What's the use in having extensive firearms training and top-of-the-line upgrades and customization if your gun jams on you in the midst of a life-or-death situation? This is exactly what could happen if you neglect proper maintenance on your handgun. Just like you need to take care of your body to stay fit, your firearm needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. You often hear it is generally recommended to clean a handgun after every use, which could mean after each range session or after firing around 200-300 rounds. However, for those who carry daily or use their firearm frequently, a more thorough cleaning every 500 rounds is often advised. Check out your firearm manufacturer’s guidelines for specific recommendations. Personally, I clean my weapons when they need it, or when I know I’ve used it a lot that  day or weekend.

Why Maintenance Matters

Why is maintenance so important? Simple. A clean, well-maintained handgun is safer, more reliable, and lasts longer. You carry your handguns in case you have to use them to save your life or the lives of loved ones, so let's not cut corners on something so simple yet vital as proper maintenance. Neglecting your gun can lead to serious issues that you don’t want to find out about when you need it the most. Dirt and grime can cause your gun to jam or misfire. Moisture and neglect can lead to rust and corrosion, which can weaken the metal and cause your firearm to fail. Residue buildup on your barrel can change the way your bullet travels, making it less accurate. Regular maintenance extends the life of your firearm, protecting your investment and making sure it remains reliable.

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Basic Handgun Maintenance Tips

First and foremost, always make sure your handgun is unloaded before you start any maintenance. Double-check it with a visual and physical inspection. You don’t want to be the person explaining that you shot yourself or someone else while attempting to clean your handgun.

·  Field Strip: Take your gun apart (field strip it) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually means removing the slide, barrel, and recoil spring.

·  Clean the Barrel: Use a cleaning rod, brush, bore snake and patches or wipes to clean the barrel. Push the brush through the barrel from the back (chamber) to the front (muzzle). If you use a snake, you can run it through 2-3 times. Follow up with a patch soaked in cleaner, then a dry patch. You could also use wipes that are already permeated.

·  Clean Other Parts: Wipe down the slide, frame, and other parts with a clean cloth. Use a brush or other scraping tools to get into nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can hide.

·  Lubricate: A little goes a long way. Dab a little gun oil or grease to the moving parts like the slide rails, barrel, and recoil spring. Too much oil can attract dirt so don’t go overboard.

·  Reassemble and Function Test: Put your handgun back together and do a function check. Make sure everything moves smoothly and operates correctly.

Conclusion

Just like you don't skip leg day, don’t skip regular checks and maintenance on your gun. Maintaining your firearms ensures your safety and the safety of others. Skimping on maintenance can cause malfunctions that could cost you dearly in a life-threatening situation. So, keep it clean, keep it safe, and stay ready. Remember, a well-maintained gun is a reliable gun. Check out our previous blog if you want more info on how to clean and maintain rifles. You’ll also find other rifle related stuff on that blog.

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About The Author

Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.