Safety 101: Tips for Cleaning a Gun Safely

Cleaning a gun can seem like an innocent maintenance activity.

But when not done with proper precautions, cleaning a weapon can be deadly.

To keep yourself and your family safe while cleaning your guns, be sure to follow this guide.

Be in an Empty Room While Cleaning a Gun

Should your gun accidentally fire, you want to limit the number of people who could get hurt.

Always clean alone in an empty room. Tell your family you’re cleaning a gun and do not enter. Remove any pets as well.

Avoid Distractions

Distractions when cleaning guns cause extra danger. Do not clean while watching TV or listening to music. Concentrate on the task at hand.

Unload the Gun

The most important part of safely cleaning a gun is to make sure it’s unloaded.

First, remove the magazine. Then open the chamber and observe front and back to assure no rounds are left chambered or in the barrel.

Double and triple check to make sure the gun is completely ammo-free before cleaning. For added assurance, never clean in the same room you store your ammunition or reloading press.

Disassemble the Gun

Some guns will require disassembly to clean.

Every gun has a different assembly, so check your owner’s manual for the best way to take it apart.

Wipe the Barrel with Solvent

With the gun disassembled, you can now begin to clean the individual parts, starting with the barrel.

Soak a cleaning patch with a gun cleaning solvent. Use a cleaning rod to push the patch through the barrel, starting from the end of the bore working toward the muzzle.

Once you push the patch out the other side of the barrel, remove the patch. Do not push and pull the patch inside the barrel as this will only move the grime around.

Let the barrel sit and let the solvent work while you clean the rest of the gun.

Brush the Frame, Slide, and Recoil Spring

Using a dry rag or a toothbrush, simply wipe any residue from the other parts of the gun.

Use a Q-tip to scrape corners and grooves that the rag and toothbrush can’t get to.

After this, go back in for a final wipedown with a dry cleaning patch.

Do not use a solvent or cleaning liquid during this step, as it can smear the grime and cause more work.

Clean Out the Barrel

While you’ve been brushing down the rest of the gun, the solvent has started to break down any fouling inside of the bore.

Using a wire brush, go back and forth through the barrel to bristle away the buildup.

Then, push a dry patch through the barrel. The patch should come out the other side dirty, having picked up the loose carbon and other fouling. Continue to repeat this step until the patches come out clean.

Wipe the Outside of the Barrel

Using a patch with a small amount of solvent, lightly wipe the outside of the barrel.

Put a special focus on the back end by the opening of the firing chamber which will be one of the dirtiest parts of the gun.

After wiping with the wet patch, follow up with a few dry patches.

Lubricate

Once you’ve cleaned out the dirt, you’ll need to oil up the gun.

Use a Q-tip and wipe down the barrel and slide rails with gun lubricant. You will only need a few drops of oil.

Use a dry patch and wipe off any excess oil.

You can now reassemble the gun and store it in a safe location.

More Activities for Gun Hobbyists

Cleaning a gun can be a labor of love for gun owners.

For those who love to work with and shoot guns, reloading might be a new hobby for you. Click here to learn more about reloading.

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5 Things to Consider When Buying a Gun Safe

There’s no doubt about it: you need protection in today’s day and age. Every year in the United States, homeowners report over 2 million burglaries. That’s over 2 million opportunities for someone to come into your home and hurt you or those you love.

However, an unprotected gun is just as dangerous. If you want to be a responsible gun owner, and you have multiple firearms in your home, you need to consider buying a gun safe.

But it’s not just as easy as going out and buying the first gun safe that you see. There are things you need to consider when you make this important purchase.

If you’re thinking of buying a gun safe, read on to learn more.

1. Size

There’s no sense in owning a gun safe if it doesn’t fit the size and number of firearms you own. Make sure you pick one that will house not only your firearm but your ammunition as well.

And while you want it to be big enough to house all of your guns, you don’t want it to be so large that it takes up a cumbersome amount of room. Measure out the width of your closet, or wherever you intend to store the gun safe and make sure it fits there as well.

