Req 2ag — Cleaning Safety Rules and Materials
Cleaning a rifle is a separate activity from firing it, but the safety rules are just as strict. More accidents involving firearms happen during cleaning and maintenance than many shooters realize—usually because someone assumed the gun was unloaded.
Safety Rules for Cleaning
1. Verify the rifle is completely unloaded before beginning. Open the action, remove the magazine, visually inspect the chamber, and physically check with your finger if your line of sight into the chamber is limited. Do this every single time, even if you know you already unloaded it.
2. Point the muzzle in a safe direction throughout cleaning. Just as on the range, muzzle discipline applies at the cleaning bench. Point the muzzle toward a solid exterior wall or in a direction where an accidental discharge would not endanger anyone.
3. Keep all ammunition away from the cleaning area. Remove ammunition from the room or lock it in a separate container before cleaning begins. This eliminates the possibility of accidentally loading a round during cleaning.
4. Work in a ventilated area. Cleaning solvents contain chemicals that produce vapors. Open a window or work outdoors. Avoid open flames—some solvents are flammable.
5. Wash hands after cleaning. Cleaning solvents, lead residue, and lubricants should not be ingested. Wash thoroughly with soap and water when finished.
Materials Needed
A basic cleaning kit for a .22 LR rifle includes:
- Cleaning rod: A sectional or one-piece rod long enough to pass from breach to muzzle. Use a rod with a rotating (swivel) tip to match the spin of the rifling.
- Patches: Small fabric squares that fit through the bore on a patch holder or jag. Used to apply solvent and remove fouling.
- Bore brush: A bronze or nylon brush sized for .22 caliber. Scrubs fouling from the grooves of the rifling.
- Patch holder/jag: Attaches to the cleaning rod. Holds patches.
- Bore solvent: A chemical solvent that loosens carbon, copper, and lead fouling. Common brands include Hoppes No. 9.
- Lubricant/oil: A light gun oil applied to metal surfaces after cleaning to prevent rust and lubricate moving parts.
- Cleaning patches: A supply of clean patches.
- Cleaning cloth/rag: For wiping down exterior metal and wood or polymer.
Optional but useful: a bore snake (a pull-through alternative to a cleaning rod), a flashlight or bore light to inspect the bore, and a toothbrush-style brush for scrubbing the action.