Did you know that a clean rifle can improve accuracy by as much as 30%? That’s a big deal whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or just want to take good care of your gear. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your rifle in top shape.
Why Should You Clean Your Rifle?
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When you fire your rifle, residue from the gunpowder and debris from the environment can build up inside the barrel and other parts. Over time, this gunk can affect how your rifle performs, making it less accurate and more prone to jamming and corrosion. Nobody wants that, especially when you're out in the field or at the range.
Even if you don’t shoot your rifle often, it still needs regular cleaning. Because moisture and dust can make their way into all the little nooks and crannies. Moisture can cause rust, and rust can make parts stick.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Cleaning rods
- Bore bronze brush
- Dry patches or cleaning patches
- Powder solvent (opt for an ammonia solvent. You can also go for copper solvents)
- Lubricant (like gun oil)
- Toothbrush, small brush, or gun scrubber
- Cleaning mat or old towel
- Soft cloths, paper towels, or rags
- Q-tips
- Gloves
How to Clean a Rifle
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1) This is the most important step. Always, always make sure your rifle is unloaded before you start cleaning it. Double-check the chamber and the magazine. Safety is always the top priority.
2) Depending on your rifle, you might need to disassemble it a bit to clean it properly. Most rifles will have a way to remove the bolt face and separate the barrel from the stock. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to do this—your rifle’s manual will have instructions, and there are plenty of online videos that can help too.
3) Now time to start the barrel cleaning process. Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod and dip it in the solvent. Then, gently push the coated cleaning rod through the barrel from the chamber end (not the muzzle crown). Pull it out the other side, then back through. Repeat this a few times to loosen up any copper fouling, powder fouling, and carbon residue.
4) Switch to a clean dry patch on the rod and push it through the barrel until it comes out clean. This might take a few passes.
5) Use your small brush (or an old toothbrush) to scrub the action and any other parts where grime builds up. Pay special attention to the bolt and chamber areas. A lot of dirt can collect in these small nooks. If there’s any stubborn residue, a bit of solvent on the brush should do the trick.
6) Once everything is clean, use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe down all the parts. This is important because any leftover solvent can attract dirt. Then, apply a light coat of gun oil or lubricant to all moving parts. Don't apply too much oil as it can attract more dirt.
7) Put your rifle back together, following the reverse order of the disassembly. Make sure everything fits snugly and securely. If you’re not sure, refer to your manual again.
8) Do a quick function check to make sure everything is working as it should. Dry fire the rifle a couple of times (again, make sure it’s unloaded!) to make sure the action is smooth and everything feels right.
How to Store Your Rifle to Keep it Clean
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Store your rifle in a cool, dry place because humidity is a rifle's worst enemy—it can cause rust to form on the metal parts over time. If you have a gun safe or cabinet, that’s ideal. If you don’t have a safe, consider using a silicone-treated gun sock, a padded case, or a locked cabinet. It’s also a good idea to store your rifle unloaded and to keep ammunition in a separate, secure location to avoid any accidents. Add a dehumidifier, desiccant packs, or silica packs inside the safe or storage area.
Summary
Cleaning and storing your rifle properly is essential to keeping it in great condition. By following this cleaning procedure—cleaning it regularly, using the right tools, and storing it safely—you’ll extend the life of your rifle.
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