Let’s face it — cleaning your guns often ends up on the same list as organizing the garage or folding laundry. It’s not that you don’t want to do it, but how many times have you told yourself, “I’ll get to it tomorrow”? Then tomorrow turns into a week, a week into a month, and — well, you get the point.
Before you know it, you’ve got a gun safe full of expensive, high-performance firearms starting to rust. And rust isn’t the only issue. When you grab one for a range trip or a hunt, there’s no guarantee it will function properly.
It always baffles me when someone brags about how long they’ve gone without cleaning their gun. Some guns, like the AK-47, are legendary for their durability. Heck, they even call them “mud guns” for that reason. But just because a gun can function without cleaning or lubrication doesn’t mean it should.
There is no magic ritual performed when a gun is built. They are made of metal and other materials that can and will be worn over time. Some materials are of higher quality than others, but they will all wear down.
Yes, some guns will function much longer than others without cleaning or lubrication. But in the end, metal on metal contact requires oil to reduce friction and prevent excessive wear.
How Often Do You Clean and Lubricate Your Guns?
As I mentioned above, some folks treat their firearms like an endurance test, seeing how long they can go without cleaning or lubrication.
I like to think of firearms like cars — you can see how long your car will go without an oil change, but no matter how impressive the mileage, it’s not good for the engine.
Think of your firearm as an engine that needs to be kept in top shape for maximum performance.
How often you clean and oil your gun is another debatable topic. If you have a routine that works for you, stick with it.
The important thing is that you have a regular maintenance routine for your firearms.
When I get back from a range trip, I don’t always do a full scrub-down. I field strip the gun, wipe off the metal parts with a water-soluble cleaner like Slip 2000, and apply fresh oil. It only takes a few minutes per gun, and this method has worked well for me.
After putting a lot of rounds through a gun, I’ll periodically break it down for a deep clean, scrubbing off any built-up carbon.
But don’t forget about the guns you don’t use! Just because a firearm hasn’t been fired in a while doesn’t mean it’s fine to ignore. Guns in storage still need attention to stay in prime condition — but we’ll get to that shortly.
Break Free Lubricants
I’ve used a lot of different lubricants over the years — everything from cheap Wal-Mart gun oil to motor oil to high-end synthetic gun oils.
Everyone has their favorites, and there are plenty of great brands out there. But I’ve noticed some issues with the cheap stuff. First, it’s often extremely thin, almost like water. When oil is that thin, it burns off quickly and doesn’t do its job.
Second, many cheap oils leave a sticky film after sitting in storage for a while. Good oil should maintain its consistency over time. After trying several brands, I’ve found Break Free to be a great product that doesn’t cost a finger and toe.
Performance Synthetic Gun Oil
Break Free Performance Synthetic Gun Oil is a premium lubricant in a convenient spray bottle. Yes, a spray bottle. Not all guns require the same amount of oil, but it’s not brain surgery either. Some oil applicators have such a tiny needle tip that I can barely get any oil out. With Break Free’s spray bottle, application is simple and effective.
I guess this is their way of helping the oil last longer? I’m pretty generous with oil on most of my guns so the 1-pint spray bottle is perfect. You get plenty of oil and it’s easy to apply.
But it’s not just about the bottle or the amount — it also needs to be high-quality. Break Free uses polymerized synthetic oil to help reduce buildup and friction on moving parts.
Why synthetic?
Is synthetic better? Ask a mechanic the next time you have the oil changed in your car. Again, a gun is not much different.
Unlike traditional oils, synthetic oil excels in extreme conditions. It clings to metal surfaces, providing consistent lubrication even under high heat and heavy use.
This oil minimizes wear on moving parts, keeping your slide and barrel running smoothly. It’s also resistant to gumming and evaporation, so it won’t dry out or get sticky over time.
Mil-Spec CLP
I’ll admit I’m not a fan of CLP for regular gun maintenance. In my experience, it works well in the short term but doesn’t last as long as oil or work as well as a good solvent. But that doesn’t mean it’s not useful.
I keep a bottle of Break Free CLP in my range bag. While it’s not the best at cleaning or lubricating compared to standalone cleaners or oils, it’s great in a pinch.
When I’m putting a lot of ammo through a gun during a training event, some CLP works great for keeping it clean and lubricated for the duration.
When I get home, I still like to wipe the gun down and apply some more synthetic oil so it’s ready for the next time.
I do this because CLP (clean, lubricate, protect) is not a gun oi. It’s a solvent that also provides some lubrication and “some” protection for your firearm.
Again, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, it just doesn’t work as well as a standalone oil in my experience. But again, it’s perfect for the field. You can buy it in large bottles or small ones that make it easy to keep on you. Besides my range bag, I keep a small bottle of CLP with my compact cleaning kit in my field bag.
Break Free Collector Protectants
When people think about gun oils and cleaners, they usually picture a dirty firearm after a long day at the range.
What many overlook, however, is the need to maintain a gun that isn’t being used. It’s natural to ignore something that’s out of sight, out of mind.
But firearms still need attention, even in storage. Moisture and humidity can sneak up and cause damage before you even realize it.
I once had an old rifle in my closet that belonged to my Grandfather. I assumed it was safe and sound because I never took it out. I was wrong. When I finally did get it out, the inside of the barrel and most of the internal parts were covered in rust.
So, what’s the best way to protect guns that rarely see the range? Here are two products made for long-term storage.
Long-Term Lubricant
Break Free Collector Long-Term Protectant is my go-to for gun storage. It coats all metal surfaces with a thin, protective layer that prevents rust, corrosion, and pitting while the firearm sits in storage.
Unlike some products, it won’t harden or gum up, so your firearm will be ready to use when you need it. When I use this, I coat the entire gun, inside and out.
For the barrel, I use a small piece of cloth to coat the inside and apply some to any metal parts when the gun is broken down. Once reassembled, I coat the outside as well.
Collector Long-Term Protectant Wipes
These Long Term Wipes are what I use for maintenance on guns after applying the long-term lubricant. They contain the same formula but in a convenient wipe, making it easy to pull the gun out and wipe it down to ensure it stays protected.
They’re also great for removing fingerprints after handling the firearm. Since fingerprints contain oils and salts that can cause corrosion, I keep the small wipe dispenser with my guns so it’s quick and easy to use.
For those who really like to keep their guns clean and “show-ready,” these wipes work great for the outside of the gun, even when you’re not just storing it.
Keep Your guns clean
Like I said in the beginning, everyone will have different views and opinions on gun maintenance. But it’s hard to argue that a gun never needs cleaning. Whether you clean it after every range trip or follow a set schedule, the choice is yours.
The important thing is to keep your guns in great shape and functioning properly. These products will make that job just a little easier
