If you own a rifle, you know why it is essential to clean and lubricate it. Residue remains in the barrel whenever you pull a trigger, which is why cleaning the rifle to enhance its functionality is important. Forming a thorough cleaning routine is a habit after each use that will help keep your rifle in top performance condition. Take time out of your regular schedule to clean the rifle and avoid dangerous malfunctions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a rifle.
Tools You Need to Clean Rifle
Before cleaning your rifle, it is important to gather various cleaning tools to make your cleaning time easier. Here are the essential tools you will need.
- Cleaning road
- A bore brush
- Firearm treatment
- Powder solvent
- Firearm solvent
- Lubricant or gun oil
- Cleaning wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Nylon cleaning brush
- Flashlight
There are different rifle-cleaning products out there. Choosing products that can help you achieve your rifle cleaning goals is important. Using suitable cleaning products and tools ensures your rifle will remain functioning efficiently.
How to Clean a Rifle Bore in 5 Steps
It is essential to clean the rifle in a ventilated area because the solvent fumes can make you sick. Here are steps to cleaning a rifle.
Step 1: Unload the Rifle
The first step is to disassemble your rifle. If the rifle is equipped with magazines and ammunition, it is important to remove them for safety. Ensure you do this while pointing the rifle in a safe direction where there is nobody. Once you finish disassembling the rifle, thoroughly check it to ensure it is well unloaded. Hold the rifle by the barrel and look and feel to ensure the rifle isn’t loaded. Never think that the rifle is unloaded unless you check through the barrel.
Step 2: Cleaning the Gun
Once you unload the rifle, depending on how dirty the barrel is, you first scour the barrel with a wire bristle brush tip and apply powder solvent on a cleaning cloth. Attach the cloth to the cleaning rod ends and jam it down, moving back towards the breech. Swipe it three to four times down the barrel before you recheck for contaminants. Once you remove much grime, apply the firearm solvent to a cleaning cloth and pass it through the barrel a few times. Clean it continually as you replace the wipes as needed until the cleaning cloth is clean.
Step 3: Lubricate it Where Necessary
Now is the time to apply lubricants on the moving parts of your rifle, which depends on the type of rifle you are cleaning. The manufacturer should recommend lubrication suitable for your rifle, as leaving it without lubrication is dangerous. Avoid applying oils in the barrel or chamber for long-term storage. Using it immediately can increase pressure when shooting, which may lead to misfires of squibs.
Step 4: Wipe All the Elements
Once your rifle is clean and lubricated, you should wipe it with a clean and dry cloth to remove residue, fingerprint moisture, and oils that you might have left unnoticed when cleaning and lubricating. It is also important to wipe and polish your rifle’s wooden surface.
Step 5: Reassemble Your Rifle
When done with everything, it is important to reassemble the rifle as you check for any irregularities. Put together each component as you carefully inspect and check if there is any damage, wear, movement or irregularities. This thorough inspection can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential risks in the long run. If you notice any damage or irregularities, consider taking it to a local firearm shop for proper inspection.
Expert Cleaning Tips from Switchview USA
Cleaning your rifle correctly with suitable cleaning supplies can restore the effective functioning of the firearm. Consider a scope throw lever if you need fluid transitions and faster target acquisition for easier magnification changes. Switchview USA has scope throw levers that enable you to adjust the magnification of your rifle quickly, giving you peace of mind during your shooting. Want to learn more about scope throw levers? Contact us today for help.
Image Credits: Jeffrey B. Banke / MaxShutter / FabrikaSimf / Shutterstock