lightly oil the appropriate interior and exterior metal surfaces
    
6. For semi-automatics, remove the slide and be sure to clean both its interior and exterior, as well as the rails upon which it moves
    
7. Follow essentially the same process in cleaning and oiling the bore as you would on any other firearm
    
8. Thoroughly clean and oil the interior of the action, including the loading ramp at the base of the chamber
    
9. After each session of routine maintenance, remember to return them to their safe and secure storage area.
    

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