How To Clean Lever Action Rifle?

How to Clean a Lever Action Rifle

The lever action rifle is a classic American firearm that has been used for hunting, self-defense, and competition shooting for over a century. With its simple design and rugged construction, the lever action rifle is a reliable and dependable firearm that can be enjoyed by shooters of all skill levels.

However, like any firearm, a lever action rifle needs to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure its continued performance and safety. Cleaning a lever action rifle is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the firearm.

In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in cleaning a lever action rifle, including the tools and materials you will need, as well as the specific steps to follow. We will also provide some tips for keeping your lever action rifle in top condition.

So if you own a lever action rifle, or are thinking about getting one, read on for all the information you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your firearm.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Remove the lever action rifle from the stock.
2	Disassemble the rifle by removing the bolt and firing pin.
3	Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a clean cloth.
4	Dry fire the rifle to expel any remaining debris from the chamber.
5	Apply a small amount of gun oil to the moving parts of the rifle.
6	Reassemble the rifle and replace the bolt and firing pin.
7	Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a clean cloth.

How to Clean a Lever Action Rifle?

Lever action rifles are a popular choice for hunters and recreational shooters alike. They are reliable, accurate, and easy to use. However, like all firearms, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good working order.

This guide will walk you through the steps of cleaning a lever action rifle, from basic safety precautions to disassembly and cleaning. By following these steps, you can help keep your rifle in top condition and ensure that it will function reliably for years to come.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin cleaning your rifle, it is important to take some basic safety precautions. These precautions will help to protect you from injury and damage to your rifle.

• Wear eye protection and gloves. Eye protection is essential to protect your eyes from flying debris. Gloves will help to protect your hands from the solvents and cleaners you will be using.
• Unload the rifle and ensure that the action is open. This will prevent the rifle from firing accidentally while you are cleaning it.
• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Always point the muzzle of the rifle in a safe direction, even when it is unloaded. This will help to prevent accidents from happening.

Disassembly and Cleaning

The first step in cleaning a lever action rifle is to disassemble it. This will allow you to access all of the parts that need to be cleaned.

To disassemble a lever action rifle, follow these steps:

1. Remove the magazine from the rifle.
2. Open the action and lock the bolt to the rear.
3. Remove the lever from the rifle.
4. Remove the bolt from the rifle.
5. Remove the firing pin from the bolt.
6. Remove the extractor from the bolt.
7. Remove the ejector from the bolt.
8. Remove the barrel from the rifle.

Now that the rifle is disassembled, you can begin cleaning the individual parts.

Cleaning the Bolt

The bolt is one of the most important parts of a lever action rifle. It is responsible for firing the rifle and extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge. As such, it is important to keep the bolt clean and lubricated to ensure that it functions properly.

To clean the bolt, follow these steps:

1. Soak the bolt in a solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or Break-Free CLP.
2. Use a brush to scrub the bolt clean. Be sure to clean all of the nooks and crannies.
3. Rinse the bolt off with warm water.
4. Dry the bolt completely.
5. Apply a light coat of oil to the bolt.

Cleaning the Barrel

The barrel is another important part of a lever action rifle. It is responsible for sending the bullet down the barrel and out of the rifle. As such, it is important to keep the barrel clean to ensure that the bullet travels down the barrel smoothly and accurately.

To clean the barrel, follow these steps:

1. Insert a bore brush into the barrel.
2. Apply a solvent to the bore brush.
3. Pull the bore brush back and forth through the barrel several times.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until the bore brush comes out clean.
5. Rinse the barrel with warm water.
6. Dry the barrel completely.

Cleaning the Action

The action of a lever action rifle is the part of the rifle that holds the bolt and the trigger mechanism. It is important to keep the action clean to ensure that the rifle functions properly.

To clean the action, follow these steps:

1. Wipe down the action with a cloth.
2. Use a solvent to clean any dirt or debris that is stuck in the action.
3. Dry the action completely.

