Firearms are an expensive investment. If you have a collection that you use for hunting, shooting sports, or even just home defense, you want to take care of them in the best way possible. That means, at the very least, cleaning and maintaining them on a regular basis, so they are in good working condition. A broken gun is a pretty pointless tool to have.
Of course, there’s more to damaging a firearm than simply forgetting to clean it. Let’s look at five common mistakes that can wreck your collection if you’re not careful. Some of these mistakes are just from regular use, while others are more mishaps to watch out for and may require a trip to the gun repair shop so that a gunsmith can make the correct repairs.
Mistake #1: Putting a Rifle Right Back in the Case After Hunting
This is a common mistake that people make while hunting. They put the gun right back in the case and bring it inside the tent they are staying in. The heat on the inside of the tent can easily cause moisture to buildup in the case creating a scenario of flash rust, which isn’t good for the gun and will need to be carefully cleaned before you use it again on the same hunting trip. Instead, you want to store it in a dry place overnight so that this doesn’t happen.
Mistake #2: Leaning Your Long Gun Against a Vehicle
You wouldn’t believe how many people do this, and then simple drive away while their long gun clatters to the ground. Don’t lean your guns against any vehicle. You may think you’ll remember to pick it back up, but then you get distracted without bringing your gun with you. This can cause dings and damage to the barrel which will need to be fixed by a gunsmith.
Mistake #3: A Loose Gun Stock
The problem of a loose gun stock happens over time as you use the firearm. When the gun is used repeatedly, the barrel and receiver bump up against the stock causing it to loosen. Have it tightened up so that no serious damage occurs over time.
Mistake #4: Cleaning It Incorrectly
You would think cleaning your firearms would be pretty straight forward, but many people do parts of this important process wrong. One of those things is over oiling. Heavy oil isn’t a big problem in the warmer months when you are shooting, but during a cold snap that oil can gunk up and the gun won’t fire properly.
Mistake #5: Using the Wrong Tools
Don’t grab your regular tool box here. Many times a regular screwdriver is going to wreck the gun. Instead, have the proper gun tools like a precision-ground screwdriver to maintain it the right way. The wrong screwdriver can damage the screws on your weapon, and they won’t be tightened correctly.
