How to Clean a Rifle Barrel Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA

Published on March 20, 2009
Duration: 1:31

Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA, provides an expert guide on cleaning a rifle barrel, focusing on removing copper fouling to maintain accuracy. The instruction details the necessary tools, including specific solvents and cleaning aids like bore guides, and outlines a step-by-step process involving initial solvent application, aggressive brushing, targeted copper solvent use, and a final protective oiling. This method ensures optimal barrel condition for consistent shooting performance.

Quick Summary

Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA explains that copper fouling degrades rifle accuracy. He recommends using a bore guide to protect the barrel, followed by powder solvent and ten brush passes. For heavy fouling, an aggressive copper solvent is applied until patches are clean, finishing with dry and oiled patches for protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Barrel Cleaning
  2. 00:16Required Cleaning Supplies
  3. 00:31Using a Bore Guide
  4. 00:38Initial Fouling Removal
  5. 00:51Brushing the Bore
  6. 01:02Copper Solvent and Finishing Touches

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential tools for cleaning a rifle barrel?

You'll need a one-piece cleaning rod, a bore guide, cotton patches, a bronze brush, a jag, powder solvent, copper solvent, and gun oil. Using a vise like the Tipton Best Gun Vise can also be helpful for stability.

How do I remove copper fouling from my rifle barrel?

For copper fouling, use an aggressive copper solvent. Apply it to a patch, run it through the barrel, and repeat until patches come out clean. This is crucial for maintaining rifle accuracy.

Why is a bore guide important when cleaning a rifle?

A bore guide is essential because it aligns the cleaning rod with the barrel, preventing damage to the rifling and the muzzle crown. It also uses an O-ring to keep solvents out of the firearm's action.

What is the recommended brushing technique for cleaning a rifle barrel?

After an initial solvent pass, use a bronze brush and run it through the bore ten times – five passes forward and five passes backward. Follow this with more solvent patches to remove loosened fouling.

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