From the Bench: Essential Firearm Maintenance - Lessons from a Learning Gunsmith

Originally published June 13, 2019 | Revised July 2025

After nearly a decade in the gunsmithing trade, I've learned that the most expensive repairs often stem from the simplest oversights. Today, I want to share some hard-earned lessons about firearm maintenance - not as someone who's mastered every aspect of this vast craft, but as a fellow student who's made plenty of mistakes along the way.

The Costly Truth About Maintenance

Here's something that might surprise you: more firearms come through my shop damaged by improper maintenance than by actual use. It's a sobering reminder that good intentions can sometimes lead to expensive consequences when we don't have the right knowledge or tools.

Cleaning Rods: Your Barrel's Best Friend or Worst Enemy

Let me start with something I see constantly - sectioned cleaning rods. These multi-piece rods might seem convenient, but they're doing your barrel no favors

Why sectioned rods cause problems:

• They flex and bend under pressure

• The joints create weak points that allow the rod to bow

• This bowing causes the rod to rub against your rifling

• Over time, this can actually wear down the precision grooves that make your firearm accurate

What to use instead:

• Solid, one-piece rods that won't flex

• Look for rods that can rotate freely to follow your rifling's twist

• Bore snakes are excellent alternatives for field cleaning

Pro tip from experience: Whatever cleaning tool you choose, wipe it down frequently during use. A dirty rod or snake can become an abrasive that damages what you're trying to protect.

The Golden Rule: Clean from the Breech

This is non-negotiable when possible: always clean from the breech end. Here's why this matters so much: Your muzzle crown (the very end of your barrel) is precision-machined to ensure consistent bullet exit. Even a tiny ding or scratch here can affect accuracy. When you clean from the muzzle, you risk damaging this critical area.

Best practices:

• Use breech guards and muzzle guards when available

• If you must clean from the muzzle (like with some lever-actions), be extra careful

• Take your time - rushing leads to accidents

Brushes: Choose Wisely

After years of trial and error, I've learned that phosphor-bronze brushes are your best all-around choice. They're tough enough to remove fouling but won't damage your barrel.

About stainless steel brushes: Save these for exceptionally dirty firearms - think neglected guns that haven't been cleaned in years. They're too aggressive for regular maintenance and can actually accelerate wear.

Storage: Where Good Guns Go to Die

This might shock you, but the worst place to store a firearm is in a gun case. I've seen too many beautiful firearms ruined by well-meaning owners who thought they were protecting them.

Why cases cause problems:

• They trap moisture against the metal

• They prevent air circulation

• They create the perfect environment for rust and corrosion

If you must use a case: Leave it partially open to allow air circulation.

Magazine Springs: A Common Misconception

Here's something I wish more people knew: magazine springs shouldn't stay loaded for extended periods. I recommend no more than two weeks at a time.

Why this matters:

• Springs lose tension over time when compressed

• This leads to feeding problems

• Periodically measure your springs and replace them as they shrink

Grease vs. Oil: Know the Difference

Gun grease is excellent for long-term storage, but it's terrible for regular lubrication. Grease attracts dust and dirt like a magnet, which creates an abrasive paste that can damage moving parts.

For regular use: Choose a high-quality gun oil with:

• Thin viscosity for easy application

• High lubricity for smooth operation

• Wide temperature range capability

A Special Note on Shotguns

For shotgun owners dealing with plastic fouling, lacquer thinner in very small amounts can be effective. But please emphasize "very small" - this stuff is potent and can damage finishes if overused.

The Learning Never Stops

Every firearm that comes through my shop teaches me something new. Whether it's a century-old rifle or the latest polymer pistol, each one has its own quirks and requirements. That's what makes this craft so fascinating - and so humbling.

The techniques I've shared here come from years of learning, often the hard way. But remember, gunsmithing is such a vast field that no one person can master it all. I'm still learning every day, and I hope you'll approach your firearm maintenance with the same spirit of continuous improvement.

What questions do you have about firearm maintenance? Have you encountered any of these issues with your own firearms? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Blue Coat Arms Company provides professional gunsmithing services throughout Central Illinois. If you're dealing with maintenance issues beyond your comfort level, don't hesitate to reach out. Sometimes the best maintenance decision is knowing when to call a professional.