How to clean a rifle.

Be sure the rifle is unloaded, and there is no live ammunition in proximity.
I have a very particular way of cleaning my rifle, which an old-school bench-rest shooter taught me. Some may think this is a bit overkill or outdated, but I can tell you it has worked well for me for decades.
All the tools you use need to be made of a material that is softer than the steel the barrel is made of, such as brass, aluminum, copper, or plastic. That way, if one of your tools inadvertently comes in contact with the rifle bore, there will be far less risk of scarring.
While I used a bolt action rifle for this article and video the techniques can be used to clean about any other rifle. When possible brush from chamber to muzzle, keeping any solvents from running back into the action or trigger group.

[@erikwolfarng]

I see so many videos of gun enthusiasts and GunTubers who conduct a "Reliability Test" by firing 1000 rounds through a gun without cleaning it. That's great and all... but what then? It's refreshing to see someone take the time to show some basic and effective techniques to perform proper maintenance and cleaning on a weapon that is clearly "Reliable". Nice job.

[@rangehot]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your kind words. I agree, while cleaning guns is not the most fun aspect of the sport it is one of the most important.

[@BarbaraElliot-g6h]

Good instructional video

[@hendu166]

Hi Hunter, I don't use solvent on the brush. I always thought that if it turns the copper green, that it would ruin the brush because of the copper in the bronze brush. I use the brush dry, then use a mop to apply solvent. Then a few dry patches and usually a patch with solvent, then more dry patches. And I use a patch for oil. I like that you recommended using a one piece rod, with all the cleaning kits being sold with 3 piece rods, I bet a lot of people think that's the way to go. Good video, I appreciate your time and efforts. Thanks

[@rangehot]

Thank you very much. David commented just about you talking about using plastic bristle brush with copper solvent. That sounds like a good idea but I really like your idea of using the mop with solvent.

[@davidnancarrow6158]

That's the same way I have cleaned my rifles for decades-no sense in changing what works effectively. I do try to get my brush in behind the extractor and scrub a bit, especially on Remington 700 actions. The only additional step I take is to put some synthetic grease on the back of the bolt lugs before I reinstall the bolt. I really like the Tipton ball bearing cleaning rods-I feel they are better than the old style. If I am using a copper solvent I normally switch to a plastic cleaning brush and use nickel plated jags to run the patches through. I found that brass brushes and jags give a false positive when running them through the bore, but I use bronze brushes with Hoppe's 9 as it does not eat the bristles so badly. Alcohol is great for cleaning the bronze brushes after use.

[@rangehot]

Some excellent tips. Thank you. I do my best to get the extractor clean. I really like your grease idea on the lugs. I will look for a nickle plated jag next time I am replacing my jag. I appreciate you taking the time to add your thoughts.

[@hoosiered471]

Hey Hunter!!!! Long time, no see! I really hate the KZbin algorithms. Semper Fi buddy!!!

[@rangehot]

I am glad you refound us. Semper Fi brother.

[@charlesmullins3238]

We’re too much alike brother..lol. Everything I use you have on the table and do it same damn way..

[@rangehot]

Great minds think alike my friend.

[@mikek8089]

So the wife wants to go to the range. She says....."let's take this, this, this, that, that, and that one." Funny thing is, when it's time to clean all of this, that, and the other thing, she's nowhere to be found!🙄😂 Kinda like Buster. Where is HE when the cleaning begins?? Otherwise, he's always there with his face in the camera!🤣

[@rangehot]

Ain't that the truth. I am in NC and it has been warm enough outside Buster lays under the fan with the AC on.

[@mikek8089]

@@rangehot, He's no dummy!😂