PRECISION EMPHASIZED

When it comes to precision, the barrel is considered to be the most important component of a gun to be cleaned. With each shot fired, projectile deposits and tiny powder and combustion residues remain there.

Here, the torsional vibrations, called flexing vibrations or barrel vibrations, also play an important role. These rotational vibrations of the barrel material, which arise as a result of the heavy load on the lands due to the rotational movement of the projectile around its own axis, normally ensure a muzzle departure angle that is always the same.

However, should the torsional vibrations change due to soiling of the lands and grooves, this of course, in turn, impedes the flight path.

The Ammunition Is Decisive

With each shot, metal deposits from the projectiles are also deposited in the barrel – be it lead, copper, zinc, brass, tombac or molybdenum disulphide – as well as plastic residues, depending on the ammunition. As a result of these deposits, the precision of the gun deteriorates increasingly, as the increased resistance in the barrel impacts both on the speed of the projectile and on its spin and the overall ballistics. At the same time, the deposits in the barrel also cause the gas pressure upon shooting to increase – a likewise unwelcome concomitant.

Therefore, it is extremely important to clean the gun according to the ammunition used in each case in order to ensure that the soiling is completely removed and that the gun is not damaged when cleaned.

FOR RELIABILITY’S SAKE

Another negative aspect of the projectile and combustion residues in the barrel is that these sometimes bind condensation water due to temperature fluctuations – in the case, for example, of high humidity or incorrect storage in a non-dry safe.

Thus, rust perforation can form – small, inconspicuous corrosion sites, which, however, develop much more significantly in terms of depth than is outwardly recognisable. As a result, the precision of the gun steadily decreases.

It is not just the projectile and its flight path that are influenced by residues and soiling, but also the mechanics of the gun. This can lead to many problems – from malfunctions such as a blocking breech or firing pin to a magazine getting stuck.

Therefore, regular and careful cleaning of the gun is essential if the precision, reliability and value of the gun are to be maintained.

Chapter 2 Designations

The Most Important Terms And Components

Those who want to clean their gun properly should be familiar with the relevant components and their functions. Gun owners’ knowledge can vary heavily. Additionally, some designations differ depending on the gun type or the region.

Therefore, in this chapter, we have put together for you a small overview of the most important gun components and terms – with brief descriptions of their functions and peculiarities.