GUeST POST: Don't Forget to Take Care of Your Carry Gun

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​You may be a new gun owner, excited about exercising your right to defend yourself. Maybe you’re a longtime firearms enthusiast who never took a basic class on gun maintenance. Either way, it’s well worth your time to review some basic tips on firearm upkeep and holster care. By taking a few minutes every month to maintain your firearm, you’ll be making sure that you and your weapon will be ready for any threat that presents itself. 

Gun Cleaning
All firearms should be cleaned and lubricated right after use if possible. If you’re using your firearm regularly, you may be able to get away with cleaning it less often, but don’t make a habit of it. When cleaning a pistol or other firearm, make sure to work in a safe, well-lit, and well-ventilated place. You can learn more about the specifics of cleaning and lubricating your gun here. 

Gun Storage 
Your key goals when storing firearms is to choose a method of storage that keeps thieves from stealing, maintains a level of protection for the firearm, and ensures that the weapon will not be fired accidentally. Of course, always make sure the weapon is unloaded to ensure proper storage. 

Basic Holster Care Tips
There are many materials used to make holsters these days, including leather, nylon, and kydex. Whatever material your holster is made out of, it’s no secret that a badly worn holster can damage or scratch a gun. You’ll want to take extra time to make holster care and maintenance a basic part of your firearm maintenance routine.  
 
Leather Holster Care
Leather holsters, while a time-honored way to carry firearms, are arguably the hardest holsters to maintain. These holsters are notorious for trapping moisture and every gun owner knows that excessive moisture is a natural enemy for a well-functioning firearm. The key to the maintenance of a leather holster is proper conditioning. The good news is that the same leather conditioner used on belts, shoes, and other clothing can be used on holsters. Whichever conditioner you choose, make sure it cleans but does not soften the leather.  Once you’ve chosen your materials, the process is simple. Just use a rag and a small amount of the conditioner on both sides of the holster about once monthly. Then, remove with a small amount of warm water and allow the belt to dry in the open air. Any excessive heat or cold could warp the leather. Another key to owning a leather holster is stretching it to fit the leather. There are many methods for breaking in a leather holster to fit your firearm including the wax paper method.

Nylon Holster Care
Nylon holsters and other synthetic holsters are a bit easier to maintain than leather. Like leather, a soft cloth with mild soap can be used for a general cleaning. Also, make sure not to submerge the holster completely in any liquids or chemicals. Air dry thoroughly, not exposing the holster to any excessive heat or cold. All that should be pretty familiar to those who have owned and treated a leather holster before. Unlike leather, you don’t need to use any fancy conditioners to make sure the holster breathes and doesn’t trap moisture. 

Kydex Holster Care
Not everyone is aware of this holster option, but Kydex holsters are a synthetic material like nylon. It’s a material that has been exploding in popularity recently, and for good reason. The advantage of Kydex is that it can be molded to fit any shape, so rather than having a one-size-fits-all holster, the holster can be custom fit to your weapon, making it instantly more accessible for quick draws and, ultimately, safer. Kydex holster care is more or less similar to nylon holster care. Just use a mild soap and cloth to clean without submerging in liquids or exposing the holster to excessive heat. 

Firearm Maintenance | An Important Part of Responsible Ownership
The last thing you want is to be confronted with an immediate threat and have your weapon fail on you. It’s important for all gun owners to be educated on proper maintenance of weapons and their accessories, because it’s an integral part of having a reliable weapon. Make no mistake — if you take care of your firearm and its accessories, it will most certainly take care of you.

About the Author: Brian Claywell is a freelance writer and blogger based in Austin, Texas. With a love for hunting, hiking, and the great outdoors in general, he spends much of his time writing outside. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at his local shooting range.

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