I am 16 years old, but have always been into firearms, and now more than ever. One of my favorite things is cleaning/maintaining

[NickT]

I am 16 years old, but have always been into firearms, and now more than ever. One of my favorite things is cleaning/maintaining them. I am always toying with ideas, and recently I began to think that cotton swabs (like Q-Tips)would work very well for cleaning those tricky areas of a firearm. They may also be useful for dipping in cleaning oils and solutions to easily coat these areas. Am I correct or should I avoid this practice?

[the captain]

Nick, I use them all the time, especially on M4s and other firearms with small crevices that need attention. Good idea. Go with it.

[Bo]

I will chime in here to agree with the Captain; it seems to me that back in my military excursions that Q-tips were an invaluable piece of equipment to clean the weapons that we had. I used 'em on my 1911, and just about everyone that I knew that carried an M-16 used them too. As the Captains said "Go with it."

[DSMbirddog]

I usethem a lot myself. They are particularly useful with my T/C Hawken. Lots of nooks and crannies to get into.

[Smitty18]

I would also have to agree. I use them on my T/C Hawken to clean the gun and wipe wet powder from the pan in field. I also use them to oil the space between the bottom of my rifle scope and the barrel.

[Johnnie]

NickT..... you are on the right track and you are correct about using cotton swabs (Q-Tips) for cleaning. Cleaning and maintaining firearms is part of owning firearms and I'm glad you enjoy the task of cleaning and maintaining firearms. I find cleaning and maintaining firearms as relaxing as shooting and reloading. Buy yourself a quality cleaning rod such as a Dewey, you will be glad you did.
You might not be thinking of it now, but your efforts of cleaning and maintaining your firearms will pay off. Not only years of enjoyment from them, but who knows maybe someday you will hand down one of your firearms to a grandchild that just turned 16 years old.
While you are toying with ideas let us know if you come up with any goods ones that you can share with us.
Happy Shooting!

[Smitty18]

I would also recommend investing in a bore snake if you have not already. Just be sure to pull towards the end of the barrel to avoid pulling all of the powder residue into the main action and trigger assembly.

[Kody]

I will declare myself a student to this 16 year old.s lessons on cleaning firearms. Bo and The Captain would have me on report for neglecting my duties in this respect. I seize the leisure time to fire my rifles at the range but generally find reasons or excuses for going on to other things at day's end. When I do feel guilty enough I launch a mass cleaning with firearms scattered over benches and leaning against chairs as they await their turn. Long sessions have the aroma of Hoppes solvent rising from the basement thru the upper floors of our home. Those tend to me days of therapy for me as I do get focused and enjoy the task. Thanks for the wake up call kid.
Kody

[land_cruiser_73]

Pipe cleaners are also a great tool. They can reach areas cotton swabs miss and don't have fibers that pull off and remain in the gun.

[tlc361]

I use them, but only the ones that have a paper stick. I found the ones that use the plastic tend to have the cotton part come off the stick due to solvent dissolving the glue.