2. The Lock

It might be tempting to purchase the gun safe with the easiest lock to open. However, that completely defeats the purpose of buying a gun safe in the first place. The purpose of a gun safe is to keep children and burglars away from your weapons, and a lock that is too simple to open isn’t going to cut it.

Luckily, with technology being as advanced as it is, you have a virtually endless supply of lock types to choose from. You can access some gun safes via password, voice activation, or even thumbprint.

3. Protection From the Elements

A good gun safe doesn’t just protect your guns from other people, it will protect your guns from foul weather as well. Make sure any safe you choose offers, at the very least, fire protection.

It’s not a terrible idea to consider storing some of your other valuables in your gun safe as well, and adding protection from the elements will keep all of your valued belongings safe.

4. The Quality

Just because a gun safe is the most expensive one at the store doesn’t mean it’s going to offer you the best protection. Sit down and really look at the specifications of each gun safe before you make your purchase, and choose the one that offers the features that you need rather than the one that costs the most (or the least.)

5. The Warranty

Accidents happen. Sometimes, the things we buy wind up being faulty. That’s why we rely so heavily on warranty protection for things like our cars and computers.

Gun safes are no different. Most gun safes come with a minimum of one year warranty, however, if you have the option to upgrade, you should. There’s no reason you shouldn’t protect yourself from a faulty gun safe, especially when safety is on the line.

Buying a Gun Safe

Buying a gun safe shouldn’t be a difficult or controversial decision. It’s no secret that America is a scary place to be right now and that you should be able to protect yourself and your family. However, it’s important that you take the steps you need to in order to ensure that you are protecting your family from the dangers inside of the home as well.

A solid education about gun safety and a secure gun safe are two ways to make everyone a little bit safer.

For more information about firearms, ammunition, or your second amendment rights, visit our website today.

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Top 5 Reliable Concealed Carry Weapons To Help You Feel Safe

In 2017 the demand for concealed carry permits was over 15 million people in the US.

These numbers are holding strong for this year, and more people who are not traditional gun owners are embracing their 2nd Amendment rights. More people want to feel comfortable and take control of their street safety.

If you are looking for a quality concealed carry gun, look no further! We’ve put together a list of our 5 favorite concealed carry weapons.

5 Concealed Carry Weapons for Safety and Reliability

More people across the country are successfully getting their concealed carry licenses. Once you get certified the next step is to buy a gun that will be reliable and efficient. These 5 concealed carry weapons do both and are perfect for beginning gun enthusiasts.

1. The Springfield XDs

The Springfield XDs .45ACP is one of the most concealable weapons on the market. It is 1″ wide and one of the easiest weapons to carry on the market.

This gun holds 5 to 6 rounds of .45ACP ammo, which is more than enough to protect yourself in almost any situation. It is made of high quality forged steel and polymer, making it well worth the price tag.

2. The Glock 26 Gen 3

The Glock 26 Gen 3 9mm is made to be a concealed carry weapon. It is powerful, lightweight, and sleek.

This weapon has a 10 round magazine, and yet is less than 7″ in length. This gun will fit in a holster, or a purse and shoots similarly the other, bigger Glock models.

3. The Ruger LCRx .38 Special

The Ruger LCR line, or “Lightweight Carry Revolver,” is known as a solid and compact line of weapons. The Ruger LCRx .38 Special is the latest in this line and is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best in the series.

One of the things that make the Ruger LCR line so special is its patent-pending trigger system. They reduce friction to give their guns a smoother pull and more accurate aiming. While this pistol has a double action shooting mode, they made the .38 special have an exposed hammer to enable a single action shooting mode which many people prefer.

4. SCCY CPX-II

If you’re looking for a gun that will get the job done, but won’t break the bank, the SCCY CPX-II is the gun for you. It is more than $200 cheaper than the Glock models on this list and comes in a variety of grip colors.

This gun has a 10 round plus 1 round capacity of 9 mm ammo. It is also a pleasure to hold and comes with a lifetime warranty to boot.

