Firearm Safety Comes First: What Every Gun Owner Should Do Before Cleaning a Firearm
- Badass Patriot Actual
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
Firearm Safety Comes First: What Every Gun Owner Should Do Before Cleaning a Firearm
Firearm Safety Before Cleaning Your Gun: The Most Important Step You Can Take
Owning a firearm is both a right and a responsibility. Whether you're a competitive shooter, law enforcement officer, military member, hunter, or someone who enjoys a day at the range, proper firearm maintenance begins with one critical principle:
Always make safety your first priority.
At Badass Patriot, we're passionate about helping responsible gun owners maintain their firearms with confidence. Before you break out the cleaning supplies, solvents, brushes, and tools, there are several essential safety steps every firearm owner should follow.
Rule #1: Treat Every Firearm as if It Is Loaded
Even if you're absolutely certain your firearm is unloaded, always handle it as though it contains a live round.
Complacency causes accidents. Developing safe habits every single time you handle a firearm helps ensure those habits become second nature.
Step 1: Point the Firearm in a Safe Direction
Before touching the firearm, point the muzzle in a safe direction where an accidental discharge would not injure anyone or cause property damage.
Never allow the muzzle to cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
This rule never changes—whether you're shooting, transporting, inspecting, or cleaning.
Step 2: Remove the Magazine
Many negligent discharges happen because the user removes the magazine and assumes the firearm is unloaded.
Remember:
Remove the magazine first.
Secure it away from your cleaning area.
Do not reload until your cleaning session is completely finished.
Step 3: Open the Action
After removing the magazine:
Lock the slide to the rear on semi-automatic pistols.
Open the bolt on rifles.
Swing open the cylinder on revolvers.
Open the action on shotguns.
Expose the chamber completely.
Step 4: Visually Inspect the Chamber
Look directly into the chamber.
Do not simply glance.
Confirm there is:
No live round
No spent casing
No obstruction
Good lighting helps.
Step 5: Physically Inspect the Chamber
Your eyes can deceive you.
Use your finger to physically verify the chamber is empty.
Professional firearms instructors often teach both a visual and tactile inspection because this simple habit can prevent tragic mistakes.
Step 6: Remove All Ammunition From the Cleaning Area
One of the easiest ways to reduce risk is to eliminate ammunition from your workspace entirely.
Store:
Loaded magazines
Loose ammunition
Speed loaders
Ammunition boxes
in another room before beginning maintenance.
Your cleaning bench should contain only:
Cleaning tools
Brushes
Patches
Solvents
Lubricants
Protective equipment
No live ammunition.
Step 7: Wear Eye Protection
Small springs, pins, recoil assemblies, and cleaning chemicals can become hazards during disassembly.
Protect your eyes with quality safety glasses before beginning.
This is especially important when working on:
1911 pistols
AR-15 rifles
SIG Sauer pistols
Smith & Wesson firearms
Kimber 1911s
Parts have a tendency to wander, fly off and pose a potential risk. Solvents and sprays also have a tendency to bounce off surfaces into your face. Its also a good idea to wear rubber surgical gloves to reduce over exposure to potentially toxic solvents and grease.
Step 8: Work on a Stable, Organized Surface
Trying to clean a firearm on a cluttered table or kitchen counter increases the chances of losing parts or making mistakes.
A dedicated cleaning station helps keep everything organized while protecting both your firearm and your work surface.
Using a quality cleaning mat also prevents scratches while keeping small parts from rolling away.
Step 9: Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions
Every firearm is designed differently.
Always consult the owner's manual before disassembly and maintenance.
Never force parts apart or use excessive pressure.
Proper disassembly and reassembly protects your firearm from unnecessary wear or damage.
If you have parts left over, you have a problem. DO NOT DISCHARGE THE FIREARM!
Step 10: Keep Distractions to a Minimum
Cleaning firearms requires your full attention.
Avoid overly loud or intense stimuli like:
Television
Phone calls
Texting
Alcohol -ALCOHOL AND FIREARMS ARE A RECIPE FOR DISASTER AND A PREVENTABLE ACCIDENT. DONT' BE THE GUY OR GAL!
Rushing
A few extra minutes of focus can prevent accidents and ensure your firearm is cleaned correctly and ready for safe use.
Build Safe Habits Every Time
Experienced shooters know that safety isn't something you do once—it's something you practice every single time.
Creating a consistent routine before cleaning helps eliminate mistakes and reinforces responsible firearm ownership.
Whether you own one firearm or an entire collection, these habits should never be skipped.
This is a great habit and skill set to teach the younger generation.
Make Firearm Maintenance Easier with Badass Patriot
At Badass Patriot, we design firearm maintenance tools for responsible gun owners who demand quality, organization, and American craftsmanship.
Our growing lineup includes products designed to make cleaning easier and more efficient, including:
When your workspace is organized and your tools are within reach, cleaning becomes faster, safer, easier, stress free, and more enjoyable.
Visit BadassPatriot.shop to explore products designed to help you maintain your firearms with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your firearm is an important part of responsible ownership—but nothing is more important than safety.
As a recap, and before you say, I have been shooting for X years, served my country, I am a member of the NRA, a Range Safety Officer, etc., EVERYONE can benefit for a reminder about good firearm safety and cleaning practices. don't believe me, just visit Instagram or Youtube. Its filled with idiotic dangerous gun owners doing dumb ass stuff.
Before every cleaning session:
Verify the firearm is unloaded.
Remove all ammunition from the area.
Inspect the chamber visually and physically.
Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Wear eye protection.
Stay focused.
A clean firearm performs better, lasts longer, and is more reliable. Most importantly, following safe handling procedures helps protect you and everyone around you.
Stay safe. Stay prepared. Stay American.
Badass Patriot — Built for Those Who Take Responsibility Seriously.
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