By following these steps, you can clean your lever action rifle and keep it in top condition. A clean rifle is a safe rifle, and a safe rifle is a fun rifle. So get out there and enjoy your lever action rifle!

Additional Tips

• For a more thorough cleaning, you can disassemble the rifle completely and clean each part individually.
• Be sure to use the correct solvents and cleaners for your rifle. Some solvents can damage the finish of the rifle.
• If you are not comfortable cleaning your rifle yourself, you can take it to a gunsmith for professional cleaning.

3. Lubrication

After cleaning the rifle, it is important to lubricate it to prevent rust and corrosion. Apply a light coat of oil to the moving parts of the rifle, such as the bolt, lever, and trigger. Do not over-lube the rifle, as this can attract dirt and dust.

4. Reassembly

Once the rifle is clean and lubricated, it can be reassembled. Follow the steps below to reassemble the rifle in the reverse order of disassembly:

1. Insert the bolt assembly into the receiver.
2. Secure the bolt assembly with the bolt handle.
3. Insert the magazine into the rifle.
4. Close the action of the rifle.

By following these steps, you can clean and maintain your lever action rifle properly. This will help to ensure that your rifle is in good working order and will last for many years to come.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning and maintaining your lever action rifle:

• Clean the rifle after each use, even if it was only used for a short period of time. This will help to prevent the buildup of dirt and dust.
• Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the rifle. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish of the rifle.
• Store the rifle in a dry, cool place. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
• If the rifle is not going to be used for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to apply a coat of oil to the metal surfaces. This will help to protect the rifle from the elements.

By following these tips, you can keep your lever action rifle in good working order for many years to come.

How often should I clean my lever action rifle?

A: It is important to clean your lever action rifle regularly to prevent rust and corrosion, and to ensure that it is functioning properly. A good rule of thumb is to clean your rifle after every 500 rounds fired. However, if you are shooting in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to clean it more often.

What do I need to clean my lever action rifle?

A: You will need the following items to clean your lever action rifle:

• A cleaning kit specifically designed for lever action rifles
• Gun oil
• A cleaning rod
• A bore brush
• A patch jag
• A solvent
• A rag

How do I clean the exterior of my lever action rifle?

A: To clean the exterior of your lever action rifle, follow these steps:

1. Remove the magazine and any cartridges from the rifle.
2. Disassemble the rifle as much as possible.
3. Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a rag dampened with solvent.
4. Use a brush to clean any dirt or debris from the nooks and crannies of the rifle.
5. Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a dry rag.

How do I clean the bore of my lever action rifle?

A: To clean the bore of your lever action rifle, follow these steps:

1. Attach a bore brush to the cleaning rod.
2. Dip the bore brush in solvent.
3. Insert the bore brush into the barrel and rotate it back and forth several times.
4. Remove the bore brush and wipe off any residue with a patch.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the bore is clean.

How do I lubricate my lever action rifle?

A: To lubricate your lever action rifle, follow these steps:

1. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the bolt, action, and other moving parts of the rifle.
2. Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.

What are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their lever action rifles?

A: Some common mistakes people make when cleaning their lever action rifles include:

• Using the wrong type of solvent or cleaning solution.
• Using too much solvent or cleaning solution.
• Not cleaning the rifle thoroughly enough.
• Not lubricating the rifle properly.

How can I prevent my lever action rifle from rusting?

A: To prevent your lever action rifle from rusting, follow these tips:

• Keep your rifle clean and lubricated.
• Store your rifle in a dry, cool place.
• Avoid exposing your rifle to moisture or salt.
• If your rifle does rust, you can remove the rust with a rust remover or by using a vinegar and baking soda solution.

  cleaning a lever action rifle is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your rifle is properly maintained and will continue to function smoothly for years to come.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Always use the correct cleaning solvent and lubricant for your rifle.
• Be sure to clean the barrel thoroughly, paying special attention to the crown.
• Dry the rifle completely before storing it.
• Repeat the cleaning process regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your lever action rifle in top condition for many years to come.