How to Clean a Marlin Rifle

A Marlin rifle with scope.

Marlin Firearms produce an array of popular lever action .44, .308 and .30-30 caliber hunting rifles. They are the iconic deer rifle. Robust and reliable, they need to be cleaned after use, and there's more to the procedure than the steps to clean a bolt action or break-open gun.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl Toothbrush Gun cleaning rod Flannel cloths Gun oil Gun cleaning solvent

Instructions

1. Double check to make sure that the gun is unloaded.

2. Pull the trigger to release the firing spring.

3. Find the hinge pin, which is where the lever enters the rifle's receiver. Retract the bolt by pulling the lever forward and down and then unscrew the hinge pin.

4. Remove the lever and put it in a bowl of solvent.

5. Pull out the bolt, which should now be visible and extending out of the receiver. Be careful that you do not lose the extractor while doing so. But both the bolt and extractor into the solvent bowl.

6. Take the cleaning rod, put a clean cloth dipped in solvent on the end and ramrod it down the barrel from the firing end several times. Repeat with a fresh cloth dipped in a little oil.

7. Remove the parts from the solvent and scrub them and the chamber with a fresh, clean toothbrush. Get all powder residue out and then dry the parts with a fresh cloth.

8. Take a new cloth, dip in a little gun oil, and apply to the bore and the bolt. Make sure the parts are properly lubricated.

9. Reassemble the rifle.

Resources

• Marlin Firearms