jkh@jade.UUCP (02/12/87)
How to clean depends largely on the type of gun you use. If you use a gun that is readily disassembled, such as an assault rifle, an automatic handgun (e.g., 45ACP), or an automatic or pump shotgun you can use my favorite technique. After a day or two of salt-marsh waterfowling, my Remington 1100 is usually really dirty: salt and mud everywhere, with the bore containing the traditional powder residues. Simply cleaning the bore with Hoppe's, etc. will not do, as the salt residue will cause corrosion and the very fine mud will cause moving parts to wear. So here's what I do: I take the stock and forearm off, break down the rest of the gun, and give it a bath in hot water and dish detergent. I use a fingernail brush to get into all the spots in which residue can accumulate. Then I rinse the gun in the hottest water I can stand and let it dry. It is important to really heat the metal up to the hot water temperature ( ~ 150 degrees F) so that it will dry quickly. Once everything is clean (except notably, the bore - more on that) I assemble the weapon, lubricating all moving/sliding surfaces sparingly, yet sufficiently. Finally, I use the traditional patch soaked in Hoppe's to clean powder residues out of the bore, followed by an oily patch that provides protection against corrosion. Then, I apply a light film of oil to the outside of the gun. The weapon is ready for storage. I feel that this technique gets the gun as clean as possible, provides fresh lubrication at the critical areas, and prevents corrosion. Unlike other techniques, this one prevents the nasty buildup of oil-turned-to-varnish and dust so often found in the action of ostensibly well-maintained weapons. A note to those who use WD40: Yes, it is good stuff, but watch your primers. It will cause primers to fail to function, and because of its execellent penetrating properties, it will seep into the primer pocket. Be sure that no liquid is present when you load your gun, and that you do not spray live ammo. Scott D. Carson University of Maryland sdc@maryland.umd.edu