(Modern Survival.org) – What is the First Thing You Should Do After Buying a Gun?
- Disassemble It
- Clean It
- Fire It
- Lubricate It
Answer: Disassemble It. Here’s why…
After purchasing a new gun, most gun owners want to immediately head out to the range and test it out. Practicing with a new firearm will help its owner become familiar with it, but there are a few steps to consider before putting it to use.
Read the Owner’s Manual
Reading the owner’s manual may seem like a chore when all you want to do is head out for target practice, but it’s an important step. This manual doesn’t always come with the gun when it’s purchased, so you may need to contact the manufacturer for a copy. Often, a copy of it the owner’s manual can be found on the manufacturer’s website as well.
Reading the owner’s manual cover to cover will help you become knowledgeable about the firearm, its components, and how it operates. Additionally, most owners’ manuals will teach you the correct way to disassemble and clean the gun.
Disassemble the Firearm
By taking your gun apart, cleaning, and lubricating it, you will not only become more familiar with your new firearm, but you will also have a chance to look for factory defects.
Most new guns have grease coating the internal components to protect them from the elements while in storage. This grease needs to be removed because it has the potential to collect dust and debris, which could lead to issues with the firing mechanism.
Use a cleaner that will remove this grease, as well as other potential contaminants such as copper and powder fouling. Once the internal components are clean, you will need to lubricate them. Only use lubricants that are specifically made for guns, as other substitutes can damage the bluing.
Purchasing used guns comes with a whole other set of issues. First, used guns may have worn components or damage that you won’t see without taking them apart. You generally won’t know how well the firearm’s previous owner took care of the gun, how often they cleaned it, or whether they used the correct cleaners and lubricants. If possible, fire the used gun before purchasing it to ensure it’s in working condition. If this isn’t an option, don’t purchase the firearm without a warranty to cover any possible issues.
Knowing how your new firearm operates and ensuring it is in working condition are the first steps in ensuring the longevity and safety of the gun.
For new gun owners, knowing the basic safety rules of firearms is incredibly important. To see what the top four rules are, check out our article here.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
Copyright 2023, ModernSurvival.org
