Essential Tools For Maintaining Your Firearms

When you think of essential tools to maintain your firearm, I’m willing to bet that cleaning products come to mind. While they are essential to keeping your firearm in great condition, many other helpful tools will ensure your firearm(s) function flawlessly for many rounds to come.

A clear and dedicated space is ideal. Source

How you store and transport your guns can ultimately affect them as well. Without proper care, corrosion from humidity and moisture or dings and scratches in the finish can occur. The last thing I want to see is your firearm, expensive or not, be ruined when it’s so easily avoidable. 

You don’t have to buy everything at once, but keep some of the following tools and products in mind as you shop. 

Cleaning

This is the obvious one. After you shoot your guns, you’ll eventually need to clean them. I’d be a hypocrite if I said I clean each of my guns every single time I shoot them, but you should stay on top of it. After a few hundred rounds, giving your gun a solid cleaning is a good idea. Why? 

Carbon build-up and fouling will accumulate the more you shoot, which can cause issues in your gun’s performance and lead to corrosion. Defensive guns, whether used for home defense or carry roles, should always be kept as clean as possible to mitigate any potential issues.

One cleaning kit can cover many calibers.

A simple universal cleaning kit is a great place to start. With these, you can often clean everything from your 9mm pistol to your AR-15 to your shotgun. 

Other tools to consider aiding the cleaning process, specifically with the take-down step for deeper cleaning, are armorer’s wrenches, a punch set, and a vice or bench block. And, of course, you can never have too many hex keys or screwdrivers on hand. 

Storage

Arguably, as important as cleaning your guns is how you store them. This article isn’t about “safe storage,” so we won’t get into that, but guns should be locked away securely so that only designated individuals can access them when not in use. When stored, try not to rest them against or on top of each other.

A Golden Rod dehumidifier is a great option if you have an electricity source near your safe. Source

Where you decide to store them should not be in direct sunlight or have excess moisture. Moisture is an enemy to your firearm, as corrosion can happen quicker than you think. 

Depending on where you live and whether the area where you store your firearms is climate-controlled, you may need to invest in a dehumidifier. Don’t worry—they don’t have to be expensive or require electricity. You can use rechargeable canister dehumidifiers or disposable moisture-absorbing bags/containers. 

Regardless of whether you feel like you need one, it can only help, not hurt. 

Transport

From concealed carrying to driving to flying with firearms, you’ll want to keep them secure and ensure they do not get damaged during transit. 

For instance, if you’re carrying a pistol, find a high-quality holster that won’t damage your gun’s finish. Kydex and leather are very popular holster materials and do a great job keeping your gun secure while not damaging its finish.

Your guns will sleep peacefully in a Pelican case.

Driving or flying with your firearms? Consider gun cases that are crushproof, waterproof, and dustproof. A prime example is Pelican. They offer all three and have sizes to accommodate everything from a single pistol to multiple rifles. If you don’t need all of that protection, say, for a quick trip to the range, a few of my favorites to consider are Plano and Vaultek. 

The key is to keep them safe, protected, and out of damage’s way. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you should treat your firearms as investments. By keeping them in excellent condition, you’re investing in their financial value and your personal protection. If you ask me, there isn’t a better investment. 

Remember, you don’t need the most expensive tools or a huge gun room, but taking simple precautions and good care is very important. Lastly, don’t be afraid to use your guns! You should be training with them as often as possible. They can always be cleaned, but you can’t magically improve your performance or skills without using them. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.

Ryan Domke

Ryan Domke is a firearms enthusiast at heart who has worked with some of the largest manufacturers in the firearms industry, gaining knowledge and expertise he enjoys sharing with the 2A community. He has contributed to numerous reputable publications, including The Mag Shack, Springfield's "The Armory Life," Smith & Wesson's "The S&W Bench," and many others. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors.

Learn more