Posted on March 23, 2023

A rifle is a precision instrument that requires regular maintenance to function properly and maintain accuracy. Cleaning a rifle is an essential part of rifle maintenance, and it is important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the rifle or affecting its accuracy. In this blog post, we will discuss the proper way to clean a rifle.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning your rifle, you should gather all the necessary supplies. This includes:

• Cleaning rod
• Cleaning patches
• Bore brush
• Solvent
• Gun oil

You may also need a nylon brush, a bore snake, and a cleaning mat, for the cleaning mat, I recommend this one: Real Avid Universal Smart Mat . Everything else can be found in a kit, I recommend this awesome one: Universal Gun Cleaning Kit as for the oil and cleaner, I recommend the following: Lucas Extreme Duty Kit, this oil kit by lucas has everything you need to clean and protect your firearms. Both of these are links you can click on to purchase and both these kits are Universal for all firearms. 

Step 2: Unload the Rifle

The first and most important step in cleaning a rifle is to ensure that it is unloaded. Make sure there are no rounds in the chamber or magazine and remove the bolt or slide to inspect the chamber and magazine well.

Step 3: Disassemble the Rifle

Disassemble your rifle to the extent recommended by the manufacturer. Most rifles can be broken down into their major components, such as the barrel, receiver, and bolt. This will allow you to access all the parts that need cleaning. Refer to your owners manual for disassembly, if you don't have one, most manufactures have a PDF version on there website.

Step 4: Clean the Barrel

The barrel is the most critical part of the rifle that needs to be cleaned properly. Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod, dip it into the solvent, and run it through the barrel several times. A bore snake helps with this process, here is a good one that offers different calibers: FUNANASUN 2-Pack Gun Bore Rope Next, attach a cleaning patch to the cleaning rod and run it through the barrel until it comes out clean. Finally, run a dry patch through the barrel to remove any excess solvent.

Step 5: Clean the Action

The action is the mechanism that houses the bolt or slide, and it also needs to be cleaned. Use a nylon brush or bore snake "see above for a link" to clean out any debris or residue in the action. Dip a cleaning patch in solvent and wipe down the action until it is clean. Make sure to avoid getting solvent on any wood or plastic parts.

Step 6: Apply Gun Oil

Once the rifle is clean and dry, apply gun oil to the moving parts of the action and the exterior of the barrel. This will protect the rifle from rust and keep it functioning smoothly.

Step 7: Reassemble the Rifle

Carefully reassemble the rifle according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that all parts are properly secured and that the rifle is functioning properly.

In conclusion, cleaning a rifle is an important part of rifle maintenance. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your rifle remains in top condition and performs accurately for years to come. Remember to always handle your rifle safely and seek professional help if you are unsure about any aspect of rifle maintenance or repair.