Hunting rifles can be a lifetime investment - it is not uncommon to meet veteran hunters who have been using the same rifle for several decades - mind you, with the same optics, which are considered antiquated by modern standards. Nevertheless, impressive hunting success is still achieved. This is only possible if the weapons are always carefully maintained. To keep your rifle in top condition for several decades, you need the right care equipment:

Optics

It is best to protect the objective and the eyepiece glass from dust, even in the gun cabinet. For this purpose, telescopic covers are recommended, which can be opened with a single finger movement - in no time at all, even immediately before shooting. Otherwise, it is recommended to carefully clean the lenses with an eyeglass cleaning cloth.

Stock

Nowadays, in the manufacture of long guns, various precious woods are offered, which are not only visually impressive, but are also characterized by robustness and durability. In contrast, in the past, less emphasis was placed on special wood, but on impressive engravings, which, on the other hand, are now somewhat out of fashion. For the treatment of any woods are recommended above all oils, even the weapon oil suitable for steel parts can be applied sparingly with rags. Of course, it is also important to protect the weapon from moisture and to dry it again if it has been exposed to moisture in the hunting area.

Outer barrel and breech

The most important thing is to protect all metal parts from rust and erosion. Many parts, such as most barrels, are burnished, that is, covered with a black layer of rust that protects the parts from weathering. However, this layer can be worn away over time, causing the metal to shimmer silver through the black layer. At least in small places, it can be re-bronzed quite easily and without complications. A solution for quick burnishing is included in many gun care sets.

The bolt on bolt action rifles is not blued because the coating would be worn away by the friction created by the bolt action. With this part of the weapon, it is important that it runs smoothly and does not hook or jam when repeating. For this purpose, a light coat of gun oil should always be applied. It is also advisable to disassemble the bolt from time to time and remove any deposits inside. In the case of classic 98 series systems, this cleaning also ensures that the bolt can be unlocked silently with the rotary bolt safety. When disassembling the bolt, however, care should be taken not to bend the firing pin. If it is bent by only a fraction of a millimeter, it will not make the necessary impact on the primer and the cartridge will not ignite. This is an extremely painful experience if you have just fired at a buck - an experience that the author of this text had to make himself.

Flash rust can usually be wiped off with a rag. In harder cases, treatment with a brush helps. Afterwards, simply rub an oil-soaked rag over the formerly rusty area.

Inner barrel

The inner barrel of both shotguns and rifles should be pulled through with a boresnake or cleaning rod after each shot. In principle, it is advisable to apply a drop of gun oil to protect the inner barrel from rust - however, this protective layer must be completely removed before the next sharp shot to avoid a so-called oil shot. In the case of an oil shot, the oil film affects the behavior of the projectile in the barrel and thus the subsequent trajectory - the projectile flies somewhere, but not where it should. If oil is used, it is important to use it sparingly - and before the next shot, to clean it again with a dry cleaning utensil.

Marks and scratches

Certain traces are not absent from hunting weapons, after all, hunting is a craft in which it is sometimes rough - The weapons are manufactured with a view to loads and also designed to "something to be able to". Even with the most conscientious care, traces, scratches and quirks can not be avoided over time - but they are part of it and give the weapons a certain charm. After all, these are not decorative objects but working tools. In addition, one or the other scratch will certainly remind the experienced hunter of one or the other particularly exciting hunting experience.