A Hunting we will Go: Part 4. Every boy should know how to clean and store a firearm

A Hunting we will Go: Part 4. Every boy should know how to clean and store a firearm.

Ok, we know. Maybe every boy doesn’t need to know how to clean and store a firearm to become a man. If you have followed this series to this point and agree with target shooting, then it is a necessary skill.

Taking the time to teach your son how to clean and store his firearm will give at least three benefits. He might find it boring, but he needs to learn it. Who knows, he might really like it!

A respect for what he owns or what you own as a family.
Development of the proper habit for cleaning and storing firearms after their use.
Spending time with your son. This is a gimme!

Supplies Needed

If you own a firearm, there is a good chance you already have these items. If not, all the items can be purchased locally or found in your home.

Gun cleaning kit. Kits are sold based on the type of firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol, etc)
Old table-cloth, sheet, or blanket
Extra cleaning wipes/patches
Hand wipes for your fingers
Fan

Start with Safety

Noticing a theme with this series? We recognize that hunting and the use of firearms has a negative opinion with many people and for good reason! The improper use and lack of knowledge has resulted in many injuries including death. The theme is and should always be “safety” when having anything to do with hunting or using firearms.

With your son, do the following steps.

Ask for his full attention and make sure he wants to do it. Explain that his attention to detail and taking it slow is critical. Boys love to move and be busy, so make sure you have his focus.
Ensure the safety catch is on to prevent the trigger from firing.
Remove or eject the clip that has ammunition.
Visibly look and verify that no ammunition is in the rifle or firearm. Pull the bolt, lever, or break and make 100% sure that no ammunition is visible.

Now, turn and have your son (if he is mature enough) repeat the steps above. You may place the clip back into the firearm as long as it is empty.

Prepare the Area

Go to your spare room, garage, or private location in your home where you can have no distractions. Make sure this room has a table. Lay a cloth or old blanket out on the table.

Point the muzzle of the gun in a safe direction.
Clear the room and table of all ammunition.
Setup a fan and have air circulating in the room. If the weather permits, open a window to the room. The cleaning solvents can become very strong in the room. Keep your son from being overwhelmed with the fumes.

Follow Instructions

ManBuilders will not attempt to take the place of proper cleaning instructions. Every gun requires a slightly different approach. We recommend that you refer to your gun cleaning kit or the firearm manual that came with your purchase. If you do not have that manual, you can find the manual online in most cases.