How best to clean threads inside an action when changing barrels

[Cassidy]

After removing my barrel (30BR bolt rifle) I need to clean anti-seize and grim off of the inside threads of the action (and the barrel threads). For the action threads, I try to use microfiber cloth or a dowel covered with microfiber cloth but this is awkward and doesn't reach/clean the threads farthest in the inside of the action. Any suggestions on an effective efficient way to get these threads clean before installing another barrel?

 

[rijndael]

Brake Cleaner and Tooth Brush.

 

[Edd]

Hot water, soap, and a brush. A good stiff toothbrush should work.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Use grease instead of antiseize. Easier to remove with brake cleaner.

 

[Thud]

Get some 12 gauge patches, some brake cleaner. Spray some brake cleaner on the patch. Stick patch on index finger make several turns around the threads and repeat till your satisfied it clean. It isn’t brain surgery.

 

[jelenko]

Do you need to clean the threads inside of the action when using a nutted barrel?

 

[243Lapua]

I use lubriplate engine assembly grease for my threads. And I use a microfiber cloth to clean my threads from the lubriplate. Not much grease is required. Antiseize is just to tacky.

 

[Thud]

Yes

 

[ELR LVR]

Brake Cleaner and Tooth Brush.

Yeah, some kind of solvent
Gasoline is a good solvent, Diesel is a good fuel.
I use Gas in a squirt bottle, after cleaning your threads, wipe down the action with some oil then wipe off the excess.

 

[JFrank]

Alcohol on a paper towel and Q tips works well.

 

[DaveTooley]

Brake Cleaner and Tooth Brush.

Add a patch on the tooth brush to get down in the threads. Not as big fan of anti seize as I used to be.

 

[JMayo]

I use my bore cleaner rodd & a pointy qtip. I don't really use any fluids if i did it would be lighter fluid or alcohol with action on the stock. Go in the direction of unscrew, bringing the gunk out.

If it's not in stock then gun scrubber spray from loading port out
I pay close attention to the seating areas. I want head space as close as possible to what it was.
(Same reamer, same gunsmith)

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I took off a 20 year old tikka barrel and swear it had thread locker on it. I saturated the whole action with whatever I had, kroil, ballistol, breakfree clp, cant remember. Hit the treads with a 1" copper fitting brush cuz it was so crusted on.

Last one was just grease. Just shop towels, q tips, and flooded the stripped action with kroil.

Blow all excess out with compressor.

If the action is going to sit before you install the barrel make sure you protect the threads and face of action from rust.