Eternal Question — What is Best Rifle Cleaning Method

[K22]

The weather has been just plain awful here in eastern PA, high winds, rain, and cold (sounds like a rock group). Well today the sun came out and the wind was below gal force so I when to the rifle range. It never got above a blamey 43 degrees with 10 to 20 mph winds. Mirage was especially severe.

Nevertheless, I was shooting well off the cross sticks with my Rem Model 7 223 Rem with a 20" Douglas match barrel getting ready for some hogging when another guy showed up. After giving me strange looks watching me shoot off my cross sticks then peaking at my target, he asked THE QUESTION, presumably because he thought I knew what I was doing or at least the target conveyed that impression, "what the best method to clean a rifle."

I smiled and said, "The best method is the one you've tested and found that meets your performance requirements." Then I politely added, I didn't mean to be flippant but I really don't know, only what works for me.

 

[ebb]

Hopefully followed by, "This is what I do and it may work for you, change it as your experience grows, call me back and maybe your changes can help me also."

 

[NorCalMikie]

One thing to keep in mind. If you clean it TOO GOOD or TOO MUCH, you end up starting from scratch every time you go shooting.
Cleaning can be called/referred to as seasoning.
Let your rigs accuracy tell you when it (the barrel) needs cleaning. The rest, wipe it down with a good oil and be ready when the sun shines.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I like cleaning when the barrel still has some heat in it right there at the range. If this isn't possible, before leaving the range, I plug the barrel, shoot some foam Whipeout down it, and let it soak until I get where I am going and can finish the job. I like a clean barrel and use a Hawkeye now and then to make sure I am still getting it right. I always use the borescope with new barrels to be sure of what it takes to get them clean.

Regards
Rick

 

[coldboreshot]

1 question = 101 answers.

 

[K22]

Hopefully followed by, "This is what I do and it may work for you, change it as your experience grows, call me back and maybe your changes can help me also."

He didn't ask, and I didn't tell.

Besides, one visit to the net to check my "Jurassic age" process would nullify any value to him thus it be counterproductive.

 

[ebb]

Yea most youngins don't like my methods either.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Yep and when you start naming the top of the of the line cleaning products along their cost and the time you put into it, they start thinking you know that 3 piece aluminum clean rod and cleaning solvent I’ve been using does a good job lol.

 

[LVLAaron]

My way is the best way.

 

[wright brothers]

Why not invite him to
AS site?
Heck he's probably reading this lol.

 

[ebb]

^^^^^^To this site to learn how to clean a rifle? There are probably not 2 people here who doit the same way. The guy would go crazy listening to it all.

 

[60723]

I seldom clean mine the same way 2 times in a row. Depends on my mood, time restraints, or how poorly I shot that day! All seem to be about the same. Don’t scope every time. I like BoreTech Eliminator, KG12 and Iosso. ThorroClean works also.

 

[Barrelhorses]

You have to clean rifles??



Just kidding. My way is the best way.

 

[6.5 forever]

The best method is the next one I adopt.

 

[ELR LVR]

My way is the best way.

Acutally I was thinking the exact same thing
I'm glad we have an understanding

 

[BradY]

Do it the way the borescope tells you it’s clean. But remember inexperienced borescope users are a barrel manufacturers best friend in terms of sales

 

[NorCalMikie]

Only problem with using a bore scope? You're shooting bug holes and your bore scope tells you your barrel is junk??
Five shots going in the same hole and you've got a junk barrel??? And we talk about shooting being expensive??

 

[Forum Boss]

I use a system similar to R. Morehouse.

At the end of a match (or testing session), with the barrel still warm, I put through 3-4 soaking wet patches. Then, with an O-ring-equipped fitted rod guide I fill the bore with Wipe-Out foam. I then wait about 15 minutes then do another Wipe-Out foam application. I plug the muzzle and take the rifle home in an AirGlide case which has the muzzle lower than the chamber.

After a couple hours I patch out the barrel, which is normally VERY clean. Minimal additional brushing or patching is required.

Using this technique, my barrels require only 2-3 "fouling shots".

If I use a brush at home (after the foaming), I push it all the way out the muzzle then unscrew it. I do NOT draw a metal brush back over the crown in a reverse direction because that drives the brush bristle end points over the edge of the crown.