It's essential that you pay special attention to cleaning and oiling your firearms if they have been exposed to moisture, as this can very quickly lead to rusting. Hunting firearms tend to be stored for long periods of time, so it's important to properly store them.
If left to collect too long, it can cause the handgun to gum up, potentially ending in a firing failure or requiring repairs. Beyond the working order of the weapon, the collected gunk in the barrel can also decrease precision. For sport shooters, the difference may affect accuracy.
As a general rule, it's a good idea to clean your gun after every trip to the shooting range. Defensive firearms that don't get used very frequently should also be cleaned on occasion. Try to give them a deep clean and inspection about once a month.
Anytime a gun is exposed to oxygen and moisture, there is a risk that corrosion can develop. That's why gun owner manuals are very particular about how the firearm should be cleaned and stored. Most people know if your gun gets wet, it can be vulnerable to rust.
Failing to lubricate your gun means it will have a harder time operating properly, and metal parts can stress and even fail. Even if the gun isn't used, moisture from sweat and the storage environment can corrode the metal parts and form rust. These issues will impact your gun's reliability, accuracy and longevity.
However, oiling your gun also prevents rust and corrosion from collecting, which can significantly degrade its functionality. Gun experts say you should use lubricant every time you clean your firearm and even before you shoot it. So, oiling your gun is as essential as cleaning it to preserve its function and appeal.
You don't want to leave a significant amount of oil residue on your gun barrel. Excessive oil could impede its ability to fire. Instead, run a lightly oiled patch through the barrel. Use an oil specifically made for firearms.
Rust is very common on carry guns because they are held close to the human body. This exposes them to sweat and high humidity. Moisture then condenses on the surface of your gun and inside the gun parts, causing rust.
The time it takes for a gun to rust depends on the metal's type and thickness. For example, steel guns can rust in as little as five days, but stainless-steel guns can take three months before they show signs of rust. Gun rust is one of the biggest problems for any gun owner.
Storing Your New Gun
Gun rust is a big problem for those who store their firearms in gun safes. In fact, corrosion tends to happen at a higher rate and more rapidly in a gun safe than out of it. The reason has to do with basic chemistry.
Oil Your Handgun on a Fairly Regular Basis
If you regularly do more intense range sessions or bullseye shooting, it's a good idea to oil your handgun at least once every 1–2 weeks. It's especially important to do this during the hotter and more humid months of the year to ward off damage from excess moisture.
Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs.
It's a good idea to use nitrile gloves to prevent your skin from absorbing carcinogenic or other harmful agents, and always clean your gun in a well-ventilated area.
It is essential to keep your antique firearms clean for long-term durability, performance, and aesthetics. If the surfaces of your gun accumulate dust, the dirt will promote the absorption and retention of moisture. As a result, it will be more vulnerable to corrosion.
Your gun should always be clean to give you confidence in its reliability. We recommend you clean your carry gun at a 2-week interval and ensure that whenever you hit the shooting range with it, you would have cleaned it by the time you slip it back in its holster and carry it around.
Absolutely, cleaning a rifle can affect its accuracy and if you perform a rifle bore cleaning after its accuracy falls off then usually the process will improve the accuracy of the gun.
You need to clean and lubricate more than just the barrel of the gun. The action (slide, pump, or bolt) should also be cleaned using a nylon utility brush, dry cloth, and action cleaner solvent.
Keeping a safe in your garage would be much less of an issue if it was heated. However, the cold isn't the problem that directly affects your guns. It's the humidity that develops from frigid weather. Moisture is the mortal enemy of firearms because it causes them to rust.
It is the union of moisture and oxygen on a metal surface which produces oxidation that causes rust on firearms. However, if moisture is the nuisance that spawns rust, then the lack of moisture creates problematic cracks in wood stocks and grips.
A handgun that is exposed to cold air may freeze up or corrode. Heavy grease is the best remedy to resist corrosion — but this is for storage, but not for daily carry. Some handguns are less susceptible to rust and damage. But keep in mind that even stainless steel guns may pit and develop corrosion.
When left untreated, rust can fully corrode metal into a dry oxide powder. The result of a chemical reaction in the oxidation process is not something to risk!
Rust can stain your skin (as it will stain clothing, wood, or other surfaces) but there's nothing inherently harmful in it. Even a wound from a rusty object isn't necessarily worse than a wound from a non-rusty object (see more below).
If you see rust and are concerned, seek professional advice first. As we mentioned above, some rust serves as a protective coating and removing it could actually damage your vehicle.
It needs to be cleaned and lubed prior to shooting. Also, most manufacturers have specific instructions for breaking in the firearm. It takes time for a new gun to “wear in” all the parts so they fit correctly; new guns (and magazines) will be stiff and the gun won't be at its best until it's broken in.