Cleaning Rifles

The procedure for cleaning a rifle is as follows:

1. Make certain the rifle is unloaded

2. After unloading the rifle, visually inspect the barrel's bore

3. Open the action to see areas fouled by powder or lead

4. In bolt-action rifles, remove the bolt

5. The bore can be inspected by holding the muzzle towards a light source and looking from chamber to muzzle; many semi-automatic and lever action rifles must be cleaned from the muzzle only

6. If there is evidence of lead deposits or rust, use a solvent-soaked brass brush or fine steel wool on the end of the cleaning rod, and swab out the bore

7. Run a dry patch through the bore

8. Continue the process until all signs of rust are missing from the follow-up patch

9. Once the surface of the bore is mirror clean, run a lightly oiled patch (greased patch if the firearm is to be stored) through it

10. Clean the inside of the receiver, including the face of the breechblock

11. Check your firearm's manual, and disassemble it to the degree recommended

12. Clean all parts thoroughly with patches and brushes

13. Apply a very light coat of protective oil as the last step

14. Reassemble the rifle and store it safely.

Source: agsfoundation.com