It’s extremely important to regularly clean and maintain your gun, and although most of the steps are pretty simple, a few things can still be confusing, such as knowing whether and when to oil the inside of the barrel. If you want to care for your firearm properly, it’s worth taking the time to learn about the importance of oiling your gun’s barrel and how to do it correctly. The firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC explain what you need to know.
Why It’s Important to Oil the Barrel
You may be surprised to learn that the reason for oiling a gun barrel isn’t because it provides lubrication. Some gun owners think oiling the barrel helps the bullet move more smoothly and quickly, but that hasn’t been true since the process of rifling barrels became standard. When a bullet moves through a rifled barrel, it removes a miniscule amount of material, exposing the metal underneath. If this freshly exposed metal is left unprotected from the elements for an extended period, rust will likely result.
When You Should Oil the Barrel
There’s much debate within the firearm community about how often to clean and oil your gun, including the barrel. Some say you should try to clean and oil your gun immediately after you’re done using it as well as before and after storing it for an extended period. However, many also believe that cleaning too often can cause more wear on a firearm and recommend spacing out cleanings to only when necessary. Even if you keep your gun in a climate-controlled container or an airtight safe, moisture can still get into the gun’s barrel and other parts, which could negatively affect the firearm’s long-term durability.
How to Find the Right Oil
Most gun owners have their favorite types of oil, and no one product is right for every situation. When you’re oiling your gun’s barrel, you should use a type of oil that’s specifically designed to prevent environmental damage, including corrosion. You can also find different types of oil intended to be used in extreme temperatures and varied levels of humidity as well as for extended storage. When you’re choosing the gun oil that best suits your needs, make sure to consider all these factors.
How to Properly Oil Your Gun Barrel
Oiling your gun barrel after you clean it is one of the easiest steps in firearms maintenance, and it should only take you a few minutes. Before you begin, make sure you have your preferred oil, a bore brush, and gun solvent, and set up your materials in a roomy environment with good ventilation. Start the process by double-checking that the chamber is empty, then disassemble your gun. Next, put a small amount of the solvent on your bore brush and use this to clean the inside of the gun barrel. Once the barrel is dry, oil the inside of it with a couple of drops of oil applied with a separate bore brush.
If you already own a firearm or you’re considering purchasing one, it’s essential to know how to use and maintain it properly. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely or you want to take a license to carry Texas class, Online Texas LTC has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
