Firearm Basics: Part - 16 Weapon Maintenance

Published on April 20, 2020
Duration: 25:08

This guide details the essential steps for cleaning and maintaining firearms, covering both AR-15 style rifles and common pistols like the Glock 17 and Sig P365 XL. It emphasizes the importance of removing carbon fouling, proper lubrication, and performing function checks to ensure reliability. The instructor, with apparent experience, highlights that while many cleaning products work, consistency in lubrication is key to preventing malfunctions and extending firearm life. Over-cleaning, particularly removing all oil, is cautioned against.

Quick Summary

Proper firearm maintenance is crucial for reliability. Key steps include ensuring the weapon is unloaded, disassembling it, cleaning carbon fouling with solvents and brushes, and thoroughly lubricating all moving parts. Keeping firearms lubricated is the most significant factor in preventing malfunctions and ensuring longevity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Weapon Maintenance
  2. 00:11Importance of Firearm Maintenance
  3. 00:44How to Clean Firearms
  4. 01:10Essential Cleaning Supplies
  5. 01:23CLP and Carbon Destroyers
  6. 02:04Brushes and Bore Snakes
  7. 02:31Preparing to Clean: Safety First
  8. 02:47AR-15 Disassembly
  9. 03:33Disassembling Bolt Carrier Group
  10. 04:22Initial Cleaning of Parts
  11. 05:50Applying Cleaning Solvents
  12. 06:27Scrubbing with Brushes
  13. 07:08Wiping Down Components
  14. 08:08Cleaning Internal Receiver Areas
  15. 08:55Reassembly and Lubrication
  16. 09:37Reassembling Bolt Carrier Group
  17. 10:37Checking Gas Rings
  18. 10:57Cleaning Upper Receiver
  19. 11:56Cleaning Chamber and Barrel
  20. 12:29Using a Bore Snake
  21. 13:33Lubricating the Barrel
  22. 14:27Reassembling the Rifle
  23. 15:01Lubricating Bolt Carrier Group
  24. 15:51Connecting Upper and Lower Receivers
  25. 16:01Function Check
  26. 16:58Cleaning Pistols: General Concepts
  27. 17:13Pistol Disassembly: Glock 17
  28. 18:10Pistol Disassembly: Sig P365 XL
  29. 18:39Cleaning Pistol Grip Module
  30. 19:02Cleaning Pistol Barrel
  31. 19:48Cleaning Pistol Slide
  32. 20:20Cleaning Pistol Recoil Spring
  33. 20:32Pistol Reassembly and Lubrication
  34. 20:54Lubricating Pistol Barrel and Slide
  35. 21:31Lubricating Pistol Frame Rails
  36. 21:57Reassembling Pistol Slide
  37. 22:13Pistol Function Check
  38. 22:30Glock 17 Reassembly and Function Check
  39. 23:43Key Takeaway: Clean and Lubricate
  40. 24:06When to Clean Your Weapons
  41. 24:33Avoiding Over-Cleaning
  42. 24:49Conclusion and Next Episode

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential supplies for cleaning a firearm?

Essential supplies include a cleaning solvent like CLP or a carbon destroyer, a brush (toothbrush or dedicated gun brush), rags or t-shirts for wiping, and a bore snake for barrel cleaning. Q-tips can be useful for detailed areas.

Can you over-clean a firearm, and what are the consequences?

Yes, you can over-clean a firearm by removing all lubrication. This is damaging and counterproductive, as the goal is to remove carbon fouling, not all oil. Firearms should be kept lubricated, not dry.

What is the most important factor in preventing firearm malfunctions?

Keeping your weapons lubricated is considered the single biggest factor in preventing malfunctions. Proper lubrication ensures all moving parts function smoothly and reduces wear.

How do you clean the barrel of a rifle or pistol?

The barrel can be cleaned using a bore snake, which has brushes and cleaning material. Apply solvent to the bore snake and pull it through the barrel multiple times. Alternatively, a cleaning rod with patches and solvent can be used.

What is the purpose of a function check after cleaning a firearm?

A function check ensures the firearm is operating correctly after reassembly. It involves cycling the action and testing the trigger mechanism on both 'safe' and 'fire' settings to confirm it functions as intended without firing on safe.

Related News

All News โ†’

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Kit Badger

View all โ†’