For those unfamiliar with the mechanics of cleaning a firearm, oiling a gun sounds like a big no-no. Because who wants someone carrying a slicked up deadly weapon that could very well slip right out of their hands.

Then there are those who understand handguns need care and maintenance to run like a well-oiled machine. While cleaning and oiling a gun go hand in hand, it’s particularly important to use that oil or grease to maintain superior functionality.

• Do wipe off any access lubrication before getting started. During this process, it’s a good idea to look for signs of wear and tear on the gun or any developing issues.
• Do clean your gun before oiling it. Actually, most folks clean their pistol after every trip to the range to prevent rust.
• Don’t over oil your gun. If you do, it will have an opposite effect and collect more debris than if you wouldn’t have oiled it at all. Think less is more. A light layer of oil will do.
• Do read your gun’s instruction manual, and figure out where the oil shouldn’t go. Every gun is different.
• Don’t clean a gun like Steve Martin (see below).

• Do use Q-Tips for accuracy in oil application. This will help prevent getting too much oil on the gun.
• Do oil the areas where there is metal-to-metal contact. Since you’ve read the instruction manual, you should already know where not to oil. Be sure to keep the feed ramp oil free, unless you’ve been instructed otherwise.
• Don’t ignore your magazines. Yep, those need to be cleaned, too.
• Don’t start cleaning your gun without making sure it’s unloaded. As always, safety first people!
• Do use a good gun oil or grease to get the job done right. Some recommended oils include Remington’s Rem Oil, Kleen Bore F3 and Wilson Ultima-Lube Grease.
• Don’t leave your ammunition near the cleaning site. This is for safety reasons, for both you and your gun. You don’t want to contaminate the ammo with petroleum-based products.
• Do use a dry brush to scrub all the parts thoroughly, even the magazine well. You won’t necessarily need the solvent for this part.

Did we leave out your favorite gun cleaning tip? Share it in the comments section!