5. The Glock 19 Gen 5 Handgun

Often lauded as the best handgun on the market, the Glock 19 is a multi-function gun that is both powerful and easy to carry.

This gun is also perfect for left-handed shooters as it can be switched over easily. It also can carry up to 15 rounds, though be sure to check your state concealed carry regulations on maximum rounds allowable. This gun is an investment that you won’t regret.

Time to Go Shopping

Exercising your 2nd amendment rights is an important part of being an active American citizen.

Concealed carry weapons are all over the market, and choosing a weapon doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

For more information on gun ownership and maximizing your ammo check out our site.

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5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gun Holster for Your Weapon

Looking for a new gun holster?

According to a recent Gallup poll, 56% of Americans say the U.S. is safer with more people carrying concealed weapons. What about you? What do you say?

What’s more, it’s easy to legally carry a concealed firearm.

Forty-two states say that if you’re allowed to buy a gun, you’re allowed to carry a concealed firearm. The other eight keep some discretion whether to issue or deny a carrying permit. But even in those states, they aren’t hard to get.

If you want to be one of the few carrying a concealed pistol, we dedicate this article to you. Below, you’ll find the top five tips for choosing the right holster. Read on to learn more.

Gun Holster Retention

The word “retention” is used to describe how good your holster is at keeping your firearm where it should be. In other words, if you jump up and down, will your gun fall out of your holster? We hope not.

If your gun does fall out, it’s time to look for a new holster.

The above problem happens when you have too little retention. When you have too much retention, you can’t get the gun out of the holster. It’s holding on too tight.

You want to look for a holster that falls somewhere in the middle. Some holsters even offer adjustable retention rates. They accommodate people of varied strengths and sizes.

Ride Height and Cant Adjustment

Your ride height is how high your holster sits on your waist or under your arm. Your cant adjustment is the angle at which your gun sits. Both are important for a comfortable, fast draw.

Fortunately, factory settings will work well for most of you. As for the others? Most holsters offer a variety of adjustable settings to get your gun placement just right.

Ride height adjusts upwards and downwards. Cant adjustment rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. Make sure your new gear sits just right before you buy it.

This is especially true for concealed gun holsters. The wrong adjustment will leave the gun bulge visible to bystanders.

Molded

Some holsters come in a one-size-fits-all style. Avoid these at all costs. They’re begging for catastrophe.

The main problems are low retention and clumsy draw. You already know you want a medium retention. You also want a smooth draw.

Your draw is how you pull your gun. A proper draw involves an easy grasp on your handle. With an even amount of pressure, you should be able to remove your gun and aim it.

Non-molded, leather pistol holsters, in particular, make for loose, clumsy draws. Instead, find a holster that’s molded to the shape of your guns make and model. It makes all the difference.

Comfort

This one’s a little more challenging to describe. Take a moment and remember back to your favorite pair of jeans or sneakers. They just fit right, didn’t they?

That’s how your gun holster belt should fit. It should never rub awkwardly or dig into you when you stand or walk.

When you try on your holster, imagine wearing it for ten hours a day. Could you stomach doing so day after day, week after week? If not, it’s not the right one for you.

Quality

This one’s easier to discern. What materials were used to make your new holster? Are they more durable than the others available?

How thick is the leather? Will it stand up under use in harsh weather? How about regular sun exposure? Dry conditions?

What about the cut? Does it have a charming style? Remember function isn’t everything. If you’re going to invest in a holster you’ll have for the next twenty years, spend the time to get it right.

What’s Next?

When you hunt for your gun holster, remember to shop around. Hundreds of different types exist. The right one is out there; it just requires some patience and a little legwork.

If you found this piece helpful, take five minutes to look at our other gun articles.

So long and good luck!

P.S. We also know everything there is to know about reloading presses. If you have questions, please visit our website right away.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?

Gun ownership is a very personal experience that can vary greatly from one person to the next.

One typical question gun owners often have is: how often should you clean your gun?

