since 1995
Safe Handling of firearms
Safety is paramount when handling firearms. Before beginning any cleaning procedure, keep your gun pointed in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger and ensure your rifle is unloaded. That includes making sure that the magazine is removed, and the chamber is empty. Then check again. Then at least one more time.
Don’t forget that the gun isn’t the only potential danger. Gun cleaning solvents and other cleaning chemicals can be quite harsh and potentially even carcinogenic, so be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.
A note about PRC ammunition
Precision Rifle Cartridges are exactly that- precise. And as with anything else high-performance, from cars to rifles, they require more specific care and operation.
PRC calibers can form a carbon ring in as little as 20 rounds, which can result in pressure signs showing on brass casings. Depending on the quality and type of powder used in the cartridge, this will also have the potential to cause faster fouling. The use of a quality carbon cleaner in addition to a copper solvent is highly recommended when removing this carbon ring. Standard cleaning procedures alone will likely not be enough to remove a carbon ring.
If you continue to fire your rifle after a carbon ring has formed, the carbon and copper will layer over each other, which will then require a very thorough cleaning beyond just a few patches.
Shooting suppressed causes carbon to build up even faster, which needs to be taken into consideration when following a cleaning regimen.
Ensure your chamber is both clean and dry once the cleaning process is complete, as any fluid in the chamber will also create over-pressure signs.
Now for cleaning…
Remove the bolt from the rifle, following the instructions included in your owners manual.
For routine cleaning, only break down the rifle to the extent that the manufacturer’s instructions describe. If your rifle is so dirty that you feel like it needs to be disassembled even more, take it to a gunsmith unless you know what you’re doing. You’ll start the disassembly process by carefully removing the bolt from the rifle. Typically, this involves pulling the bolt back, pressing the bolt stop or release, and lifting the bolt out of the receiver.
- Choose the right cleaning rod and brush
Select a cleaning rod appropriate for your rifle’s caliber and attach a bore brush designed for removing fouling. A nylon brush is gentle on your gun’s rifling and sufficient for mild fouling, but for more severe buildup, you’ll want to use a bronze bore brush. Ensure the rod and brush are long enough to clean the entire length of the barrel.
- Apply solvent and scrub the bore and chamber
Start the bore cleaning process by applying a suitable bore solvent to the brush or patch and run it back and forth through the barrel several times. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy fouling. Run the wet patch or brush through the entire length of the barrel, including the chamber and muzzle, five to ten times.
Avoid inserting cleaning rods and brushes from the muzzle end, as this can cause damage to the muzzle. Always insert brushes and rods starting at the chamber end of the barrel. If for some reason your rifle’s design prevents this, using a bore guide will help prevent damage. This precaution is crucial as brushes and rods have the potential to scratch the chamber, harm the throat, and result in accuracy problems. Plus, neglecting to use a bore guide can even cause spent cases to become lodged in the chamber. For carbon fouling, which can be especially stubborn, you may need a dedicated carbon cleaner to do the job. Be warned that carbon cleaners work by soaking the mess over several days, or at least overnight, so you’ll want to make sure that you’ve properly scheduled your shooting plans around cleaning.
- Dry the barrel
Using an absorbent brush or a fresh, dry patch, remove the solvent and the loosened fouling from the barrel. Repeat this step until the cleaning patches come out free of residue. Finally, dry the barrel with another cotton patch.
- Inspect the barrel for damage
After cleaning, carefully inspect the barrel for signs of corrosion, pitting, and other damage. If any issues are detected, consult a professional gunsmith for further assessment and potential repairs.
