Good gun care is essential

There is no definitive answer to how best to maintain your gun. At Handelshuset Aulum, however, we have a fairly clear view on how to achieve good gun care – and it is very much about cleaning. But let us start with a good rule of thumb that is easy to follow: the larger the calibre of your gun, the more cleaning it will usually need. Now you have one rule to go by. But we have plenty more good advice for you and your gun care.

It is all about maintenance

We often pride ourselves on having some of the best, most durable and most solid products on the market in our range. But we also know that the life of a gun depends on how well you maintain it. It is something that has to happen on an ongoing basis, and it is very much you who decides how long your firearm will last and stay functional.

If, for example, you have a hunting rifle that will stand unused for a long time outside the hunting season, you can make a big difference to it by not storing it in a gun slip. Leave it out, or at least don't wrap it in anything more than a gun cabinet. Your gun needs good air circulation. Also remember to store it as dry as possible, so it is not exposed to moisture and possible rust.

When your gun is going to stand unused for a longer period, it is of course also important that it is clean and preferably lightly oiled before you put it away.

Buy a gun cleaning kit and use it after shooting

There are many good gun cleaning kits on the market that you can use for your gun, and we certainly recommend that you do. In our view, your gun should be cleaned after use – every time. It may sound a little strict, but it is simply undeniable that your gun will last longer if you take the time to clean it when you get home after each shooting session.

The guns you find here on the site will last for many years, provided you do your part, which is maintaining the gun. In some places you can also hand your gun in to a dealer and have a member of staff clean it. We still think you should buy your own gun cleaning kit and do it yourself. First of all, it is cheaper. It also gives you a better understanding of – and perhaps even a closer connection to – your gun. Part of the shooting experience is taking the time to care for your gun and look after it. It makes the whole hunting experience more authentic.

Don't forget the stock

If you have a decorative wooden stock, you should pay close attention here too. Wood doesn't just give a good grip on your gun, it also gives it a touch of extra class. And you should look after it as well as you possibly can.

The most common treatment here is of course oil. Oil gives the stock a beautiful sheen, and it also keeps the wood from drying out. If the stock dries out, you unfortunately risk it starting to form small cracks, which can grow over time and eventually ruin the stock. It actually works the same way as a stone chip in your car's windscreen: it can develop into something really bad.

So oil can make a huge difference here. And it is not at all difficult to find a good oil and use it correctly. You simply apply a thin layer to the whole stock and rub it in well everywhere. Then leave the gun to stand for a few hours, and you will have made a huge difference to your stock.