how to clean a gun

[tyler_s_78]

Yeah I'm a total noobie... I have a rifle that I've been out trying to learn the ropes. I've had good coahing and training from lots of good people on safety and basic marksmanship. But I have no idea if I'm cleaning my gun right. I bought a hoppes "starter kit" and pretty much take the gun apart after each trip and wipe hoppes oil on everything. Is that a good idea? Are there some places that you don't want oil to go?

My stock is black plastic, for what its worth, and everything else is stainless steel

Also I've run out of the "patches" that came in my kit and I've just been using toilet paper. It seems to be working and I always check the bore to make sure no peices of
paper have come off. Is that a good idea or should I stick with buying patches?

Any advice on gun care and cleaning would be appreciated, but I definitely need help on these specific questions

Thanks!

[plasticman]

Hey Tyler!

Im sure you will get a few different answers on this one. If you have a bolt action, take the bolt out and clean out the bore from the breech end not the muzzle. You can clean from the muzzle, but you may risk damaging the crown and all the gunk would go into the "action"

Run a soaked patch thru the bore, let it soak for a few minutes, some people let it sit over night. If its heavily fouled, then you might want to take a bristle brush and push that thru back and forth a few times. Then go ahead and send another soaked patch thru. After that, send a few dry patches thru until they come out clean. Your last patch, put some oil on it and send it thru to protect the barrel. Thats about it for the barrel.

Really no need to wipe oil all over the gun, especially if its stainless. If the gun was wet and you were out in the field with it, then I would say yes, wipe it down with a oily rag. Dont ever OVERDUE it, alittle goes a long way. You have to be extra careful if you have a wood stock because the oil will eventually be soaked into the wood and cause it to turn dark. Since you have a plastic stock then dont worry about it. Hoppes makes a rag that has some silcone protector on it, you can wipe the rifle down with that.

If toilet paper is all you have and it works, then go for it. But its better to buy the patches from any gun shop. There more durable then toilet paper

Anyway, good luck with it and have fun! Take care

[bripro]

Please tell us the make and model of the rifle as it may affect the answer to your inquiry

[Rydyth]

I've always cut up my old "not so white anymore" t-shirts into patches. That should do you just fine.

[internet troll]

Also check youtube. Tons of videos of people cleaning guns. Might even find a video of someone cleaning your particular gun.

[Grey Bearded One]

You're supposed to clean guns? I just throw them away when they get dirty and buy new ones.

[tonyfac]

You're supposed to clean guns? I just throw them away when they get dirty and buy new ones.

That's why on garbage night you have a bunch of guys hanging around your house.

[streaker69]

I found this instructional video for you, should get you started.

[Finster]

You're supposed to clean guns? I just throw them away when they get dirty and buy new ones.

I have an empty garbage can, you can toss them in there.

[indiandave]

I found this instructional video for you, should get you started.

Was there a gun in that video? I didn't notice.