Let’s get down and dirty shall we!?  Who cleans and lubricates their firearms on a regular basis?!  Crickets? In firearms as in life, FRICTION HURTS!!!  That said, let’s go over our recommendations for breaking in and maintaining your firearm.  Not just ours, but ALL firearms!!!

Break-In:

Ask 10 different manufacturers what their break in procedure is and you will get 10 different answers.  Here’s our method and the reasoning behind it.  When you first get your rifle while it has been test fired to ensure that it is functioning, you will need to break it in properly to ensure that the internals and barrel are “Seasoned” properly.  In order to do that you must use a quality Military Approved CLP to lubricate the BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) and deep clean the barrel.  Next, you will run 3-10 Round Strings cleaning the barrel and chamber with the CLP in between.  Do not worry about zeroing until after your last string as your barrel will increase muzzle velocity as it wears in.  After the last 10 rounds do a final deep clean and start your zero process.  This process removes the imperfections from machining and seasons the barrel and chamber, so you are less likely to have carbon or copper weld to the surfaces

Cleaning: 

I am no saint when it comes to cleaning so consider this a case of do as I say not as I do, ok?

In the case of the AR platform, they were designed to keep running in some very bad environments and for extended periods of time in between thorough cleanings.  There are, however, two areas to pay close attention to; the BCG and Chamber.  Carbon and “dirt” built up in these areas can mean the difference in finishing a stage or having to mortar your gun open when it won’t cycle.  Ask me how I know?

This is in the field type cleaning and should take place after each range day or at the beginning of each match day for all you TTG and 3 Gunners out there.  All that is needed is a quick field strip of the BCG.  Simply coat the parts with CLP and let it sit for a minute or two depending on the amount of carbon that is on them.  There are tools out there like the B.O.N.E by Otis Technologies that makes this a very easy task, especially when the carbon needs a little persuasion.  Once you have everything loosened up, wipe everything down.  Reapply some CLP to the parts before reassembly.  Next peek in the chamber.  It should be free of build-up and not look like a science experiment.  If needed use a cotton swab (the long ones on the wooden sticks work best for this) soaked in CLP to remove the carbon.  Avoid spraying CLP into the barrel at this point, it may affect zero.

Lubrication

This is one of the most important aspects of firearm maintenance!  Without proper lubrication with a quality product, you’re asking for trouble.  The reason we only use and recommend a Military Tested and Approved (QPL Letter from the US Military) not only because of how it works to continuously clean while it lubricates the moving parts of the firearm, but it also repels dust and moisture.  I could make this a science lesson on how, but I will spare you the long drawn-out discussion.

There is basically one main component that needs to be well lubricated; the BCG.  If this runs dry, it can be a showstopper.  Light Primer Strikes, Failure to Eject and Failure to Feed’s are all common failures from this. It’s no different than running a car out of oil… 

You lubricated the BCG before you reassembled it post cleaning, but now its important to keep it wet.  Now I’m not talking dripping wet either.  Just enough to see that there is fluid on the bolt and carrier.  Too much will cause overspray on your eye-pro or in the case of a pistol, your optic.  You should notice that the BCG will look like there is tar coming out of it.  That is totally normal and expected.  The CLP is lifting the carbon off the metal and holding it in a suspension (like salad dressing) so it can easily be wiped off or blown out in the firing sequence.  

In bolt action rifles everything is the same except there are fewer moving parts to content with.  The Chamber and bolt should be cleaned and free of debris.  One grain of sand in the action of a bolt gun can affect your accuracy and the performance of the action.

NOTE:  DO NOT use conventional gun oils on the bolt of your bolt action rifles.  It will corrode the internal spring.

On all firearms it’s important to clean and preserve the finish and that’s as easy as applying a few drops of CLP to the surface, wiping it in then wiping it off.  Wax on….  Wax off

Summary

Failure to properly break in, clean and maintain your prized firearms is one of main reasons for failure and a bad day.  It is also the #1 cause of warranty claims in this industry.  There are numerous cleaning videos by some top shooters and trainers online that discuss this topic.  We recommend checking them out!