Tip 1: Safety First
Always clear the chamber and insure the gun is unloaded before starting, and even if disassembled, treat every firearm, at all times, as if it is loaded.

Tip 2: Stay Organized
Work in a well-lighted, ventilated area. Assemble all needed materials in advance, and eliminate any distractions. Use a gun cleaning pad which is lint-free and prevents spills from soaking through onto the table underneath, and can be washed to remove oil and solvent.

Tip 3: Look For Problems
Disassemble the firearm as much as possible, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. No not disassemble beyond what is recommended. As you prepare the firearm for cleaning inspect thoroughly for cracked parts, rust, signs of excessive wear or other problems. Contact a trained gunsmith for any necessary repairs.

Tip 4: Follow the Guide
Clean the firearm from the breach end whenever possible, which can prevent solvents, oil or debris from getting into the action. If it is necessary to clean from the muzzle, use a muzzle guide to keep the cleaning rod from rubbing on the crown.

Tip 5: Size Matters
Use the proper size rod, brush and patches. Use a one-piece coated or composite rod to avoid metal-to-metal contact with the rifling.

Tip 6: One-Way Only
Saturate a patch with solvent and pass it through the bore in one direction only. Pulling a dirty patch (or brush) back through the barrel can redeposit material or put debris into the action. Repeat with solvent on a patch, and then wait a couple of minutes to let the solvent soak. Push a brush through the barrel (in one direction only) 3-6 times. Follow with patches (or a Bore Snake) wet with solvent until they come out clean. Then use dry patches until all the solvent is removed from the barrel and the patches are completely clean.

Tip 7: Scrub A Dub
Use a small nylon brush soaked in solvent to thoroughly clean all accessible areas in the action, and wipe with a clean cloth to remove any remaining solvent. Be careful to keep solvent from seeping into enclosed areas of the action.

Tip 8: Lightly Lubricate
Use a clean patch with a small amount of oil on it to lightly coat the inside of the barrel, and then use a small amount of oil on a clean, lint-free cloth to lightly lubricate all moving parts and all surfaces that have been degreased by the solvent.

Tip 9: Together Again
As you reassemble the firearm, make sure you remove any fingerprints with an oiled cloth. Do not apply too much oil. While all metal surfaces need a coating of oil to prevent rust, too much oil will attract dust, lint and debris, and can drain into the action and gum up moving parts. Store the firearm muzzle-down, so excess oil will not drain into the action.

Tip 10: Look at What You’re Missing
If you haven’t checked the cleaning supply rack in a sporting goods store in a while, stop and take a look. There are many new products that make this chore faster and more efficient. Bore Snakes can replace patches, oil bottles with long, needle-like dispensers will put a scant drop just where it is needed, cleaning pads also protect the kitchen table, and rods that can’t damage your firearm are just a few recent improvements.

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