GSI GSI Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of a 'bore snake' as an alternative cleaning tool?
- A flexible rod used to measure bore diameter
- A one-pass cleaning cord that combines a bronze brush and cleaning floss in a single pull-through tool (Correct answer)
- A specialized tool for cleaning revolver cylinders only
- A device for checking if a barrel is obstructed
Correct answer: A one-pass cleaning cord that combines a bronze brush and cleaning floss in a single pull-through tool
A bore snake is a quick-cleaning tool that combines a weighted pull cord, bronze brush, and floss sections so the bore can be cleaned in a single pass without a rod.
Question 2: What does inspecting the rifling during barrel cleaning help a GSI instructor identify?
- The age of the firearm
- Signs of excessive wear, erosion, or obstructions that could affect accuracy or safety (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer's recommended cleaning interval
- The type of bullet best suited for the firearm
Correct answer: Signs of excessive wear, erosion, or obstructions that could affect accuracy or safety
Inspecting the rifling allows detection of unusual wear, bulges, pitting, or obstructions that might indicate a safety concern or reduction in the firearm's accuracy.
Question 3: Why is it important to remove all solvent from the barrel and action before applying lubricant?
- Solvent improves lubrication if mixed with oil
- Residual solvent can dilute and break down the lubricant, reducing its protective effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Solvent prevents rust better than oil does
- Leaving solvent in place extends the cleaning interval
Correct answer: Residual solvent can dilute and break down the lubricant, reducing its protective effectiveness
Solvents are designed to dissolve fouling and will also degrade lubricating oils if mixed, so all solvent must be wiped out before a fresh application of lubricant is applied.
Question 4: What firearm component should a GSI instructor emphasize cleaning regularly to prevent misfires?
- The grip panels
- The firing pin and firing pin channel (Correct answer)
- The front sight blade
- The magazine baseplate
Correct answer: The firing pin and firing pin channel
A dirty or obstructed firing pin channel can slow or block the firing pin's movement, resulting in light primer strikes and misfires.
Question 5: What is the danger of over-lubricating a firearm?
- Over-lubrication improves accuracy and should be encouraged
- Excess oil can migrate to the ammunition, deactivating primers and causing misfires (Correct answer)
- Too much oil makes the firearm too heavy to carry safely
- Over-lubrication only affects the external finish, not function
Correct answer: Excess oil can migrate to the ammunition, deactivating primers and causing misfires
Excess lubricant can work its way into cartridges and primer pockets, deactivating the sensitive primer compound and causing unreliable ignition or misfires.
Question 6: How should a GSI instructor recommend storing a cleaned, lubricated firearm long-term?
- In an airtight plastic bag with ammunition to prevent humidity
- In a secure gun safe or lock box in a cool, dry environment, unloaded and with a light protective coat of oil (Correct answer)
- Disassembled with components stored separately in different locations
- Wrapped tightly in cloth soaked in heavy oil
Correct answer: In a secure gun safe or lock box in a cool, dry environment, unloaded and with a light protective coat of oil
Long-term storage in a secure, cool, dry location with a light coat of protective oil prevents corrosion while keeping the firearm safe, accessible, and ready for use.
GSI GSI Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance 3
What is the role of a 'bore snake' as an alternative cleaning tool?