Best way to clean LEVER action rfiles

[queen_stick]

I just inherited two...
One is a savage model 99 in .243 Win (sweet!)
The other is a Savage model 1899 in 38-55 (bad ass!)

Thought to myself, "I'll scrub the piss out of the barrels, and then do some load development for some minute-of-deer loads."

However, as I anxiously got all my cleaning stuff out, and put the first one in the vise, I realized I have never cleaned a lever action rifle, and have no idea how to approach it. (the only other lever I own is a 22lr, and it shoots great since new, so I haven't even thought about cleaning that guy yet).

So, what do you guys use as far as bore guides?
Do you actually come in from the muzzle, or pull the barrel and clean from the chamber end?
Anyone have any tips on action disassembly for either model (or both)?
If I pull the screws on the side, will springs come shooting out (and never be found again)?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

does it already shoot minute of deer? wipe the outside down and shoot it

 

[queen_stick]

only shot the 243 so far... it was not minute of deer.
I know the history of the rifle... the barrel needs scrubbed big time.

haven't shot the 38-55 yet. I'm hoping I can do what you've suggested...

 

[tazzman]

Do a search on 'savage model 99 disassembly' or 'savage model 99 cleaning' to get info on what to expect of your rifles.

Cheers,

Phil aka tazzman

 

[CPorter]

Hit it with "Wipe Out" from a spray can. Use the hose to blow from the breech. Then use a boresnake or the Otis cleaning system.

 

[Trapper243]

Just a thought, and I know it goes against "the do it yourself" attitude most of us have. But if it really needs to be totally taken down and gone through, you could always take them to a gunsmith.

 

[bheadboy]

i had a 300 sav md 99 for years, the way to get it clean is following

open lever,
ease a coated rod in from the muzzle, screw the brass brush on in the mag opening, muzzle down, use an I dropper or some similar tool to drop hoppies on the bursh then pull from the muzzle.

after two or three of these, to the same with a patch inserted in the mag opening the extract the patch being carefull on all extractions of the rod, do not bend, pull straight. I place thr rifle in a cradle level to extract.
repeat until the patches are clean.

works and bbl not harmed by front entry.

Bob

 

[Taildrag15X]

I've only had take down 1899's so it was easy.....bheadboy I think nailed it, plus they are not that hard to breakdown.

 

[CaptainMal]

Easy if a Marlin 336 as you can clean from the chamber. For 99's and 760's where it's a pain to remove the barrel, I take a 222/223 case and cut off the head. Slide that over a 22 cal cleaning rod and stick the neck of the case into the end of the barrel.

Now you can scrub with anything you want and not scrape the rod against the crown of the barrel.

 

[19zip]

If you want to understand your rifles design and function and how to clean and maintain it:

http://www.americangunsmith.com/app/products/view/71/Marlin-Lever-Action-Rifles---1894--336

$39.95

 

[queen_stick]

Thanks everyone!

got some good ideas here that I will definitely use.