Consequences of Neglecting the Routine Care of Your Weapon
Every gun owner desires excellent, reliable services from their firearm.
Like every other machine, a gun is expected to accumulate dirt and undergo depreciation due to continued use. Therefore, proper, regular maintenance is mandatory if your firearm is to function optimally.
Part of that maintenance is regular cleaning.
Frequent cleaning guarantees your safety and extends the life of your firearm. A little effort can solve a wide range of issues that would arise from neglect.
80%-90% of all mechanical and functional gun failures are attributed to neglect.
The following are some of the issues you are likely to encounter in case you neglect the routine care of your weapon.
Failure to fire: This is a common dirty gun problem. It fails to discharge the round of ammunition within. This can be fatal in the event that you are trying to defend yourself against a robber in your house or car.
Failure to feed: The other parts of the weapon fail to perform as expected. For example, the gun may not eject the next round of ammunition. This will hinder you from firing as many bullets as you would want.
Reduced Bullet Speed: A build-up of residual fouling over time will lead to malfunctions. The copper build-up in the barrel of your weapon will decrease the velocity of your bullet.
Interferes with a Gun’s Reliability: A dirty and corroded weapon affects its accuracy and reliability. Failure to fire, for example, can be catastrophic in the event of a shootout.
Reduced Lifespan: Weapons stored for a long time, if not properly cleaned and lubricated, can develop rust. If you don’t meticulously remove this flash rust, it builds over time and eats into the metal of your firearm. This kind of damage is irreparable and can mean gun replacement.
So what contributes to these problems?
Residual Fouling: Each time you fire a bullet, particles known as fouling residue form within the barrel and piston of your weapon. This carbon, plastic, lead or copper constituted residue arises from the bullets, wad, and gunpowder that you are using.
Most bullets are made of lead, with a copper coating. Whatever is referred to as lead-free ammunition has some copper element. It is therefore difficult to find copper-free ammunition. This residue will affect the reliability of your firearm.
Rust: Rust can cause serious damage to your weapon. When you expose metal to humidity, a thin layer of rust (peppering) will form. This thin layer needs to be thoroughly cleaned before any lubricant can be applied to the weapon.
Cleaning your weapon is therefore critical since it is impossible to find ammunition that does not accumulate grime.
Can you imagine a safety weapon that is unreliable in the event of an emergency?
Overlooking a simple procedure could cost your life or that of your family members.
A good gun can be passed down through generations. Take good care of yours and you will reap bountifully along the way.
Recommended Read: The Use of a Jag in Gun Cleaning