Cleaning a Rifle

If you own a rifle, then you need to know how to maintain it. Become familiar with all of the components of your rifle, and learn how to dismantle it and clean it. You can purchase a rifle-cleaning kit from your local sporting goods store, since it will have all of the equipment you need. Here is a list of some of the gear that you will need to clean your rifle:

• Bore solvent
• Gun oil
• Rifle-cleaning kit
• Bore snake
• Bore light
• Old rags
• Gun care spray.

Before you begin to clean your rifle, you must unload it and dismantle it. Follow the manufacturer's directions for safely completely those steps. The two primary parts of a rifle that need to be cleaned are the action and the barrel. The action of a rifle consists of the bolt, chamber, and trigger assembly. The barrel is extremely important since its condition predicts the accuracy of your shot. Become familiar with the components of your rifle, and then follow these steps to clean it:

1. Spray the cylinder chambers, action, and barrel with your gun care spray and allow the solvent to work for at least ten minutes, then totally wipe away with an old rag.
2. Use your bore snake to clean the barrel of your rifle by spraying the flossy end of it with solvent, and then guide it through the barrel and out of the muzzle. Repeat that process one more time, without adding more solvent.
3. Check the barrel with your bore light and inspect the condition of the barrel. If it is still covered in residue, use your bore snake and run it through again.
4. Lubricate your rifle with the gun oil, but always use the smallest amount possible since a buildup of oil can cause the action to gum and become sluggish. If you plan on storing your rifle for a long time, then you can lubricate it more to prevent rust.
5. Wipe down each component of your rifle, reassemble it, and then test for functionality.

Do not allow the gun oil to touch the wood stock of the rifle. Gun oil will render the wood soft, and then it is vulnerable to dents and scratches. If you do get gun oil on the wood part of the rifle, wipe it away immediately.

Don't forget to clean the lenses of your scope, if you've one attached. Simply wet a paper towel with a little warm water or Windex, and clean the glass.