Introduction
Maintaining a firearm in peak condition is paramount for both safety and optimal performance. A clean firearm is a reliable firearm, and understanding how to effectively clean and care for your weapon is a crucial aspect of responsible gun ownership. One of the most convenient and effective tools for this purpose is a product often referred to as CLP. But what exactly is CLP, and how do you best utilize it? This detailed guide provides a comprehensive look at how to use CLP gun cleaner, ensuring you can properly maintain your firearms and extend their lifespan.
CLP stands for Clean, Lubricate, and Protect. This all-in-one solution simplifies the gun cleaning process by combining the functions of multiple products into a single bottle. This makes it not only more convenient but also reduces the number of steps required for proper firearm maintenance. Rather than having to apply a separate cleaner, lubricant, and protectant, you can accomplish all three with one application of CLP.
Regular gun cleaning is an indispensable part of responsible gun ownership. Residue from firing, such as unburned powder, carbon buildup, and metal particles, can accumulate in the barrel, action, and other vital components of your firearm. This buildup can lead to a range of issues:
- Reduced Accuracy: Fouling in the barrel can obstruct the bullet’s path, causing it to deviate from its intended trajectory.
- Malfunctions: Debris can interfere with the smooth operation of moving parts, leading to jams or failures to fire.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Abrasive particles can accelerate the wear and tear on internal components, shortening the firearm’s lifespan.
- Corrosion: Moisture and corrosive byproducts of firing can lead to rust and corrosion, which can damage the firearm’s metal parts.
- Safety Concerns: Malfunctions caused by improper maintenance can lead to dangerous situations.
Using CLP gun cleaner regularly helps to mitigate these issues, ensuring your firearm remains safe, accurate, and reliable.
Before You Begin: Safety First!
Before diving into the cleaning process, prioritizing safety is non-negotiable. Always adhere to the following safety precautions:
- Unload Your Firearm: This is the most critical step. Remove the magazine (if applicable), and visually and physically inspect the chamber to confirm it is empty. Open the action and physically feel inside the chamber to ensure there is no ammunition present.
- Wear Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris and cleaning solution splashes.
- Wear Gloves: Gloves will protect your hands from chemicals and also provide a better grip on the firearm.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Some cleaning solvents can release fumes that are harmful if inhaled. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, or wear a respirator.
- Familiarize Yourself with Your Firearm: Understand the specific design and operation of your firearm. Consult your firearm’s manual for guidance on disassembly and cleaning instructions.
- Never Point the Firearm at Anything You Do Not Intend to Destroy: Even during cleaning, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having secured your safety and a safe workspace, it’s time to gather your essential supplies. You will need the following:
- CLP Gun Cleaner: The primary component of this process.
- Cleaning Rod: This rod will be used to pass brushes and patches through the barrel.
- Bore Brush: Specifically designed to scrub the inside of the barrel. Choose a brush made from a material appropriate for your firearm’s barrel (e.g., bronze for steel barrels).
- Cleaning Patches: Used to soak up and remove fouling from the barrel. Choose patches that fit the bore snugly.
- Cleaning Brush or Toothbrush: For scrubbing the frame, action, and other parts.
- Small Cleaning Picks or Q-tips: Useful for reaching tight spaces.
- Clean Cloth or Rags: For wiping down surfaces and absorbing excess CLP.
Disassembly (if necessary)
Before you begin using CLP, it is best to disassemble your firearm. Field stripping (disassembling the firearm to a basic level) is often a necessary step to effectively clean all its components. However, the disassembly process will vary depending on the make and model of your firearm. Refer to your firearm’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. Do not force any parts apart. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Generally, field stripping involves:
- Removing the magazine.
- Ensuring the firearm is unloaded.
- Releasing the slide (for pistols) or opening the bolt (for rifles).
- Disassembling the frame, slide, and other accessible components.
For those new to firearm maintenance, it’s perfectly acceptable to start with cleaning the accessible parts without complete disassembly. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually work your way up to more comprehensive cleaning and maintenance routines.
Cleaning the Barrel
A clean barrel is crucial for accuracy. The barrel is where the bullet travels as it gains velocity, and any residue or buildup can significantly affect its trajectory. Here’s how to properly clean the barrel:
Applying the CLP
Begin by applying CLP generously to the bore brush. Make sure the brush is well-saturated. Then, insert the brush into the barrel from the chamber end (if possible, to avoid damaging the crown of the barrel). This step is critical as the crown is the last point of contact between the barrel and the bullet, and any damage here can significantly affect accuracy.
