Best method for cleaning bolt lug recess area of action?

[BlueWater]

For properly cleaning the lug recess area of a bolt-action receiver, what do you use? (Tools, chemicals, method.) What works best, in your experience, for elimination of build-up, gummy residues, problems with crud impacting the bolt lugs/lock-up?

Got any specific ones you'd suggest avoiding like the plague?

This would be for the occasional rifle shooter who doesn't remove the barrel during the life of the gun (until having a gunsmith re-barrel it), so effective cleaning without fully stripping the gun is needed. Troublesome spot to get to, for keeping it clean.

There are a few tools on the market -- such as the ones from Sinclair Int'l, BoreTech, PMA Tool, Pro-Shot, and Dewey.

 

[SKWERLZ]

A shotgun plastic brush with the back bristles trimmed down and use it to swirl a few patches in there.

 

[Danny1788]

I use the Dewey lug cleaning tool with the rectangle cleaning blocks. Clean it out good with brake clean and wipe it off to remove the crap on the lug abutments.

 

[LVLAaron]

Some cheap tool like this:


Then get a package of q-tips - the kind with the hollow plastic center section, cut the cotton parts off the end, stick them on your pick, and you can clean your lugs easily. Works well for AR15's that are notoriously difficult to clean.

 

[jscore]

Some cheap tool like this:
View attachment 1327977

Then get a package of q-tips - the kind with the hollow plastic center section, cut the cotton parts off the end, stick them on your pick, and you can clean your lugs easily. Works well for AR15's that are notoriously difficult to clean.

And thats why I peruse this forum, lol. Genius

 

[newbieshooter]

I use one of these - attach to existing cleaning rod + oversized patch (like a 2 1/4" patch) + 91% ipa.

Action Wipers

Action Cleaning Tool Wipers from Bore Tech clean your bolt action rifle's locking lug recess & action. Shop now & save on action cleaning tool wipers!

www.boretech.com

 

[BlueWater]

Some cheap tool like this:
View attachment 1327977

Then get a package of q-tips - the kind with the hollow plastic center section, cut the cotton parts off the end, stick them on your pick, and you can clean your lugs easily. Works well for AR15's that are notoriously difficult to clean.

Ah. Plastic-tubed q-tips. (Local wally-mart has them.) Have been using a pick like the one above, but haven't yet tried the q-tip method.

 

[LVLAaron]

With the "pick" method - probably worth snipping off the pointy bit so it doesn't poke through the end of your q-tip.

 

[jimmymac]

This works pretty great and uses dental dams. A little brake cleaner and things clean up nicely.

 

[RedfootRanch]

This works pretty great and uses dental dams. A little brake cleaner and things clean up nicely.

Where do you purchase these "dental dams"?

 

[jimmymac]

They can be found online pretty easy. I used incorrect terminology. Shouldn't have called them a dam. They are cotton dental rolls like these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2246631414...J-W6tzLV0vq_W2W0QAIGZbKFlZ5AwuQ4aAvLdEALw_wcB


Sorry for the confusion. I'm old. My brain isn't as good as what it once was.

 

[jimmymac]

Same stuff your dentist uses to contain slobber.

 

[jobhopper66]

^^^Thanks jimmymac for the heads up on these dental dams. I recently ran out of the ones I got from Sinclair years ago.

 

[BlueWater]

They can be found online pretty easy. I used incorrect terminology. Shouldn't have called them a dam. They are cotton dental rolls like these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2246631414...J-W6tzLV0vq_W2W0QAIGZbKFlZ5AwuQ4aAvLdEALw_wcB


Sorry for the confusion. I'm old. My brain isn't as good as what it once was.

Pro-Shot makes one like that. Their #ACT/KT "Action/Chamber Cleaning Kit" and the #ACT/R refills.

Action/Chamber Cleaning Kit

Action Tool Refills

 

[tobnpr]

These are cheap (I use them for epoxy bedding)- safer than metal picks for areas you don't want to risk scratching the steel.

https://www.amazon.com/Tipton-549864-Cleaning-Picks/dp/B0048KGFHU/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3VM3M4JK6ZDBO&keywords=plastic%2Brifle%2Bbedding%2Bpicks&qid=1648325839&sprefix=plastic%2Brifle%2Bbedding%2Bpicks%2Caps%2C420&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

 

[BlueWater]

These are cheap (I use them for epoxy bedding)- safer than metal picks for areas you don't want to risk scratching the steel ...

I've got a couple sets of the Tipton composite/plastic picks. Definitely safer, when rooting around with the pick end.

 

[Fast14riot]

Just a little reminder for everyone, if you're buying stuff off Amazon, if you get to Amazon through the banner ad on this site, a portion of the proceeds goes back to the site. Good way to help keep things going!

 

[jepp2]

Then get a package of q-tips - the kind with the hollow plastic center section, cut the cotton parts off the end, stick them on your pick, and you can clean your lugs easily. Works well for AR15's that are notoriously difficult to clean.

I do a similar in using normal Q-tips and a set of hemostats. I cut the shaft of the Q-Tip to give me the length I need, and then clamp it in the hemostats at the angle I need to address the area needing cleaning.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Pma

 

[M21]

AR 15 CHAMBER BRUSHES