This will depend upon your preferences, as well the type of ammunition you use, and the gun itself.

Are you using it primarily for hunting? Is it a concealed-carry gun?

These are crucial distinctions. Don’t let your father-in-law guilt you into thinking it’s a crime if you don’t clean your gun after every single use. It’s possible that’s not necessary.

Let’s take a look at the facts about what happens to a gun when it’s fired, and how often you need to clean it.

What Happens When You Fire a Gun

When you pull the trigger, a metal firing pin is driven into the back of the cartridge. This causes a small explosive in the primer to ignite the powder in the casing.

This generates a sudden pressure, launching the bullet down the barrel, separating it from the rest of the cartridge.

Needless to say, there is a lot of heat and chemicals that are exchanged during this reaction.

With some guns, you’ll be able to see debris on the barrel immediately after shooting. Also, depending on the type, there may also be debris inside the gun itself.

With others, it may be less obvious.

So How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?

The most important question you need to answer is whether your ammunition uses corrosive priming.

Ammunition that’s been treated with corrosive priming leaves behind a nasty residue of corrosive salts, like potassium and sodium chloride.

If you’re using this type of ammunition, you want to clean it after each use.

Most modern day ammo isn’t made with corrosive priming, but if you’re using older military surplus ammunition, there’s a good chance that it is.

Ammunition can be expensive, so you might be drawn to some bargain deals, but try to avoid that corrosive priming.

One great way to save money on ammunition is to invest in a reloading press, which will allow you to assemble your ammo, instead of buying it pre-made.

That way you can know for sure what types of chemicals are going into your gun.

Keep Your Gun Dry

Another reason to clean your gun after using it is if it gets at all wet.

You might’ve had a sorry day of hunting, and not even fired your shotgun once. But if it rained a little while you were out there, you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent any rust from forming.

Let’s Hear From the Experts

In general, most shotgun experts and aficionados recommend cleaning your gun after every use.

Tom Heapy makes a living repairing damaged and neglected shotguns, and he believes that with the proper upkeep and maintenance, you can avoid all of that damage.

His advice is to do at least a quick cleaning after every single use and to follow any recommendations outlined in your user’s manual. Each gun requires different upkeep, and it’s the company’s job to know exactly what that it.

Sheriff Jim Wilson is another advocate for regular gun cleanings, especially when it comes to concealed-carry guns.

He argues that because you’re carrying these guns to protect yourself in the event of an emergency, it is essential that they be in the finest working order.

He recommends stripping, cleaning and lubricating your gun after each use, and then taking it apart entirely for a more thorough cleaning at least once a year.

“I’m still carrying and using two 1911’s that I’ve owned for more than 40 years, and they look and function like they were brand-new. Take care of your concealed-carry guns, and they will take care of you when the chips are down,” Wilson says.

You Have to Make the Choice That’s Right for Your Gun

So if you’re someone who has wondered how often should you clean your gun, hopefully now you have a better idea of what will work for you.

Maybe you’re the type who needs to clean your gun every time you use it, or perhaps you clean it once every few weeks when that residue starts building up. Either way, just have a plan and follow through.

And when in doubt, it can’t hurt to clean it…

If you have any questions about proper gun maintenance or the possibility of investing in a reloading press, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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4 Reasons Why You Need Professional Gun Training

Given that nearly 40 percent of gun owners have never received any kind of formal training, plenty of people out there aren’t shooting at their full potential.

If you pride yourself on your hunting skills and marksmanship, you could be relying on crutches or bad habits you don’t even realize. Professional gun training is useful for owners of every skill level.

Here are four reasons why you need professional training.

1. Everyone Gets Rusty

Even if you’ve gotten training before, everyone could use a refresher course every few years. If it has been a few years since you were trained to use a firearm, you might have fallen into bad habits. In case you don’t get out to shoot very often, do some target practice before hunting season.

Some people are great hunters without ever getting any professional training. While you might have learned some clever tricks from a friend or family member, you could be making rookie mistakes over and over. That’s why gun training is so important.

