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

Google Ai Logo
Google Ai Logo

AI Summaries Reducing Firearm-Related Web Traffic, Sharing Incorrect Information

"[T]here are increasing concerns about how frequently AI systems invent false information—AKA hallucinations—with error rates in some tests reaching as high as 79 percent.”

Preview: Rite In The Rain 25 Meter M16A2/M4 Zeroing Targets

Precipitation and humidity can render a standard paper target unusable in only seconds, which is what makes Rite In The Rain’s line of weatherproof targets such a godsend for outdoor shooters.

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Now Available In .30-30 Win.

Smith & Wesson expanded its Model 1854 series of lever-action rifles with several .30-30 Win.-chambered variants, just in time for deer season.

Preview: Making The Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket

In Making The Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket, author Peter Smithurst details the tools and processes used to produce this historically significant firearm.

Gun Of The Week: Charter Arms Double Dog

For this Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with a convertible wheelgun from Charter Arms, and it’s one that goes from .357 Mag to 9 mm Luger quickly and easily. Welcome to the Double Dog.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 17, 2025

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.