How to Clean Lever Guns

Certified armorer, NRA Distinguished Police Expert, and veteran instructor for over 40 years, teaches the proper way to clean a handgun, without gimmicks, expensive cleaners and lubricants, or fads. Don't ruin your gun with oil!

[@edgood2708]

Thank you for a great video! You just reinforced what my dad taught me when I was 9 years old (70 years ago) about cleaning a gun. I've been doing it the same way ever since. I have several lever actions, some pumps, a few bolt actions and about 10 different types of handguns, most are older or about the same age as me and I have had several all my life and will pass them to kids and grandkids.🙂

[@RemoteViewr1]

My dad and his dad hated anything yo do with guns and hunting. Suoer smart guys, great family men, but . . . This is the surrogate figure, avuncular, friendly, well informed, thoroughly professional, a seasoned professional with great grasp of context. The counterpart of Paul Harrell. Best content on this media. Thanks for investing the time!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

My dad bought my brothers air rifles for Christmas but had a whinge when my brother later bought a. 22. I guess it wasn't Christmas. 😂

[@joshua43214]

Thank you sir. I inherited my fathers old model 94 and was going to pass it on to my son. I wanted a good video for him to watch about maintenance for it. I really appreciate your comments about oil in the action, and protecting the crown. So many shooters these days are just sheep that follow whatever craze is running the internet.

[@patmancrowley8509]

I am so glad that I am not the only one who believes in keeping the rod clean! Thanks and Peace be with you.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for sharing some great advice that I can apply to my Model 92 & 94 carbines. Glad you reinforced the concept of a dry action.

[@williambonney4699]

the reassuring certainty of your instructions left me with the confidence that the information presented was without flaw, also, kudos for the calm and colorful way of teaching, it kept my interest from start to finish, even though I've accumulated the same wisdom over the years. thank you for the lesson in how to teach. keep up the good work!

[@donschlonski2936]

Man, I just went out into my garage and used an air compressor and a tshirt to clean excess oil from my 94! I also cleaned the barrel for the first time the RIGHT way, thanks to you! I also put it away upside down for a while to hopefully pull any light oil away from the stock to where I can get at it in a few weeks or days. Very soon my 30-06 Herters bolt action will get a new set of eyes on it as well! THANK YOU for taking the time to share when clearly you already knew what to do. Stewardship is more than a word with you.

[@roundballrolls2762]

I have a few lever guns and love them all. A little too much it seems. Thank you for your willingness to impart your wisdom and knowledge which you have obviously collected over many years . Great channel. Thank you .

[@patmancrowley8509]

My oldest brother, who was an MP in the Army at the same time that you were, lives in the desert southwest. He keeps his actions dry because of all of the dust storms that roll through the area. Living here in the Midwest we have a lot of humidity so I do keep a light film on the inside of the barrel and across the action just to prevent the rust. I keep a large bag of dehumidifier clay in the vault and put it in the oven to dry it out once a year. So far so good (4 years). Peace be with you.

[@GunBlue490]

Patman Crowley Exactly. We New Englanders have the same humidity conditions. You might someday save some space and effort by installing a golden rod. Mine has been keeping my guns rust free since 1987, and on pennies a month.

[@moncorp1]

I could watch and listen to this guy all day.

[@YoungBuddhaBaby]

Same

[@RobertTheTexan2]

If I wanted to be driven crazy by a Boston accent, yes. But that rarely if ever happens.

[@ozjado]

Same even my wife is familiar with this voice lol

[@normnelson9583]

@@RobertTheTexan2 New Hampshire accent, not Boston - there's a difference.

[@nordicheat906]

I just bought the 99 savage. Sir you have my attention. This wood grain firearm addition is new to me. I also bought a Henry h001 .22 with a beautiful dark walnut finish I don’t want to ruin it thank you

[@bobkat1959]

Wow!! thank you so much for this video!! I never knew the action should be dry!! I have been over oiling my guns! This was a real eye opener! I love my model 94 and will be taking much better care of it from now on!!

[@davidzimmerman7711]

Hello! Just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy the style of your instructional videos. Reminds me of the some old timers I've known through out my life time of 60+ years. These men that I refer to were very knowledgeable about fire arms of all kinds. Thanks for what you are doing. Dave

[@emstatler93]

I'm performing maintenance on my grandfathers Savage 99 chambered in .308 now trying to restore it close to when he bought it new in the 1950s. Thank you so much for this video, it helped so much!

