How to Clean Rifles
The condition of a rifle and its continued safe use depend on regular cleaning. Even when storing rifles, yearly cleaning keeps the metal components free from rust. After each rifle use, clean the barrel and wipe down the metal on the outside and clean dirt and oil from the stock. The value of a rifle can consistently increase and the collectible value of a rifle is dependent on the condition, among other factors. Cleaning a rifle regularly provides the best way to maintain its condition.
Things You'll Need
- Bore rod
- Bore brush
- Gun-cleaning solvent
- Slotted cleaning end
- Cloth cleaning pads
- Gun lubricating oil
Instructions
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Find a bore rod, slotted cleaning end, and bore brush that fits inside the bore of the rifle. The rifle bore is located on the inside of the barrel. The bore rod and end attachments must all easily fit through the rifle bore. The bore brush attachment must fit snugly but be able to pass through the bore without too much effort. Determine the size of the rod and attachments needed based on the diameter of the rifle bore. Determine the bore diameter by the caliber of the rifle. For example, a .22 rifle has a bore diameter of .22 inches. Rifle cleaning supplies including the bore rod and attachments are available at any hunting and fishing retail store.
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Check to make sure the rifle is not loaded. Open the bolt or check the lever carriage. The bolt or lever is generally located on the right side of the rifle. Open the lever by grasping the lever tip and pulling it back. Open a bolt-action rifle by pushing up on the bolt knob and pull it back. Remove any ammo clips or shells from the rifle before proceeding.
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Remove the bolt by pressing in the trigger or bolt release while the bolt is extracted.
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Screw the bore brush on the end of the bore rod. Lightly coat the brush with gun-cleaning solvent. Place the bore brush into the rifle bore at the back of the bore opening near the butt of the stock. The rifle stock has several functions such as supporting the barrel and providing shoulder support when the rifle is fired. Gun stocks are typically made out of wood, although newer rifles have stocks made out of composites and metal. Push the brush through the barrel, rotating it slightly as it is pushed.
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Screw the slotted cleaning end onto the bore rod. Lightly coat a cloth cleaning pad with gun-cleaning solvent. Insert the cloth cleaning pad in the slotted cleaning end. Starting again at the back of the rifle, push the cleaning pad through the barrel using the bore rod.
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Inspect the cleaning pad. If the cleaning pad is soiled, repeat the previous step using a new cloth cleaning pad until the cleaning pad remains clean after traveling all the way through the barrel.
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Coat a new cloth cleaning pad with gun lubricating oil. Place the cleaning pad in the slotted cleaning end and push it through the barrel of the rifle. One pass through the bore will provide enough lubrication if the cleaning pad is properly coated with oil.
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Using a cloth cleaning pad, wipe gun lubricating oil on the action including the bolt mechanism of the rifle. The metal action mechanism of a rifle varies on different models. Bolt-action rifles vary from lever-action rifles. Open the bolt or lever and lubricate the interior metal components located where the ammunition is loaded. Wipe down the outside of the barrel with the lubricating oil. Be careful to not get any oil on a wooden gun stock.
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Tips & Warnings
Find a bore rod allowing free rotation. The rotation ability of the rod while it is pushed through the barrel allows the cleaning elements to follow any grooves or patterns in the barrel.
Always carefully inspect the rifle for ammunition in the chamber, reserve, or a clip before starting to clean the rifle.
Never point the rifle towards anyone while cleaning it, whether loaded or unloaded.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cleaning a rifle image by caraman from Fotolia.com
