This is a subject that always causes some debate at the shop. Some customers clean their rifle after every outing, others have never cleaned theirs. We thought we would shed some light on the matter, and hopefully save a few rifles in the process!
General Care
We frequently see rifles that have had their usable life shortened dramatically by lack of care. These are things that all shooters should be doing each time they use their rifle.
- Remove your moderator after each outing, even if unfired. Leaving it on will lead to a damaged crown which is one of the most important parts of an accurate barrel. Once it has dried thoroughly, securely store moderator off the rifle. A small amount of grease on the muzzle thread should be used before screwing it back on.
-Get into the habit of wiping your gun down before putting it away to remove fingerprints, blood and debris. A lightly oiled cloth kept in a bag on top of your cabinet for this is good practice.
-You don’t want moisture in your cabinet so always dry your rifle thoroughly before putting away.
Cleaning your Rifle
A cleaning routine should certainly be carried out – the frequency depends on how much, and the conditions of where it's used. Rifle shooters should take pride in their equipment and take the time to keep it in the best condition.
That being said, improper cleaning can be as harmful as never cleaning. We would rather a rifle cleaned less often, but properly when done so, than one that is rushed and damaged in the process. You should always use the correct size cleaning equipment. The workshop almost exclusively uses Bore-tech fluids for all their rifle cleaning, and a mixture of Pro-shot and Bore Tech brushes, jags and patches.
A list of basic cleaning equipment that every shooter should have;
-Rod
-Bore Guide
-Jag
-Nylon Brush
-Bronze Brush
-Patches
-Chamber swab/mop
-Cleaning fluid
-Gun Oil
Andy, our Riflesmith has written a guide to show how a rifle should be cleaned. This is for a general clean that can be done at home.
Cleaning the barrel
-First things first, make sure rifle is safe. Remove the bolt. Put the rifle into a clamp, vice or trestle to hold it securely. Remove the thread protector, muzzle brake, moderator (not that it should be on!)
-Use a correctly sized bore guide to safe guard the rifling lead from damage from the jag or cleaning rod. A bore guide is significantly cheaper than a new barrel and these from The Shooting Shed are worth every penny.
-Use a jag and patch soaked with cleaner (Bore Tec Eliminator is our go-to) and swab slowly through from chamber to muzzle and remove the patch. Be careful of not allowing the cleaning rod to bend during the forward stroke and impact or rub on the inside of the barrel.
-Pull the rod back carefully so as not to damage the crown or the rifling.
-Repeat once or twice more.
-If fouling is heavy, leave the rifle to soak for 10-30 mins with the muzzle lower than the chamber. Pop a container underneath to catch any drips.
-Repeat swabbing out once more. Watch the signs of colour on the patch as it comes out as this signifies whether it is carbon or copper that is being removed.
-Swab with clean patch of Eliminator. View signs on the patch. Leave rifle to soak again if required and repeat above process
-Dry patch once or twice to remove the eliminator.
If fouling is very heavy use a nylon brush to add aeration to the cleaning process by pushing it through and back being careful of both lead and crown whilst locating it in the bore. We use a bronze brush as a last resort due to the risk of barrel damage from the rod more than the brush action.
If the rifle is to be shot within a short amount of time leave the bore as is. If it is to be stored push a lightly oiled patch through the bore. The oil must be removed before shooting. We tie a label to any guns with oil in as a reminder to the next user that is must be dry patched before shooting.
Rest of the rifle
-Clean the muzzle threads with carbon cleaner and a toothbrush. These Pro-shot nylon brushes are great
-Clean the muzzle and crown with a toothbrush and wire wool if needed - carefully!
-Clean the chamber either with a chamber brush or jag, and then patch it. Andy recommends this Pro-shot Action and Chamber kit
-Patch through bore to remove any residue left from chamber cleaning.
-Clean the locking lugs with either a tooth brush, gun brush or action cleaning mop.
-Clean the bolt race and top of magazine feed area with a brush and mops as needed.
-Clean the rear of the action and top of the trigger mechanism with a brush or swabs. If dust is present an airline/compressed air can be used to blow the dust out but not into the action.
-Clean the outside of the bolt with a cloth or brush. Brush out the bolt face recess and check that the extractor claw is free to move and in good condition. Brush out debris.
-Check the ejector plunger is free to move and in good condition. Clean as required.
-Lightly grease the rear face of the bolt locking lugs and the cocking ramp on the rear of the bolt.
-Replace the bolt into the rifle and check mechanism works and the safety catch works correctly.
-Clean the magazine - this may require stripping to remove built up fouling or it may just need a wipe and brush out.
-Check, clean and oil the sling swivels as required.
-Finally, check all screws on scope mounts and action for correct torque (not over tight though) and trigger for operation and magazine for secure fit and release.
Scope
-Clean the scope outside with very lightly oiled cloth.
-Clean the scope lenses with compressed air or a lens brush to remove large abrasive particles and lens cleaning patches to remove smears / grease etc. We use Zeiss Wipes on scopes and binoculars
-If lens covers are fitted check operation - if they are noisy to open and close we usually put a light amount of grease or Vaseline on the leading edge of the ‘o’ring or seal. This reduces the ‘pop’ sound in operation
-Periodically check screws are tight on the mounts and rails. Check zero if there is any movement.
Rifles are precision instruments and should be cared for properly to ensure safety and accuracy. They will periodically need a “deep clean” that involves taking the barreled action from the stock, disassembling the bolt and checking everything is working correctly and removing any built up debris that occurs when hunting. While some customers are skilled and competent enough to do this safely, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from a riflesmith first before attempting this. We offer strip clean and servicing at the shop for those who would rather leave it to the experts. We also are happy to demonstrate anything you are unsure about.
Remember, happy rifles are accurate rifles.
See our range of Bore Tech cleaners and Mops
See our range of Pro-Shot rods, brushes and jags
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