How to Properly Clean a Rifle, Shotgun, and Handgun in Australia
Regular firearm maintenance is essential for safety, reliability, and longevity. Whether you own a rifle for hunting, a shotgun for clay target shooting, or a handgun for sport, proper cleaning ensures your firearm performs at its best and helps identify or detect problems, before they become real problems.
General Safety Before Cleaning
- Unload the Firearm: Double-check the chamber and magazine. Physically and visually inspect.
- Work in a Safe Area: Use a well-ventilated space with a cleaning mat to protect surfaces.
- Wear PPE: Gloves and safety glasses protect against solvents and lead residue.
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to your firearm’s manual for disassembly steps.
Cleaning a Rifle
Step-by-Step
- Disassemble: Remove the bolt and magazine.
- Insert Bore Guide: Prevents solvent from entering the action.
- Apply Solvent: Run a solvent-soaked patch through the bore from breech to muzzle.
- Brush the Bore: Use a phosphor-bronze brush for 10–20 passes.
- Patch Until Clean: Alternate wet and dry patches until they come out clean.
- Lubricate: Lightly oil the bore and moving parts.
- Reassemble and Function Check.
Recommended Equipment
- Cleaning Rod: One-piece carbon fibre or coated steel.
- Bore Guide: Essential for protecting the chamber.
- Brushes & Jags: Phosphor-bronze and nylon.
- Solvent & Oil: Hoppe’s No.9 or G96 Gun Treatment.
- Patches: Lint-free, calibre-specific.
Cleaning a Shotgun
Step-by-Step
- Disassemble: Remove the barrel, fore-end, and action.
- Clean Barrels: Use a bore brush with solvent to scrub chambers and bores.
- Remove Plastic Fouling: Use a dedicated wad cleaner if needed.
- Polish & Oil: Run a wool mop with light oil through the barrels.
- Action & Woodwork: Wipe metal parts with CLP; condition wood with appropriate oil.
- Grease Contact Points: Apply grease to trunnions and locking lugs.
- Reassemble and Wipe Down.
Recommended Equipment
- Shotgun Cleaning Rod or Bore Snake: 12-gauge or gauge-specific.
- Brushes: Bronze and nylon.
- Solvent: G96, Sweets or CLP.
- Grease: For hinge points.
- Microfiber Cloth: For final wipe.
Cleaning a Handgun
Step-by-Step
- Unload and Field Strip: Remove slide, barrel, and recoil spring.
- Clean Barrel: Run solvent-soaked patches, then a bore brush, followed by dry patches.
- Clean Slide & Frame: Use a nylon brush and solvent on rails and breech face.
- Lubricate: Apply a light coat of oil to rails and moving parts.
- Reassemble and Function Check.
Recommended Equipment
- Handgun Cleaning Kit: Includes short rod, bore brush, and jag.
- Solvent & CLP: Hoppe’s No.9, G96 or quality CLP.
- Bore Snake (Optional): For quick cleans.
- Microfiber Cloth: For exterior wipe.
Pro Tips
- Clean after every range session or hunting trip, especially in wet conditions.
- Store firearms in a dry, secure safe with a dehumidifier if possible.
- Avoid over-lubrication as excess oil attracts dirt and fouling.