How to Brighten a Dark Rifle Bore
Firearms work best when they are clean and lubricated. A clean barrel bore contributes to a rifle's accuracy. A gun's bore gets dirty and dark after shooting for two reasons: carbon fouling and copper fouling. Carbon fouling is the soot that is left in the bore as a result of the burning propellant, also called powder. Copper fouling is caused by small traces of copper deposited in the bore by copper-jacketed bullets as they are fired down the barrel. Regular gun-cleaning solvent cleans carbon fouling, but a foaming bore cleaner also cleans copper fouling.
Things You'll Need
- Gunsmithing rest
- Foaming bore cleaner
- Drip pan
- Rifle cleaning rod
- Bore brush
- Bore patches
- Shop towel
- Gun oil
Instructions
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1
Unload the gun. Insure that the magazine is empty and that there are no live rounds in the chamber.
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2
Remove the bolt from the rifle. Most bolt-action rifles have a lever located at the rear of the receiver that must be pushed outward while retracting the bolt to remove the bolt. Some rifles have a spring-loaded detent located in the trigger guard that must be pushed up while retracting the bolt.
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3
Place the rifle in a gunsmithing rest. Insert a few patches just inside the barrel crown to plug the barrel. Place the drip pan under the rifle to catch drips.
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4
Shake the can of foaming bore cleaner and spray it into the bore from the action. Use short spray bursts. Spray until the barrel is full. Use the shop towel to wipe up drips and runs before they get on the stock.
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5
Wait approximately 20 minutes while the chemicals work in the bore. Some products require a longer wait time, so follow the manufacturer's directions.
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6
Insert the bore brush into the action and push it through the barrel. Be sure to push out the patches plugging the end of the barrel.
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7
Place a bore patch in the tip of the rifle cleaning rod and insert the rod through the action and push it through the barrel. Repeat this process with new patches until the patches come out clean and dry.
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8
Place a clean bore patch in the tip of the rifle cleaning rod and squeeze a few drops of gun oil onto the patch. Push the patch through the bore one last time to apply a thin coat of oil inside the barrel.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid getting solvents and cleaners on your rifle's stock. The chemicals can damage it.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
