Carry-Gun Cleaning

posted on November 13, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (1)

Carry guns sit in holsters against the body and are exposed to changes in humidity and sweat. As such, everyday guns require additional care since they’re required to work when needed to potentially save a life.

Anyone who carries a concealed handgun should fire his or her gun at least once a month to maintain proper firearm and safety handling skills. Every time you head to the range for practice, you should perform a breakdown cleaning of your gun. Since you would never put a dirty rifle in the safe, why would you strap one to your body? This is the time for you to visually inspect all of the parts that ensure the gun is safe to shoot.

However, a carry gun should also be wiped down on a regular basis with a cloth to prevent rust from forming (daily if you work in varying conditions and temperatures). This includes putting a patch through the bore. If it has been a while since you’ve made it to the range, you should also periodically unload the gun and remove all ammunition to test the hammer and trigger to ensure that nothing has wedged into the mechanisms that would prevent the gun from firing.

A carry gun is a tool, an important tool. And considering its designated purpose, it could be your most important tool. Be sure to take care of it.

Latest

Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1
Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2026 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interview: ATF Director Cekada on Suppressors

ATF Director Cekada explains the ATF's guidance (and potential legal pitfalls) of buying suppressors.

Steyr Goes LTT: The Langdon Tactical ATD

Langdon Tactical Technology is in the business of fine-tuning a number of popular handguns on the market, and the company's latest offering is based on the recently introduced Steyr Arms ATD.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.