[@webchez69]

your knowledge and maturity are a pleasure to watch... Thank you for taking the time to do these videos so that other generations can learn from your years of experience...

[@738polarbear]

Real gentleman. Excelent tutorial .

[@Titan500J]

Ditto

[@rtanidean4931]

Wow. Now that’s incredible cleaning instructions. Well done indeed. Okay, so he bumped the stock on vice a little. Geez, give him a break. That shows guns aren’t so fragile to great extent. This man = A+

[@alejandroxzavier5154]

You prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my account password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@carloakley6100]

@Alejandro Xzavier instablaster =)

[@alejandroxzavier5154]

@Carl Oakley i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@alejandroxzavier5154]

@Carl Oakley it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@carloakley6100]

@Alejandro Xzavier happy to help xD

[@harveyshot939]

I acquired a Sears 'Ted Williams' Model 100 30-30 just recently. As you know, it was made for Sears by Winchester as a replica 94. After firing it (ow!) a few times I watched several Winchester 94 disassembly/reassembly videos I was able to take it apart and put it back together. Though all the inner workings are not exactly the same, they were close enough to where I could do it with a little intuitive thinking. It wasn't that hard for those that want to try. And yes, it did fire afterwards.:)

[@kd6pn]

You are a very knowledgeable person and I appreciate your videos. Using a dry toothbrush followed by compressed air to blow out the action has been a big help.

[@21whitman]

This video was an incredibly huge help for me. I was handed down a 54 300 savage that is in near mint condition and I was really getting confused as to how to properly clean it as everyone seems to have a different idea as to how to do it. I now know EXACTLY what to do. Thank you very much for this vid.

[@58efd]

I learned a lot, and all of it makes perfect sense. I oiled guns, but now, following your expertise, I have a much better understanding of what needs to be done. I also own Volquartsens, and they do not want oil in the actions, they make a point of "no oil". Their machining is extremely tight, so hence no oil. Thanks, good video!

[@tedclutter7326]

Thank you for your long experience, deep insights and great instructional delivery. As a beginner, I have learned much from your videos.

[@buckan8r999]

Thank you so much for this advice. Too much oil means added dust and grit. My father was a mechanical engineer for over 40 years dealing with machinery. He said by far, the reason for malfunction of machinery was dirt and grime. So keep the oil to a minimum.

[@JBBooks4440]

Great, no-nonsense video as usual! Keep them coming...

[@joedoakes8778]

Thank you for another excellent video. Your common sense regarding firearms is refreshing. Though I admit, in the past, to being an over-luber (mainly concerned with rust) I stored my guns barrel down so any runoff was a non issue.

[@brettb.7425]

Thank you for sharing your expertise and giving the advice you have.

[@ozjado]

This makes me want to go and clean my guns for no reason haha. Thank you

[@troybrowser4749]

I have watched this video at least 3 times and enjoy the info as much as the first time viewing. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. May God bless you.

[@banjowoodsman7675]

Thank you sir for taking the time to make a video sharing your expert gun knowledge. Many of us respect and enjoy what you are sharing with us. Many thanks!

[@stevebarnes262]

Thank you so much for sharing so much invaluable information. You have cleared up so much misinformation and made me much less apprehensive about tackling cleaning and working on my firearms.

[@jackleonard8660]

Drafted in 1966, was taught to use a shaving brush with a couple drops of gun oil to oil my guns. Still using that same brush after 54 years. Thanks, enjoyed your video. Like lever rifles, have a 99, 94, 336 c and a Sears & Roebuck ( 336 ) so naturally I'll read/watch any thing pertaining to them. Thanks again, enjoy all your videos.

[@colinwhite2401]

Thanks for passing on your knowledge much appreciated great grattitude!

[@tedclutter7326]

Be not afraid! Love this guy.

[@anthonylawlor9130]

Love them 94's.... I have old 94 classic carbine w/ Octagon barrel, excellent shooter, 30/30. Fantastic woods rifle.

[@Aikidobear129]

Wow it's almost like you made this video to cover everything I've always done wrong while cleaning- I excessively worry about damaging my rifles and if there's a hole or crevice I make it my mission to get oil into it. You sir just saved me some hard earned money- although you may have hurt the economy as I won't be purchasing oil in 45 gallon containers anymore. I really appreciate your videos- thanks for posting and sharing your knowledge.

[@GunBlue490]

LOL Thank you.

