How to Clean a Lever-Action Gun
Lever-action weapons, otherwise known as "lever-guns," fall into the larger category of hunting rifles, and are cycled through their action by cocking a lever. Unlike bolt-action rifles, lever-action weapons typically feature a tube magazine, while some models hold a small box magazine to accommodate different types of ammunition. As with all firearms, maintenance is required to ensure optimal performance while shooting.
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Things You'll Need
- Gun cleaning solvent
- Cleaning rod and jag
- Cleaning patches
- Wire brush tip
- Gun oil
- Micro-fiber cloth
Instructions
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1
Unload the weapon completely. Cock the lever forward and visually inspect the chamber to ensure no live ammunition is present. If your lever-action rifle is equipped with a box magazine, remove it.
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2
Consult your owner's manual to disassemble the weapon lever and bolt. All lever-action rifles will have variations in disassembly procedures.
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3
Place a muzzle crown guard onto the barrel muzzle. Attach a cleaning patch to your jag and cleaning rod. Soak the patch with cleaning solvent. Push the rod through the muzzle guard; in and out of the barrel. Allow the solvent to soak for 10 minutes to help loosen any powder residue.
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4
Attach a wire brush -- corresponding to your rifle's caliber -- to the cleaning rod. Insert the rod into the muzzle and scrub in and out 10 to 15 times.
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5
Reattach the jag to the cleaning rod. Place another patch on the jag. Run the dry patch in and out of the barrel. Replace with a fresh patch. Repeat the process until the patch is no longer dirty upon exiting the barrel
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Apply gun oil to a new patch. Run the patch in and out of the barrel to coat the barrel thoroughly. This will help prevent rust and corrosion.
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Apply gun cleaning solvent to a nylon bristle brush. Scrub the bolt vigorously with the brush until all powder residue is removed.
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Apply gun oil to a micro-fiber cloth. Wipe down the receiver, lever, bolt and barrel with the cloth. Reassemble your weapon.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your weapon after every use to ensure that no corrosion or powder residue will accumulate.
Never attempt maintenance on a loaded firearm.
Never store your lever-action rifle when loaded or in an unsafe condition.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
