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Are you a hunter who wants to ensure that your rifle is always in top condition? If so, then you need to know how to clean your hunting rifle properly. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to clean your rifle safely and effectively.
We’ll cover everything from how to remove the barrel to how to lubricate it properly. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need on how to clean your hunting rifle!
Table of Contents
How To Clean Your Hunting Rifle
1. User’s Manual
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and lubricating. It is always good to learn the procedure in the user’s manual and follow it. Additionally, only used products are recommended by the user manual for cleaning the rifle. This will ensure your gun is well-maintained and lasts for a long period of time.
2. Remove The Magazine
Remove the magazine and verify that the chamber is empty.
3. Disassemble The Gun
With the help of the user’s manual, disassemble the gun into its main parts. How to clean your hunting rifle starts with carefully reading and understanding the steps in the owner’s manual. Be careful as you remove the parts. Don’t exert much pressure if anything seems stuck. Instead, lubricate it and gently try to remove the parts.
4. Clean The Barrel
Use a cleaning rod and a solvent patch to clean the inside of the barrel. After the first or second round of cleaning, run a few dry patches to remove any residue. Clean inside the barrel with the patch a couple of times until it comes out white, with no green or blue stains. Be very gentle and apply little pressure. You don’t want to scratch the inside of the barrel.
5. Clean Bolt
Use a solvent to clean the bolt and the exposed chamber. If there is a residue that is still firmly in place, a soft brush can be used to break the residue loose.
6. Clean The Action, Trigger & Magazine Insert
Clean the action, trigger, and magazine insert with a solvent patch.
7. Gun Stock
Use a brush and a cleaner to clean the gun stock.
8. Lubricate Metal Components
Reassemble the gun and use an oil patch to lubricate the metal parts of the gun. This will help the metal parts move and work well in the process of firing as well as prevent corrosion. If you don’t lubricate and you notice corrosion, it will be too late to fix it.
What Do You Need To Clean Your Rifle
1. Cleaning rod
A cleaning rod is a firearm maintenance tool used to clean the bore of a rifle. It will not damage the bore thanks to its coated surface. Cleaning rods are made in different sizes for use on different barrel lengths, calibers, and gauges.
2. Bore brush
The bore brush is used to loosen powder residue.
3. Cleaning patches
You can find cleaning patches that are entirely cotton or made of blended materials.
4. Solvent
Cleaning solvents are used to remove residue. Be careful to not let any ammonia solvent dry out in the bore.
5. Lubricant
The gun oil is used to lubricate the metal parts of the hunting rifle. Always use the recommended lubricant from the owner’s manual.
6. Compressed Air
A can of compressed air can also be used to clean the gun of residue and loose debris.
7. Gun Vise
If you have a gun vise, it can be used to clamp the rifle in place freeing up both hands to clean your hunting rifle.
Safety Tips For Cleaning A Hunting Rifle
1. Always wear gloves to protect your hands from chemicals. This is very important to protect your hands but also protect the firearm.
2. Don’t use solvents near open flames. Some solvents are highly combustible and you need to keep away from flames.
3. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Working in a ventilated area will aerate the area and prevent you from inhaling anything that may cause an adverse reaction.
4. Only use cleaning tools and solvents produced to clean firearms. You may be tempted to use other cleaning tools you have that are not specified for the cleaning of your rifle. Don’t use them; only use those designed to clean firearms.
5. Never leave a hunting rifle unattended while you are cleaning it. For safety reasons, always have the firearm with you. Don’t leave it and g far off to get anything. Kids may easily come and be tempted to touch it or press something.
6. Always keep your fingers away from the trigger while cleaning. The trigger of a firearm sets other things into motion. When cleaning a firearm, always keep your finger away from the trigger.
7. Never point the muzzle of a gun at anything you have no intention of shooting. This is a safety rule that must always be adhered to. Never point the gun at anything that you are going to shoot. This can prevent many injuries.
8. Always store cleaning supplies and solvents out of the reach of children. Don’t leave cleaning supplies and solvents in an area where kids can get to them. Kids are very curious and may be tempted to reach for solvents and cleaning supplies.
9. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and lubricating the rifle. Even if you have a good idea of the steps to clean your rifle, always have the owner’s manual with you and follow the steps outlined in it.
The Bottom Line
How to clean your hunting rifle is not as difficult as it may seem. Cleaning your hunting rifle helps to keep it accurate, prevents rust and corrosion, and prolongs the life span of the rifle. Cleaning a hunting rifle is not a difficult process. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only the recommended products.
In this article, we discussed how to clean your hunting rifle as well as the safety steps to follow to prevent accidents. It is our hope that this article will give you the knowledge you need to clean your rifle and maintain it for a long period of time. If you use a scope on your hunting rifle, this article explains how to mount a scope on your rifle. You can also read the main steps to cleaning a shotgun.
