I think most people will agree with me that the absolute worst part of owning and using firearms is the cleaning part. That is the subject of Today’s Photo. Gun cleaning comes with gun ownership, there’s no other way.

People like to drive cars, not clean or maintain them. People like to shoot guns, not clean them. Correct?

From time to time I do get into a “cleaning mode”, and start cleaning as many firearms I can possibly cover in the spare time I’ve got.

Nowadays I’m in the comfort of my home, rarely outdoors unless the sun and temperature allow, when cleaning my firearms. I’ve got all the tools and chemicals around, and if I drop something on the floor it’s not lost forever.

When you’re in the military you don’t always have that luxury, as the German soldiers stationed in Norway display in these pictures.

The Heckler & Koch MG5 getting cleaned up in the field. What’s under the hood?

The polymer G36 from Heckler & Koch in pieces. German soldiers in Norway during an exercise.

Here’s a song to inspire and accompany you at your next gun cleaning.

Just make sure you follow the Gun Safety Rules:

The Four Rules

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Do not point the firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.
4. Be sure of your target (and what’s beyond it).