Rifle Cleaning Procedure & Products?

Hello,

I am due to clean my first custom rifle after its first time out for this year's hunting season.

What products are you all using to clean your rifles? What is your process/procedure for doing so?

Thank you!
Go to a browser and simply type in, "How to clean a rifle," into it and you will get any number of different methods and products to use. They all pretty much all work as advertised.
 
I once read that 90% of the problems that gunsmiths saw on firearms was caused by cleaning. Obviously, that infers 'improper cleaning'. I know how to do it right, I just opt to not do it, and certainly not after a range trip. I shoot every week, and multiple rifles on each trip....this just extends the amount of time needed to enjoy my hobby. Not for me unless/until absolutely necessary. Just sayin
 
If the groups start to open up or it's been wet from hunting, no reason to clean! Don't touch it. The gun will tell you when it's dirty and needs love. Too many over clean, this isn't F class benchrest barrels!
Skip the cleaning. I haven't pushed a patch threw a gun in ages. Only one rifle showed larger groups then it's normal, cleaned it and that was after 3000 rounds plus
 
Watch Eric Cortina's videos on cleaning, this is how I have cleaned my comp barrels forever, they are a consumable.I clean after a full weekend match, not after each round/match, there's really no time to do so.
I use a lot of JB Bore Paste, it's great stuff and mild on Stainless barrels, I do not use the red polishing paste, it is far coarser.

Cheers.
 
I would recommend at a minimum a bore guide. A bore scope is a nice to have and really can show you what needs cleaned, what's still there and what is or isn't working. I thought I got my barrels clean until I got a bore scope, then I spend a couple weeks cleaning all of my rifles. An alcohol flush at the end has made me certain that my bore isn't going to rust. I agree with checking into Erik Cortina'a videos. Also check out some of the Primal Rights stuff. Be careful if using an abrasive and know what you're doing before you do.
 
Please remember to foul your bore before hunting again as DTF370 advised. I use five rounds before any serious shooting after cleaning. Also, the advise the watch Eric Cortina's cleaning video is great advise.
Good luck and be well!
Which Eric video....the one where he says " USE CLR" or the one he released a short time later saying " NEVER USE CLR ON ANY BARREL"
 
Big support for anything Boretech. I have to ask what you're trying to clean? Is it just dirty from the field? Did it get wet? Are your groups opening up? If it's the barrel you're wanting to clean, there are a million differing opinions on technique and products, but if you're just trying to sprits it up a bit, a good wipe down with some mild rust preservative and a little tiny bit of grease on the lugs would be sufficient. If the barrel doesn't need a cleaning, you don't have to. I used to over clean all of my rifles, and now that I don't, they shoot better.
Yes, it's just an "end of season" clean if you will. It did get mildly wet from some snow/rain mix but not drenched.

Do you personally wait until accuracy starts to degrade before cleaning your barrel? Also what do you use for grease for bolt lugs?
 
If the groups start to open up or it's been wet from hunting, no reason to clean! Don't touch it. The gun will tell you when it's dirty and needs love. Too many over clean, this isn't F class benchrest barrels!
Skip the cleaning. I haven't pushed a patch threw a gun in ages. Only one rifle showed larger groups then it's normal, cleaned it and that was after 3000 rounds plus
Well, to each their own. Personally I clean, at least the bore after doing any shooting with the exception of just prior to hunting. Then I verify the sighting and grouping with the ammo I am going to be using then don't clean until after season is over and I'm going to put the rifle away for awhile. Another thing that I still do that will make some of you younger folk apoplectic is that I coat the interior of the rifle bore with oil when storing the rifle. Easy enough to send a patch or two to dry out the bore before sending a fouling shot downrange. By the way, two of my rifles are occasionally used in "F CLASS," but all are treated like F Class barrels. Barrels are not cheap, oil is. ;)
 
Cleaning your custom rifle after its first outing is essential to keep it in top shape! Here's a solid process you can follow, along with some recommended products:
Bore Cleaner: Hoppe's No. 9 or Break-Free CLP
Cleaning Rod and Patches
Brushes: Bronze or nylon
CLP or Gun Oil: Ballistol or Rem Oil

Process:
1. Ensure the rifle is unloaded.
2. Disassemble if possible.
3. Clean the bore with a brush and patches soaked in bore cleaner.
4. Clean the action with a brush and CLP.
5. Wipe down the exterior.
6. Lubricate moving parts.
7. Reassemble.
This will keep your rifle in great shape!

Happy cleaning!
 
This I knew would go all over with options. I think each shooting discipline has different requirements or they think they do . I am a benchrest shooter we clean hard every 15 to 30 rounds. I have barrels that are at 3000 rounds and I can still group shoot with them. Is all about the right tools , bore guide that fits perfectly is the first rule . From there I like my bore tech products and JB treatment about every 150 rounds . I m not going to tell everyone how to do what works for me ,all the people I compete with stroke both ways with a brass brush.In the end I use a couple soaked lock ease patches and then a couple to dry that up done . Onto the next session. Just my 2 cents
 

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