How To Clean Your Hunting Rifle

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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

1 How To Clean A Hunting Rifle?
2 What Do You Need To Clean Your Rifle?
3 Safety Tips For Cleaning A Hunting Rifle
4 The Bottom Line

How To Clean A 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 in 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. 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.

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.

2. Don’t use solvents near open flames.

3. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

4. Only use cleaning tools and solvents produced to clean firearms.

5. Never leave a hunting rifle unattended while you are cleaning it.

6. Always keep your fingers away from the trigger while cleaning.

7. Never point the muzzle of a gun at anything you have no intention of shooting.

8. Always store cleaning supplies and solvents out of the reach of children.

9. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and lubricating the rifle.

How often should I clean my hunting rifle?

Always clean your hunting rifle every time you use it.

What supplies do I need to clean my hunting rifle?

You will need a cleaning rod, bore brush, solvent patches, gun lubricant, etc.

What happens if you don't clean your gun?

If you don’t clean your gun, the remnants of carbon and traces of lead and copper build-up can affect the precision and reliability of the hunting rifle.

Should you oil the inside of a gun barrel?

Yes, you should oil the inside of the gun barrel

How long can you go without cleaning a gun?

A rifle can go about 6 months without cleaning if you are not using it regularly. However, if you use it regularly, you should consider regular cleaning to maintain its accuracy and longevity. If moisture comes in contact with the rifle for any reason, you should clean it before it is stored.

What tool is used to clean the inside of a barrel?

A cleaning rod should be used to clean the inside of a barrel.

Does cleaning a rifle affect accuracy?

Cleaning of your rifle’s barrel, especially rifle bores, determines accuracy. There is nothing better to maintain the accuracy of the rifle than cleaning the bore.

What happens if you don't oil your gun?

If you don’t oil your hunting rifle and leave the solvent residue, there is a high possibility that parts of your hunting rifle will corrode. Once you notice corrosion, it may be too late to remedy the situation

The Bottom Line

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 the steps to clean a 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.