Option A — Modern Cartridge Rifle

Req 2ah — Clean a Rifle Properly

2ah.
Demonstrate how to clean a rifle properly and safely.

Cleaning a rifle preserves its accuracy, prevents corrosion, and ensures reliable function. For a .22 LR bolt-action used in Option A, cleaning after each range session (or at least every few sessions for rimfire) keeps it running well. Your counselor will watch you perform the full process.

Before You Begin

  1. Clear the rifle: Open the action, remove the bolt (if the design allows), and visually confirm the chamber is empty.
  2. Remove all ammunition from the cleaning area.
  3. Gather your materials: cleaning rod, bore brush, patches, patch holder, solvent, oil, and cleaning rag. Work on a clean, protected surface—a cleaning mat or folded towels protect the stock finish.

Cleaning the Bore

The bore is where residue accumulates most critically. Work from the breech (chamber end) toward the muzzle whenever possible to avoid pushing fouling into the chamber. If your rifle’s design requires cleaning from the muzzle, use a muzzle guide to protect the crown.

  1. Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod. Dip or spray the brush lightly with bore solvent.
  2. Pass the brush through the bore with smooth, full strokes—all the way through to the muzzle, then all the way back. Do this 10–15 times to loosen fouling.
  3. Remove the brush and attach the patch holder with a solvent-soaked patch. Pass it through the bore to pick up loosened fouling.
  4. Repeat with clean patches until patches come out nearly clean (they will rarely be perfectly white with a heavily shot .22).
  5. Inspect the bore with a bore light to check for remaining fouling, pitting, or obstruction.
  6. Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore to coat the metal and prevent rust. Do not over-oil—a thin coating is all that is needed.

Cleaning the Action

  1. Use a cleaning cloth or toothbrush-style brush to wipe carbon and debris from the bolt face, bolt body, and chamber area.
  2. Apply a small amount of oil to the bolt’s locking lugs and sliding surfaces.
  3. Avoid applying oil to the firing pin channel—oil there can slow or dampen the pin strike.

Cleaning the Exterior

  1. Wipe down all exposed metal surfaces (barrel, receiver) with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.
  2. Wipe the stock with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not apply gun oil directly to wood stocks (it can damage the finish) unless using a product designed for wood.

Reassembly and Final Check

Reassemble the rifle according to its design. After reassembly, function-check the safety and trigger with the rifle pointing in a safe direction and confirmed unloaded. Dry-fire (if appropriate for the action type) to confirm the firing pin functions.

Store the cleaned rifle unloaded in a locked case or safe with the action closed or open according to your storage method.