[@jamesdodson9417]

@@GunBlue490 if you don’t mind me asking what is the exact process you used to remove the oil from your savage? I was gifted one but in 243 and the wood is saturated it deserves some love. Thanks for your hard work and wisdom sir and God bless you and your family.

[@zombiewanderer]

Thank you for the videos sir, I love them, please make more. I've watched all of your videos and everything you say makes sense. I am one of the guys who has always been taught to oil the crap out of guns. And I've heard of people that run them dry but never was it explained in a way that made sense. Also, your how to shoot videos have helped me tremendously.

[@stevennewman4778]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Very helpful.

[@davidburroughs2244]

Thank you, I'm very pleased with your clear and common sense presentation.

[@b.santos8804]

That is one gorgeous Savage. Also, as one whose introduction to firearms was via military surplus rifles which were similarly laden with years of crud, I love hearing stories of fine firearms restored to prime condition with some elbow grease and TLC.

[@kencorsell8087]

I have enjoyed many of your videos and learned a lot of valuable information from each of them, watching you locking the barrel of your rifle in your bench vice gave me an idea you might like. Your wooden inserts are a great idea but as most machinists know the best way to hold round stock is a v block. By increasing their thickness to 3/4” plywood and cutting a horizontal v grove in each side at the height of the vice’s jaw, with a 1/8 pitch so liquid will roll out of the end you choose, will lock the barrel in place with a lot less force. You could even make a double grove for lever actions with a tubular magazine like a Winchester.

[@R0dan]

FANTASTIC information! Just got a lever action rifle...thank-you!

[@deniscleaver7544]

I love that Savage, one very beautiful rifle. Thank you for a very informative video. I learned quite a bunch of gun info. The pre '64 '94 Winchester is a prize as well. Cherish them both.

[@amaya1000rr]

I really enjoyed this video and look forward to viewing your other uploads. Thank you.

[@tomk1tl39]

Great tip on 'inverting' the long gun to clean the barrel so any excess oil will not accumulate in the base of the receiver !

[@stewknoles4790]

Thank you sooo much. I only have 1 lever gun and I have only taken it out 2 times. I was cleaning it wrong! Now I know to turn it upside down to keep the crap out of the action. And not worry about all of the excess oil. Great video and thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@anthonylawlor9130]

Old lever fanatic here....love your though technique training. Enjoying your channel big time!!! Happy shooting .... God Bless.

[@zeljkonovosel2220]

Hello Sir, I've been addicted to your videos as i saw them for the first time. THANKS A LOT for such a great teaching from your part. Greetengs from Spain

[@GunBlue490]

Zeljko Novosel Thank you for watching. Be sure to subscribe!

[@chapmaker46]

this guy is a wealth of knowledge..he makes great vids

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Very good presentation. The muzzle damage issue was explained well. This is mysterious to those who are trying understand the effect of crown irregularities within the barrel. Your explanation - that it is what happens *outside* the barrel in terms of aerodynamic pressure - clarifies this issue. Thank you.

[@Trumplican]

Ive watched this video like 5 times. I love the relentless mocking of over oiling! Love your videos GunBlue I've learned so much from them! I have long been a proponent of keeping firearms dry.

[@Xandrosi]

So much knowledge! Very informative.

[@jivadaya6439]

Wonderful video - I almost fell out of my chair @29:58 when you mentioned the lost art of "stewardship" - seems so many have forgotten this nowadays - Thanks for sharing!

[@wrw3344]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@danburke5714]

Great education! Confirms my knowledge of oils vs silicone products in guns.

[@davidhandyman7571]

I am just about to purchase my first lever gun and this is really great to see.

[@icfubar9150]

I clean my 99-300 right side up but pack the magazine well with terry towel to keep cleaning fluids and possibly lube from getting down in the works...especially with a brass mag spool. Nicely informative video...thanks.

[@hylineprime]

Nice vintage Redfield sight on that Savage 300 !

[@tedpfenninger4972]

Amen! Looks good on a lovely rifle.❤

[@teefrankenstein4340]

Thank you for this video! I am a little too liberal with oil, have been cutting way back and seeing better results.

[@ivalgaer]

This was fascinating. I wish you were my tutor. Very educational. Thank you.

[@Martinitram100]

Again, thank you...have learned much today.

[@tonycraig6984]

Thank you I have over oiled my 30-30 Model 94 for years. Thanks for the education!!!!

