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How to Clean Your Gun to Shoot Up Value

If you’re looking to sell or pawn your used guns in Henderson, KY, you may need to perform a little spring cleaning. Hardly shooting your rifle or pistol can clog its chamber with dirt and dust, causing it to become unreliable to secondhand buyers. Like any other item you choose to pawn or sell, you can maximize its value by keeping it clean. Take a look at our essential gun-cleaning guide to increasing the value of your item. 

Step 1 - Wipe Off the Gun Frame

Before disassembling any parts, keep your gun’s user manual in handy—you never know what could go wrong. Then, begin by using a rag to remove loose dirt, dust, and gunk from the frame. Remove the barrel, making sure to wipe it down dry before applying a cleaning chemical. 

Step 2 - Break Down Gun Fouling with a Solvent

Now that your firearm is dry, use a commercial solvent or lubricant such as Ballistol or Hoppe’s to break down metal fouling residue or powder. Focus on the gun’s bore (the interior of its barrel) and actions (similar to its “guts”). 

The cleaning chemical should also reduce or break down the build-up of lead and copper. In most cases, a reliable solvent shouldn’t set you back more than a few dozen dollars. 

Step 3 - Use Q-tips to Reach Small, Tight Spaces

To sweep debris off rail tracks and other tight spots, use a Q-tip similar to the way you’d use a mini-broom. If your Q-tip blackens, replace it with another—you won’t want to go over the same spot twice with a dirty Q-tip. 

Step 4 - Create a Protective Coating with Oil

Regardless of how thoroughly you dry your firearm after cleaning, it’s always at risk of water vapor seeking in, depending on where you store it. To prevent rust from forming, apply a small amount of gun oil that you can purchase online or at a gun store. Avoid using too much oil, or slime will accumulate around the weapon. Clean off any excess liquid with a cotton bud or dry rag. 

Step 5 - Store Your Firearm Properly

How carefully you store your gun can make all the difference. If you’re cleaning it thoroughly but tossing it negligently wherever you see fit, it can gather dust quicker than you’d expect. Don’t leave a firearm on open counters—store them in a closed space such as a closet or overhead cupboard, away from pets and children.

Ensure that your weapon isn’t under any stress when you store it by keeping its magazine empty and slide pushed forward. Disengage all mechanisms to relieve springs of any pressure. 

Conclusion

When walking into a pawnshop, rest assured that your pawnbroker will first examine the condition of your firearm. If they spot something they don’t like, chances are you won’t be getting the buck for your bang. If you’re thinking of selling a piece, refrain from neglecting its inner mechanics. Erosion and friction are the main culprits of classic wear and tear.

At River City Pawn, we’ll purchase nearly anything—given that you sell it to us in excellent condition! Whether a gun, piece of jewelry or musical instrument, we’ll shell out the cash you deserve—just hand us over a clean one. Visit our pawnshop in Kentucky today!