This page is about two different jobs: cleaning after a range session, and getting a firearm ready to sit for months. The storage step is where most long-term rust and gummy actions start. This is general care information, not gunsmithing. Your manufacturer’s manual is the final word, and every firearm should be unloaded and verified clear before you start.
After a range day
- Unload and verify clear. Remove magazines and keep ammunition out of the room.
- Field strip only as far as the manual describes.
- Clean the bore and action to remove powder fouling, working from the chamber end where the design allows.
- Wipe everything dry, including springs and small parts.
- Lubricate lightly at the points the manual lists, then wipe off the excess.
- Function-check the reassembled firearm according to the manual.
Off-season storage checklist
- Clean it first. Do not store a firearm with fouling in the bore or action.
- Apply a protective film to the bore and exposed metal, inside and out.
- Store it uncased in a safe or cabinet rather than a soft case, which can hold moisture.
- Control humidity in the safe with a dehumidifier or desiccant, and check it on a schedule.
- Store muzzle-down where practical so excess oil does not drain into the stock or action.
- Inspect every few months. Look for spots of rust, wipe down and re-protect as needed.
- Before next season, wipe off excess protectant and run a dry patch through the bore before shooting.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gun case good for long-term storage?
Soft cases can trap moisture against metal. Most owners store firearms uncased in a dry, secure safe or cabinet, and keep cases for transport.
How often should stored firearms be checked?
Every few months is a reasonable habit, and more often in damp basements or after humid weather. Look for rust spots and re-protect as needed.
Do I need to remove protectant before shooting?
Wipe off excess and run a dry patch through the bore before shooting, following your manual.
AMSOIL products for this job
- AMSOIL Firearm Cleaner and Protectant. AMSOIL says: “Penetrates deep into hard-to-reach components”; “Effectively cleans fouling and powder residue from all firearm surfaces, reducing misfires and increasing reliability”; “Protects stored firearms from corrosion so they remain reliable for generations”.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Firearm Lubricant and Protectant. AMSOIL says: “Effectively lubricates and protects firearms, helping extend life and prevent blockage, jams and wear”; “Safe to use on all metals, woods, composites and rubbers commonly found in firearms”.
Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.
Use AMSOIL’s official lookup guide to see what is listed for your vehicle or equipment, then order online whenever it suits you.