[@michaelthompson7570]

good video,,,but,,,,I still clean the chamber seperately. Had an extractor break one time and the chamber was so crudded up the poor extractor did not stand a chance,,and I will still apply a small amount of oil on bearing surfaces and gun grease where there is wear marks from metal to metal contact

[@franciskowalsky7574]

Just bought a 94 in S&W 32, says on barrel. Nice outside but very filthy inside of the action. Know I learned how to clean it. What a Great Video!! Thank You and God Bless!

[@jeffstreet7763]

Thank you sir! You are certainly a rare breed.

[@belleray2]

Very thorough . Thanks.

[@endutubecensorship]

My solution to over-oiling? Thin layers of high quality grease on strategic metal-on-metal areas. Grease stays where you put it, though light oil application is sometimes necessary.

[@buddyr9162]

Great video I learned a lot - I appreciate your info. thank you

[@ronking7249]

I just came into possession of my Grandfathers 1953 Savage Model 99. I have the original box of ammo Only four rounds were missing/fired. It has been a closet rifle for about maybe 25 years? I came across this cleaning video today. Thanks. I was not sure about cleaning the action. Now I do. Thanks. I have enjoyed your other videos for revolvers.

[@4x4Moses]

I always enjoy your videos. Good information and detailed information.

[@aklaunch]

Thank you for all of your videos.

[@HDSME]

did you know your the best gun guy on u tube!!! thank you TONY

[@gregwalker4236]

this is of great interest to me beyond the excellent instruction because i acquired a similar 99 about 25 years ago in 300 savage with a serial number indicating ww 2 vintage. it appeared to be in unblued steel and without a single bit of rust, possibly in stainless, but unlikely in our research. the iron sites were gone, and no stith mounts in the shop's gunsmith parts bin. we finally made a deal after a couple of weeks and deep in my safe it resides, unshot by me--not unusual in my last few years of collecting long ago now....

[@Strutingeagle]

Most excellente!! For those still wanting the large traces of copper out there is a fun way to remove it. After you get done shooting your hunting loads, fire off some reduced loads (1200 to 1400 fps) with copper bullets and it takes it right out. Good offhand shooting practice to boot. I have seen excessive copper come out when cleaning with a patch where it isn't just a smear over the low spots but small copper hair like strands that come loose( not the brush bristles or case shavings either). This gets it out. Trail boss powder is the hot ticket.

[@edadpops1709]

Beautiful gun

[@forty5acp629]

Great channel. I wish I would have found it sooner.

[@fugaziplacebo]

Great video, thanks for passing this stuff down - bout to start cleaning my marlin 336 .35 after seeing your video bud.

[@justhavingfun0736]

Thank you so much!! I always learn so much from you.

[@davidkilby1043]

Amazing video. Thanks for the great information. Semper Fi

[@Mar-qt2xx]

Fantastic videos sir!

[@brucedunn4010]

Gerat video! I have a 1948 Md 94 32 special that is brand like new, maybe a box of rounds through it, maybe. It was my Dad's and I just keep it in the safe.

[@ringdocus9366]

Excellent, thank you.

[@kenl2861]

Brilliant 😀. Absolutely awesome. Thank you

[@capt.martin5169]

Another great video, thanks!

[@Johnno1962]

So glad I watched this. I’ve purchased an old Miroku Ml22. I would’ve oiled in places not to. Thanks heaps. PS. Not much on the tube about these.

[@djason9982]

thanks for sharing knowledge sir

[@gordonbrown8450]

Mine of useful information. Thanks.

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Man, you made me laugh so much and I learned a lot! Thank you. Gotta love cowboy guns!

[@PilotMcbride]

G'day ol' mate, I enjoy your videos, always got great info. You said you've been shooting 55 years, I've been shooting for 50 years and from day one we were held responsible for the cleanliness of the rifles. I agree 100% on the no oil in the action. When I clean my rifles I use what we've termed for years as the "grey cloth". This is simply a cloth onto which graphic powder was lightly spread, rubbed in and shaken. A final rub over the moving parts just adds the smallest amount of dry lubricant to contacting surfaces, but not enough to cause a mess. Excess graphite will get messy so the amount dusted onto the cloth is minimal. I shoot black powder in my Sharps (45-120) exclusively, so after each session I totally strip, wash, scrub, clean, scrub and clean again to ensure every trace of residue is removed (I love my Sharps), it is still in virtually brand new condition, purchased back in the early '80s when Sharps Arms Inc reopened their factory. I was a little disappointed that you didn't strip the '94, even for a "have a look at this" session on it, but hey, ya can't have everything. Agreed, not necessary to totally strip and clean if using nitro powder. Down here in Oz we're not looked after like you guys over there and I'm still waiting for my Marlin CB (95) in 45-70 to turn up, been waitin' months and still got a months to wait. I'll be using BP for noise and effect with this baby mostly, but nitro for hunting so total strip down & clean will be of necessity to ensure it is kept in top condition. As you iterated, the 95 is a lot easier to strip than the 94. Again, thanks for the video, greatly appreciated and enjoyed. Cheers from downunder mate :)

