Expert Guide on Cleaning and Maintenance of Firearms
A firearm that's cleaned and oiled properly will last for generations. One that's put away dirty after a day at the range, in Maltese humidity, can show rust within weeks.
This guide covers how often to clean, what you need, a step-by-step routine, and the mistakes we see most often, with a focus on the conditions firearms face in Malta.
This guide is general information. Always follow your firearm's manual, and ask a qualified gunsmith if you're unsure.
Why maintenance matters
Safety and reliability: fouling and dirt cause jams and misfires. A clean firearm cycles properly and does what you expect.
Accuracy: a fouled barrel affects where your rounds go.
Protection from rust: powder residue attracts moisture, and Malta's humid air does the rest.
Value: for collectors, condition is one of the biggest factors in what a firearm is worth.
How often should you clean?
It depends on the firearm, the ammunition and how often you shoot. Some modern pistols tolerate a lot of rounds between cleans; precision rifles and .22 pistols usually need more attention to stay accurate. Check your manual, and ask experienced members at your club.
A good habit is a quick clean after every range session and a full clean every few sessions. Firearms in storage also need checking and a wipe with oil every few weeks.
Watch out for corrosive surplus ammunition. Some older military surplus rounds, including steel-cased 7.62×39 and 7.62×54R that are common in Malta, use corrosive primers. After shooting them, clean the bore and action the same day, or rust will follow.
Older bolt-action rifles without a firing pin spring also need a clean, free-moving bolt: dirt in the bolt assembly can cause the firing pin to stick forward, which is dangerous.
What you need
A cleaning rod or bore snake and bore brushes in the right calibre. Use bronze or nylon brushes, not hard steel, which scratches.
Patches or lint-free cloth. Cut-up cotton works well.
A solvent or foaming bore cleaner to break down carbon, copper and lead fouling.
Gun oil made for firearms, not household oil. A good multipurpose gun oil cleans, lubricates and protects.
An old toothbrush for actions and hard-to-reach parts.
Gloves and eye protection. Solvents irritate skin, and springs can fly out during disassembly.
For wooden stocks, a stock oil such as linseed or tung oil.
👉 Find cleaning kits and supplies from the stores listed on Maltaguns.
Step-by-step cleaning routine
Step 1: Make it safe
Carry out the Normal Safety Procedure (NSP) before you start, so you know the firearm is empty. Remove all ammunition from your work area. Work somewhere well lit and ventilated.
Step 2: Field strip only as far as the manual says
Take the firearm apart only as far as your manual describes for routine cleaning. Full disassembly is rarely needed and wears parts. Lay the parts out on a clean cloth in order, and take photos as you go if it's a model you don't know well.
Step 3: Clean the barrel
Apply bore cleaner and let it work for a few minutes.
Push a patch through to remove the loosened fouling.
Brush the bore with the correct-size brush, from chamber to muzzle where possible.
Run clean patches through until they come out clean.
Step 4: Clean the action and other parts
Use the toothbrush and solvent on the slide, bolt, breech face and feed ramp, then wipe everything dry.
Step 5: Oil lightly
Put a thin film of oil on moving parts and wipe a light coat over exposed metal. Less is more: too much oil collects dirt and smokes when you fire.
Step 6: Reassemble and check
Put the firearm back together, check the bore is clear, and work the action a few times. Make sure an empty magazine seats properly. Dry fire only if your manual says it's safe for that model. Then put it back in the safe.
Storing firearms in Malta's climate
Keep a light coat of oil on all metal surfaces before storage.
Use silica gel or a safe dehumidifier. Malta's humidity is high for much of the year.
Keep firearms in your safe, not on display. Limestone walls in older houses hold moisture that rusts metal, and your license requires firearms to be locked away.
More on this in our guide to storing firearms safely and legally.
Common mistakes
Over-oiling: attracts grit and gums up actions.
Scrubbing too hard or using steel brushes: damages finishes and bores.
Household oils and sprays instead of gun oil.
Leaving it for later after using corrosive ammunition.
Taking apart more than you need to.
When to see a gunsmith
If a firearm is damaged, malfunctions after cleaning, or needs parts replaced, take it to a qualified gunsmith. Never modify a firearm yourself: changing how a firearm works can change its legal category and put your license at risk.
FAQs
How often should I clean my firearm?
After every range session is a good habit, with a full clean every few sessions. Always clean the same day after firing corrosive ammunition.
What oil should I use?
An oil made for firearms, applied sparingly.
How do I stop rust in Malta's humidity?
A light coat of oil, silica gel or a dehumidifier in the safe, and regular checks.
Do I need to do the NSP before cleaning?
Yes. Always check the firearm is empty before you start.
Requirements can change. Always confirm anything official with the Police Weapons Office.