Assembling Your Cleaning Toolkit
Required Tools
A high-quality cleaning rod is a must-have. Select one that is specifically sized for your rifle’s caliber. A rod with a rotating handle will provide the smoothest operation as you move through the bore. Consider a rod with a protective coating to prevent scratching the bore.
Bore brushes are your next essential. Choose a brush made from the appropriate material for your caliber. Brass brushes are a common and effective choice. Ensure the brush is in good condition and free from damage before using it.
Patch holders or jags are used to hold the cleaning patches, which absorb the fouling. Select the size appropriate for your rifle’s bore. Jags are usually a tighter fit and can often provide a more aggressive clean.
Cleaning patches are crucial for removing residue and debris. Cotton patches of various sizes are ideal. Stock up on plenty; you’ll need them. A good rule of thumb is to buy more than you think you’ll need; you’ll be surprised how many you use.
Gun cleaning solvent or bore cleaner breaks down carbon, copper, and other fouling that accumulates in your barrel. There are many formulations available, so research the best one for your needs. Some are designed for copper, others for carbon, and some offer a more general-purpose cleaning.
Gun oil or a good lubricant will keep your rifle operating smoothly. These products protect metal parts from corrosion and reduce friction. Make sure you choose an oil designed for firearms.
You’ll need a cleaning mat or a suitable work surface to protect your rifle and provide a clean space to work.
Always have a rag or paper towels for wiping down parts and cleaning up spills.
Eye protection is non-negotiable. Safety glasses are a must-have.
While not strictly necessary, gloves can help keep your hands clean and protect them from solvents.
A small brush is useful for scrubbing the action, bolt, and other tight spaces. Old toothbrushes can be helpful.
Finally, consider using a bore guide. A bore guide helps center the cleaning rod and protect the chamber from damage.
Safety First
Safety always comes first. Ensure your firearm is completely unloaded before starting any cleaning procedure. Verify this by visually inspecting the chamber and magazine. Point the firearm in a safe direction at all times. Always handle your rifle as if it’s loaded.
Delving Into the Disassembly Process
Many lever action rifles do not require extensive disassembly for cleaning. However, the design varies between different manufacturers. Before you start, consult your rifle’s owner’s manual to determine the recommended disassembly steps. This will also let you know if there are any special tools needed.
In most cases, cleaning can be done from the muzzle end, but it is always best to confirm. Never assume anything when dealing with firearms. Safety first, then proceed.
General Steps for Disassembly (If Applicable)
(For rifles that do require some disassembly, here’s a general outline. Remember to always consult the manual for your specific model.)
First, remove the lever. Carefully lower the lever and detach it from the receiver.
Then, remove the bolt. Follow the specific instructions for your rifle’s bolt removal.
If necessary, remove the stock from the receiver. This involves removing any screws or other fasteners holding the stock in place.
Remember to maintain the firearm in a safe direction at all times. Keep the rifle’s muzzle pointed away from yourself and others. It is an important practice to develop.
Conquering the Bore: The Heart of Accuracy
The barrel, or bore, is the most critical component to clean for accuracy. Neglecting bore cleaning can lead to a significant decline in your rifle’s precision.
Inspecting the Bore
Start by inspecting the bore. Using a bore light can illuminate the bore, allowing you to look for fouling such as copper buildup, carbon deposits, rust, or pitting. These issues all affect accuracy.
Wet Patches
Next, saturate a cleaning patch with your chosen bore cleaner. Push the patch through the bore from the chamber end toward the muzzle, using your cleaning rod and appropriate jag or patch holder. Never reverse the patch mid-bore as this can push the fouling deeper into the rifling and potentially damage it.
Repeat this process with clean patches until the patches come out relatively clean. You are removing the initial layer of loose fouling.
Brushing the Bore
Attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod. Insert the brush from the chamber end and push it through to the muzzle end. Push it all the way through, then withdraw it completely. Repeat this action multiple times. Work patiently.
Removing Fouling
After brushing, run a series of solvent-soaked patches through the bore. This process will help break down the fouling. Continue until patches come out clean.
Use the appropriate solvent for the type of fouling you observed in your bore inspection. Copper solvents are designed to remove copper, a common by-product of shooting copper-jacketed bullets. Carbon solvents remove carbon buildup from propellant residue. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dwell time, or the amount of time the solvent remains in the bore. This is typically between five and fifteen minutes.
Patching the Bore Dry
Finally, run dry patches through the bore until they are clean. This will remove any remaining solvent or debris. The patches should come out completely clean.
Tackling the Action and Other Components
With the bore cleaned, turn your attention to the rifle’s action. This is where you’ll find the majority of moving parts.
Cleaning the Action
Use a solvent-soaked rag or patch to wipe down the receiver, bolt, and other exposed metal parts. Removing old grease and residue is essential.
Use a small brush to access hard-to-reach areas, such as the bolt face and areas around the extractor.
Pay close attention to areas where carbon can accumulate. Thorough cleaning of these sections ensures reliable operation and prevents malfunctions.
Cleaning the Lever
Focus on the lever. Clean the lever mechanism, as well as its contact points with the receiver and bolt. Remove any debris that might impede movement.
Cleaning the Magazine Tube
If your lever action rifle has a magazine tube, clean it out as well. This is important for consistent feeding of ammunition. Remove the magazine tube follower and clean the inside of the tube with a solvent-soaked patch or brush.
Lubrication: The Secret Ingredient for Smooth Operation
Once your rifle is thoroughly cleaned, the next step is lubrication. Proper lubrication is essential for smooth operation, corrosion protection, and overall longevity.
Applying Lubrication
Lightly lubricate the action with a quality gun oil. Apply a thin coat to the bolt rails, moving parts, and any other areas prone to friction.
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to external metal surfaces. This will help prevent rust and corrosion.
Avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt and grime. A little oil goes a long way.
Types of Lubricants
There are many types of gun lubricants available, each with its own benefits. Choose one specifically designed for firearms and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Reassembly: Putting it All Back Together
After cleaning and lubricating the components, it’s time to reassemble your lever action rifle.
Reassembly Steps
Carefully follow the disassembly steps in reverse order, referencing your rifle’s owner’s manual.
Ensure the bolt is properly aligned with the lever. This is critical for the rifle’s proper function.
Final Checks
After reassembly, perform a final safety check. Visually inspect the bore and action for cleanliness and confirm that all parts are correctly reassembled.
Function test the rifle to confirm smooth operation. Cycle the action several times, and check for any jams or resistance.
Concluding Checks and Ongoing Maintenance
Complete the cleaning and reassembly process by conducting a final inspection. Ensure all parts are properly assembled and secure. Inspect the bore and action to confirm that they are clean.
After your cleaning session, store your rifle in a safe, dry location.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key. Determine how often you will clean your rifle based on how frequently you shoot it. Each time you shoot, some debris and carbon accumulate. After each shooting session, at a minimum, wipe down the bore and the action. More thorough cleaning can be performed every few shooting trips or as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Sometimes, you might encounter cleaning challenges. Don’t worry; these are easily solved.
Removing Stubborn Fouling
If you have difficulty removing fouling, try a stronger solvent. If you’re using a bore cleaner that is not doing the job, research and switch to a more effective formula. Allow the solvent to dwell longer.
Sticky Action
If the action feels sticky, make sure you haven’t over-lubricated. If the action still feels sticky, check for binding or burrs. Disassemble the action and clean it more thoroughly.
Rust Problems
If you find rust, address it immediately. Use a rust remover, and prevent future rust by proper cleaning, lubrication, and storage.
