How to Clean a Rifle
Cleaning your rifle isn’t just about looks. It’s about function, safety, and performance. A dirty rifle leads to jams, poor accuracy, and long-term damage. This guide breaks it down into practical steps, using gear that works and advice that makes sense.
Whether it’s after a range day, a hunt, or just part of regular maintenance—this is how to clean a rifle properly.
Materials
You don’t need a workbench full of tools. Just the right basics.
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Cleaning rod or bore snake
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Bore brush
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Solvent
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Cleaning patches
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Nylon or brass brush
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Microfibre cloth or rags
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Gun oil or lubricant
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Cotton swabs or picks
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Optional: cleaning mat or tray
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5 Steps for Cleaning your Rifle
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Make sure the rifle is unloaded
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Remove the bolt
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Clean the bolt and action
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Scrub the barrel
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Lubricate and reassemble
Take your time. Don’t rush the process. A proper clean doesn’t take long—and skipping steps leads to bigger problems later.
Remove your Bolt
Start by checking that the rifle is completely unloaded. Then, depending on your model, remove the bolt by pulling it back and activating the release lever or switch.
Wipe it down and inspect it for carbon buildup, dirt, or wear. The bolt takes a lot of abuse—it’s worth cleaning properly.
Scrub the Bolt
Use a nylon or brass brush to scrub off carbon and fouling. Add solvent where needed, especially around the bolt face and lugs. A cotton swab helps with tight corners.
Wipe clean with a dry cloth. If it’s heavily fouled, repeat the process until it’s clear.
How to Clean the Action
Use a nylon brush or cotton swabs to clean the inside of the action. Focus on areas that collect powder residue and carbon, like the receiver and feed ramps.
Apply a bit of solvent if needed and scrub out the dirt. Don’t oversaturate—use what you need, then dry it all off.
Tip: A clean action keeps your rifle cycling smoothly. It’s worth doing right.
Cleaning a Rifle Barrel
Attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod and run it through the barrel from breech to muzzle. Add solvent and give it a few passes.
Follow with patches until they come out clean. Don’t reverse direction with the brush inside the bore—it damages the rifling.
If using a bore snake, apply solvent and pull it through a few times. Easy, fast, and effective.
Don’t Forget to Lubricate your Rifle!
Once everything’s clean and dry, apply a light coat of gun oil to the bolt and any moving metal parts. Don’t overdo it—too much oil attracts dust and fouling.
Run an oiled patch through the barrel, then a dry one to remove the excess. Wipe down the exterior to prevent rust and fingerprints.
Why Clean your Rifle?
A clean rifle is a reliable rifle. Powder fouling, carbon, moisture, and grit cause malfunctions and corrosion over time. Cleaning keeps your rifle accurate, functional, and ready to go.
Skipping it shortens the life of your rifle and increases the chance of failure when you need it most.
How Often Should you Clean a Rifle?
After every shooting session is ideal. Even a few rounds leave residue. If it’s in storage, clean it at least once a month to prevent rust.
If you’re hunting or training in wet or dusty environments, clean more often. Your rifle will thank you.
Conclusion
Cleaning your rifle doesn’t take long—but it makes a difference every time you pull the trigger. Do it right. Keep your gear working. And don’t leave it until it’s already causing problems.
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