Guns Need Cleaning At Season's End

LEWISTON - With the big game hunting season nearly finished for most Idaho rifle and muzzleloader hunters, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game encourages hunters to thoroughly clean their guns before putting them away for the season. "Rifles and muzzleloaders need a thorough cleaning now, said Kent Henderson, hunter education coordinator for IDFG based in Lewiston. "Don't put your guns up and forget them until next fall without cleaning them." According to Henderson, cleaning can be done quickly, and is also vital for continued top performance and value of any firearm. A cleaning kit also makes the perfect gift to gun owners. "Gun cleaning kits make great Christmas gifts, and are available at low cost at nearly all sporting goods stores," Henderson said. "The only item gun owners may need in addition to these kits is a clean, soft cloth rag like an old T-shirt." Gun cleaning kits typically include a sectional cleaning rod, slotted tip, soft wire brush, solvent, oil and cloth patches. One kit can service several different weapons, although gun owners may need additional patches and brushes to fit different caliber or bore guns. Other cleaning options include Boresnakes, which resemble a piece of rough rope that flosses the gun's bore. Boresnakes cost around $15 and can be washed and used repeatedly. IDFG encourages gun owners to store firearms in a safe place, preferably under lock and key. Ammunition should be stored separate from firearms and should also be locked up.