CFSC Firearm Maintenance & Cleaning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before cleaning a firearm, what is the most critical first step?
- Perform the PROVE procedure to ensure the firearm is completely unloaded (Correct answer)
- Disassemble the firearm as quickly as possible
- Apply solvent to the barrel immediately
- Remove the firing pin with a punch tool
Correct answer: Perform the PROVE procedure to ensure the firearm is completely unloaded
The PROVE procedure must always be performed first to confirm the firearm is empty. Many accidental discharges during cleaning result from failures to verify the firearm is unloaded.
Negligent discharges during cleaning are one of the most common causes of accidental shootings. The PROVE procedure must be completed before disassembly and cleaning begins. The cleaning area should also be clear of all ammunition as an additional precaution.
Question 2: What is the purpose of applying a thin coat of gun oil after cleaning a firearm?
- To prevent rust and corrosion and to lubricate moving parts for reliable operation (Correct answer)
- To make the firearm look shiny and new for resale
- To dissolve any remaining carbon fouling in the barrel
- To seal the barrel and prevent moisture from entering during storage
Correct answer: To prevent rust and corrosion and to lubricate moving parts for reliable operation
A thin coat of gun oil after cleaning protects metal surfaces from moisture and corrosion and ensures moving parts operate smoothly and reliably.
After removing carbon, powder residue, and dirt with solvents and brushes, a light application of quality gun oil protects the metal from oxidation caused by moisture in the air and from contact with skin acids. It also lubricates the action, trigger, and other moving components. Using too much oil can attract dust and debris.
Question 3: What is a bore brush used for during firearm cleaning?
- To scrub fouling and lead or copper deposits from the inside of the barrel (Correct answer)
- To lubricate the exterior of the barrel after cleaning
- To check the headspace of the chamber
- To remove rust from the outside of the receiver
Correct answer: To scrub fouling and lead or copper deposits from the inside of the barrel
A bore brush, typically made of bronze or nylon, is pushed through the barrel to scrub out fouling, lead deposits, and copper jacket residue left by fired bullets.
As bullets travel down a barrel, they leave behind carbon from burned propellant, lead from the projectile, and copper from jacketed bullets. A bore brush attached to a cleaning rod is pushed through the barrel to loosen and remove these deposits. Bronze brushes are common because they are softer than the steel barrel.
Question 4: When field-stripping a semi-automatic pistol for cleaning, what component is typically removed first?
- The magazine, after verifying the firearm is unloaded (Correct answer)
- The barrel bushing or muzzle device
- The recoil spring and guide rod
- The grip panels
Correct answer: The magazine, after verifying the firearm is unloaded
The magazine must be removed first, followed by verifying the chamber is empty. This is the mandatory first step before field-stripping any semi-automatic pistol.
Field-stripping a pistol for cleaning always begins with removing the magazine to eliminate the ammunition supply, then racking the slide to eject any chambered round and visually and physically confirming the chamber is empty. Only then does the shooter proceed with releasing the slide stop or disassembly lever.
Question 5: How should solvent-soaked cleaning patches be disposed of after cleaning firearms?
- Allow them to dry fully in a ventilated area and then dispose of in a waste bin (Correct answer)
- Flush them down the toilet to avoid fire hazard
- Burn them to neutralize the chemicals
- Leave them inside the barrel overnight to continue dissolving fouling
Correct answer: Allow them to dry fully in a ventilated area and then dispose of in a waste bin
Solvent-soaked patches should be allowed to fully dry in a ventilated area before disposal. Some solvents are flammable or produce fumes, making enclosed storage of soaked patches a fire risk.
Many firearm cleaning solvents contain volatile organic compounds that are flammable or produce harmful vapours. Leaving solvent-soaked patches in a closed bag or container can create a fire hazard. The correct practice is to spread them out to dry in a ventilated area before disposal.
Question 6: What is leading in a firearm barrel and how is it addressed during cleaning?
- Lead deposits from fired bullets that accumulate in the barrel and require a bronze brush or lead-removing solvent to remove (Correct answer)
- A misalignment of the barrel that causes bullets to steer left
- Excessive oil that mixes with carbon to form a paste inside the barrel
- A cosmetic finish applied to older barrels to prevent rust
Correct answer: Lead deposits from fired bullets that accumulate in the barrel and require a bronze brush or lead-removing solvent to remove
Leading refers to lead deposits left by unjacketed lead bullets. It degrades accuracy and can increase chamber pressure if severe. Bronze brushes and lead-removing solvents are used to clear it.
When lead bullets are fired, small amounts of lead are deposited along the bore's rifling. Significant leading degrades accuracy and if severe can cause dangerous pressure spikes. Jacketed bullets reduce leading but can cause copper fouling instead. Dedicated lead-removing chemical solvents and bronze brushes are used to address this during maintenance.
CFSC Firearm Maintenance & Cleaning 2
Before cleaning a firearm, what is the most critical first step?