[@GunBlue490]

+Pilot McBride As for stripping the 94, it's flawed in that respect. The lever link screw is heavily staked in place on both sides. While disassembly is certainly possible, as I've done on numbers of occasions for service, it's highly advised to leave it alone, as the screw can only be restaked once or twice before it will no longer have a good purchase. Once it begins loosening, the gun will become utterly worthless. The forestock and buttstock may be removed, but I don't encourage that, simply because again, this model tends to lose integrity once such parts are manipulated too often. One the other hand, this model came out with smokeless powder from its inception and doesn't require a full breakdown for washing. As long as it's not flooded with oil that can certainly make a mess, all will be fine for many years. Thank you for watching!

[@PilotMcbride]

GunBlue490 Ah, the penny drops, thank you for this explanation, greatly appreciated.

[@ironDsteele]

Very nice Savage 99. I have one similar in .358 win with a rotary magazine and round counter.

[@fredmillard5018]

Terrific video. Thank you

[@Hippo0529]

You are no liar sir, and I must give you high praise for that. Until viewing this video, and then re-watching it as I cleaned my own piece, i will be honest and say I somewhat doubted your technique. I can tell you that opinion has made an abrupt change! I used to clean guns exclusively with patches, I would use dozens back and forth, back and forth through the bore, until they came out spotless. Needless to say, this process took a very long time, and expended a lot of materials. Then, in my ignorance, i would oil the action of my model 70, every time! It was just what I was taught I guess. Their was even one time, I wiped the whole gun down with ballistol (the only time I made the mistake of using that awful smelling product) thinking I was doing it a favor, again wrong. I also, am now a supporter of not only cleaning in a vice, but upside down, which feels wrong, and right at the same time, as everyone else in fireams world would grimice if they saw a gun in a vice, but my how sturdy it is when set in with wooded calls the same as you have. In conclusion, after doing a heafty dose of shooting with my brand new 1873 lever action (which i did not bother “breaking in” by the way) i cleaned the gun with your exact method, and expelled only 7 patches and most likely 5 times less hoppe’s. At the conclusion of my cleaning, which took little time, i was left with a gun that was cleaner than I had ever gotten one before. Thank you sir for all that you share, you lessons have been an absolute gem for a young shooter like myself.

[@Jeffsanythingoutdoors]

I agree with your cleaning i always said to much oil collects dirt.. I use tetra gun grease.. With a qtip and then wipe it off only reason ive ever done that was to keep my winchester 94 from starting any rust.. Tetra has something good in it Becouse over the last 15 year's I've never had any rust form of course i always dry out good when i Get soaked .. About every other year it gets a good tear down cleaning .. Nice thing with the winchesters there easy to disassemble .. Great video i always liked watching your videos.. I use kroil oil at times to clean my bore you ever hear of it? Is great stuff ..

[@JohnChubbSr]

Informative, thanks!

[@buddylee6477]

i have yet to get a pine cone in any gun and im 65 live in montana been hunting since i was 9. ..lol. i like your humor. great video thank you SIR

[@tlloyd9325]

I got a 99 off an auction. It was a closet queen. It has some surface freckles but the bore is pristine. The well of the magazine was a mess inside. I need to do the wood because I just know it will be beautiful like yours. I took it all apart and gave it a thorough cleaning. On the 99’s, like you have shown, turn it upside down or you will wish you did!

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

All good points! Subscribed Sir!

[@tjmooremusic]

Gunblue490 again, thanks for an informative engaging lesson. oh and I could not help but notice the small colorful artwork behind you on the wall. :) Peace be with you Sir.

[@oldad6207]

The oil running back into the stock is the reason I've always stored my guns muzzle down in the gun cabinet.

[@djstl100]

My dad taught me well then ..hoppys no 9# for the barrel and a cleaning patch with 2-3 drops of oil. never putting the oil bottle to the gun..1960s-70s dad's, the greatest...

[@yvesf5355]

I just came upon your Video ,Glad I did ,love the way you explain the stuff you use ,my amazon cart if Full ,lol thank you great Video .