2. Safety Standards Change

Every year, there are new ways to have a safer hunt. Whether it’s better technology or better gun training, there are a lot of ways you could ensure that everyone on your hunting trip has a safe time.

Safety standards might have changed since the last time you were trained to use a weapon. You could have developed some unsafe habits over the years without even realizing it.

Professional training means you’ll be making safe decisions every time you go hunting.

3. New Firearms Require New Tactics

If you’ve got a new firearm, you might not be using it to its full potential. Without the proper training, a high-quality expensive gun might seem like it’s underperforming.

When you get a new gun, make sure you get some professional training as well.

If you’re new to firearms, you should definitely be trained on the weapon you’re using. Every weapon is different, so even if you’re familiar with one type, you may not be familiar with this one. With the latest technology in reloading, you could always learn something new.

4. There’s Always Room to Grow

No one is perfect. Even the best hunters and marksmen on the planet know that they could always be better. As your eyes change with age, your body changes in shape and size, and your comfort with a weapon grows, so does your shooting style.

A professional firearms training has something to offer to every gun owner. Never be too proud to learn something new – or you’ll never be as good as you should be.

Gun Training Is Never a Useless Venture

No matter who you are or what kind of shooting you do, gun training has both practical and technical use for shooters. Even a casual pheasant hunter could learn some new tricks from a professional gun training course.

If you think you know everything about reloading already, check out our guide to make sure!

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The Top 5 Benefits of Owning a Gun

You’ve heard it plenty of times before: America is crazy about guns.

So aside from flexing their 2nd Amendment rights, why are people so drawn to firearms in the US? Why is gun ownership so popular?

In truth, there are many benefits of owning a gun — and some that may surprise you. Here are some of the reasons people love guns.

Safety and Security

The most obvious benefit of gun ownership is self-defense.

In an active shooter situation, the average police response time is about 3 minutes. For other emergencies, response times could be closer to 10 minutes or even longer.

In the direst situations, those few minutes could make the difference between life and death.

Whether you’re in your own home or carrying in public, owning a gun gives you a fighting chance against those who would do you harm.

Recreational Shooting

Most gun owners hope they’ll never need to use their weapon in a true emergency. But emergencies aren’t the only opportunity they have to shoot.

Going to a local gun range is a fun recreational activity for many Americans. Firing at targets can give the same thrill as playing basketball or throwing darts.

By going to ranges more often, gun owners can practice and improve their shooting accuracy and test out their ammunition. This gives them more confidence and ability should an emergency arise in the future.

Personal Responsibility

Owning a gun requires responsibility. It is, after all, a lethal weapon.

This responsibility always needs to be turned on in a gun owner’s mind. You need to know where the gun is, how it’s stored, and who has access to it.

This sense of personal responsibility often extends out from being just about the gun. The care and safety needed to own and handle a gun can influence a person’s mentality in general.

It’s common for married couples to get dogs or other pets to learn the responsibilities of caring for another living creature before having children of their own. In much the same way, owning a gun helps train your brain for other responsibilities in your life.

Checks and Balances

Many proponents of 2nd Amendment rights often view citizen gun ownership as an essential part of the checks and balances for the US Government.

An armed population helps to thwart tyranny. For many of the most tyrannical governments in the modern era, such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, removing guns from citizens was an early step to limiting opposition.

As a gun owner, you check the power of government and help to deter the takeover of a hostile group.

Hobby Collecting

Collecting things is a great hobby for many Americans. Some people collect baseball cards or trading pins, while others collect bigger items like vintage cars.

Guns are another thing people like to collect. Some gun collectors focus on historical firearms from past wars. Some like to have many variants of the same rifle.

Collecting is fun, and guns open the door to new types of collections.

There Are Many Benefits of Owning a Gun

On top of being the best way to protect you and your family, you can see there are many benefits of owning a gun.

If you’re interested in gun ownership, you might also be interested in the hobby of reloading ammunition. Check out this beginner’s guide to reloading to learn more.

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