Removing Fouling
Push the bore brush through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle. Then, pull the brush back through, ensuring the brush goes all the way through the barrel. Repeat this brushing action, pushing and pulling the brush several times, covering the entire inner surface of the barrel. This will loosen the carbon and residue that have accumulated from shooting.
After brushing, remove the bore brush. Next, attach a clean patch to your cleaning rod. Pass the patch through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle. This patch will absorb the loosened fouling. Repeat the brushing and patching process, alternating between them, until the patches come out relatively clean. The number of times you need to repeat this process will depend on how much fouling is present.
Inspecting the Bore
After cleaning, inspect the barrel to ensure it is clean. You can use a bore light or simply hold the barrel up to a light source to see if any debris remains. If the barrel is still dirty, repeat the cleaning process. If heavy fouling persists, you may allow the CLP to sit in the barrel for a short duration as instructed by the CLP manufacturer (usually a few minutes to an hour).
Cleaning Other Parts
Beyond the barrel, other parts of your firearm require cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
Frame or Receiver
Apply CLP to the frame or receiver. Using a cleaning brush or toothbrush, scrub away any carbon buildup or debris. Pay attention to areas where grime is most likely to accumulate, such as around the trigger mechanism and any exposed surfaces. Wipe clean with a clean patch or cloth.
Action or Slide
Apply CLP to the action or slide components. Use the cleaning brush to scrub these components clean, removing any residue. Again, focus on areas that come into contact with moving parts, which are more prone to accumulation. After scrubbing, wipe clean with a patch or cloth.
Small Parts
Cleaning small parts requires a more delicate approach. Use a small cleaning brush, Q-tips, and CLP to clean parts such as the firing pin, extractor, and other small components. These parts often have tight crevices where residue can build up. Wipe these parts clean.
Lubricating the Firearm
Once all the components are clean, it’s time to lubricate them. CLP serves a dual purpose: cleaning and lubricating. Applying a thin coat of CLP will reduce friction between moving parts, making your firearm operate more smoothly.
Apply a thin layer of CLP to all moving parts, like rails, slides, hinges, and pivot points. The goal is not to drench the parts but to apply a light, even coating. Applying too much lubricant can lead to the accumulation of dirt and debris, potentially hindering the firearm’s function.
Consult your firearm’s manual for specific lubrication points. It will indicate where lubrication is most important for your particular firearm model.
Reassembly
After cleaning and lubricating, it’s time to reassemble the firearm. Follow the disassembly steps in reverse order, ensuring all parts are properly aligned and securely fastened. Be careful not to force any parts during reassembly. Consult the owner’s manual for any specific instructions for your firearm model.
Once reassembled, it’s crucial to double-check the firearm’s function. Cycle the action, and test the trigger. Dry-fire the firearm (if permissible and in a safe environment) to ensure all components are operating correctly.
Final Steps and Maintenance Tips
After completing the cleaning and reassembly, there are a few final steps to ensure your firearm remains in optimal condition:
Wipe down the exterior of the firearm with a clean cloth and CLP to protect it from corrosion. This can help to remove any fingerprints or other contaminants.
Store the firearm in a secure and appropriate location, following all applicable laws and regulations. Consider using a gun safe.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your firearm. After each shooting session is a good rule of thumb, but at a minimum, you should clean your firearm periodically, even if you haven’t fired it. This is especially important if the firearm is exposed to environmental factors, such as humidity.
While CLP is a versatile product, some shooters prefer to supplement it with other products. For example, in certain extreme temperature conditions, a dedicated gun oil may provide enhanced lubrication. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may consider applying a rust preventative to the exterior of the firearm. There are many brands of CLP on the market and each have unique formulations. Ensure that you read and follow all the directions on the CLP bottle.
Conclusion
Using CLP gun cleaner is an essential part of maintaining your firearm. This how to use CLP gun cleaner guide has walked you through the process step-by-step, from safety precautions to cleaning the barrel and other components. By following these instructions and establishing a consistent cleaning routine, you can extend your firearm’s lifespan, improve its performance, and ensure your safety. Taking the time to care for your firearm is a worthwhile investment.
