With the great power of a firearm comes the great responsibility to properly use and maintain it. Properly cleaning your semi auto rifle is an essential part of firearm maintenance and can help ensure your gun stays in top working condition.
That’s what we’re focusing on today. This guide will show you how to clean a semi-automatic rifle safely from start to finish so that it stays in excellent shape for years to come.
We’ll also discuss why you need to clean your semi-automatic rifles regularly. Let’s get started right away!
Semi-Auto Rifles: What’s So Special About Them
To understand how to clean a semi auto rifle, you’ll need to know that semi auto rifles differ from other guns.
Other firearms like automatic rifles, handguns, and machine guns will require different cleaning mechanisms.
A semi-automatic rifle operates by cycling a single cartridge through the chamber each time the trigger is pulled. This action also allows you to reload quickly and easily without having to eject and load a new round every time manually.
Also, cleaning a semi auto rifle doesn’t take as much time as it might take with other guns. If mastered, it can be cleaned adequately in minutes.
Considering that semi auto rifles differ in structure and function from other rifles, it becomes necessary that they are cleaned in a particular way.
At this point, it is essential to note that applying a cleaning procedure that doesn’t match your firearm type can be potentially dangerous. It’s important to go through your firearm’s safety instructions before you start the cleaning process.
How to Clean a Semi Auto Rifle: 8 Easy Steps
Now you know that a semi auto rifle differs from other rifles and should be cleaned differently, it’s time to head into the action.
You know the phrase, “Well preparation is half the battle won,” right? This is particularly true for semi auto rifles. However, most people tend to ignore this, resulting in various firearm issues down the line.
To avoid that, we’ll provide a thorough process showcasing what exactly you’ll need to do in our step-by-step tutorial.
With the right cleaning supplies and knowledge by your side, cleaning your semi auto rifle can be done quickly and easily.
Pay extra attention on the preparation stage and collect all the tools and information needed beforehand. This will not only make the cleaning process much easier, but it’ll also make sure that your semi-auto rifle provides the best performance for years to come.
Enough chit-chat. Let’s get down to business and explore the step-by-step process down below.
Step 1: Gather the Tools
Here are the tools you’ll need to clean your semi-auto rifle.
- A good cleaning rod is explicitly used for a semi auto rifle. Choosing a soft cleaning rod is vital to ensure you don’t end up damaging your rifle while you try to clean the chamber.
- A jag is an attachment to the cleaning rod and aids the cleaning patch in cleaning well. It’s a special type of adapter used to secure the patch to the cleaning rod.
- Cleaning patches are also needed to remove grime from the semi auto rifle. It is a good wiping tool both for the bore as well as other parts of the rifle as well. The combination of rod and patch is most commonly used to clean firearms.
- A cleaning brush. It should also be soft to prevent any damage to the semi-auto rifle you’re cleaning.
- Cleaning Solvents also aid the cleaning process and serve as the lubricant for the rifle, so when cleaning is done, the rifle can function effectively.
- Other materials include gloves and goggles. It’s a standard safety practice and keeps you safe from any harm while cleaning.
- Picks are small tools used to remove debris from small crevices and tight spaces.
- In some cases, buying a top-notch gun cleaning kit is better than getting every single item separately, especially when you consider the prices of the separate items going up a way higher than those combined in a kit.
A kit usually combines all the items you’ll need to clean your rifle effectively, including rods, dry patches, cleaning liquids, lubricants, jags, mops, brushes, and picks.
Step 2: Disassemble the Rifle Appropriately
Now that you have all the required tools, here’s how to disassemble a semi auto rifle.
Unload your gun. This is the most crucial step; if it is not done, someone could get terribly injured or even die. So always make sure your rifle is unloaded before you attempt to clean the chamber.
The next step you want to take is to remove the piston. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, as taking your rifle apart more than you should may end up hurting the performance.
Next, carefully remove the bolt and action, as this would enable you to detach the trigger assembly without stress.
Once that is complete, the final step is to remove the link of the spring. You can easily remove them by using pliers.
By opening up your semi auto rifle, you can access its nooks and crannies and take off any dirt and grime lurking in certain areas.
However, you don’t need to take your rifle apart completely every time you clean your rifle. If you maintain your rifle regularly, general cleaning will suffice. It’s good practice to completely take apart your rifle for cleaning once/twice a year.
If the taking apart/ assembling feels too complicated, you can always ask for professional help. A gunsmith can help you thoroughly assemble, disassemble, and clean your firearm.
When you do it yourself, make sure not to damage or lose any small, delicate parts, or you’ll have a much bigger issue and a dead semi-auto rifle on your hand!
Step 3: Apply the Solvent to the Chamber, Clean and Dry It
When your semi auto rifle has been correctly disassembled, it is ready for cleaning.
Applying solvent is the first and most crucial step in cleaning. This helps to dissolve funks and fouling, which often prove challenging to take away.
The solvent used in gun cleaning differs based on the type of gun to be cleaned.
You should avoid using harsh or unfavorable solvents for your semi-auto rifle.
Use the cleaning rod, patch holder, and cotton patches to soak the bore with the solvent.
Push the soaked patch through the bore until it comes out from the other end. Don’t pull it backward, as it can redeposit the gunks.
Try to clean your semi-auto rifle from the back of the bore. This will prevent the cleaning rod from hitting the muzzle, causing your rifle to malfunction. You can also use a muzzle guard.
Make sure to apply solvent to the chamber, bolt, and every other place where gunk and fouling are known to accumulate.
Clean all the disassembled parts carefully with the right fluids, and let them sit a while before assembling them again.
Step 4: Be Careful About the Barrel
Cleaning the barrel is one of the vital parts of cleaning the rifle. As a sensitive part of the rifle, cleaning the rifle barrel is quite different from cleaning other parts.
So, how do you clean a rifle barrel? Here’s how
In cleaning the rifle barrel, you’ll need to carefully and continuously pass clean clothes patches down the barrel’s bore to wipe it clean.
First, use a clean patch soaked in a cleaner to pass through the bore. Once the bore is well-lubricated, pass another clean, dry patch to absorb the solvents in it and ensure it is dry.
Use a bore brush to reach tight corners and loosen all the gunks that accumulate there. Once done, run a cleaning cloth/patch through the bore to catch and remove all the deposits.
Take your time to do this until the whole barrel is adequately cleaned. Rotate the bore brush and clean every part of it.
Once the bore is clean, apply lubricants like gun oil throughout the barrel and leave it for a while to dry off.
Make sure to clean the outside of the rifle barrel as well.
Step 5: Continue Your Actions on the Bolt, Cam, and Firing Pin
Cleaning the semi auto rifle is a complete process, and as such, no part should be left alone.
After cleaning the bore, you’ll also need to clean the bolt, Cam, and firing pin. To do this, get a rag soaked in solvent and use it to clean these parts.
All you need to do is carefully wipe the surfaces of these parts with the rag. As soon as you are done cleaning any of these parts, set it aside and go to the other.
This will help to quickly remove fingerprints, body oil, and residue of any kind from it, leaving them sparkling clean.
Upon completion, lubricate parts of the firearm to work well with other parts when assembled again.
Step 6: Work on the Magazine
Just like the bore, cam, firing pin, and other parts, you’ll need to have the magazine cleaned too.
To do this, you just have to get a cloth or patch and have it lightly oiled. Make sure the rag or patch is soft, then begin rubbing on the magazine.
Do this until all signs of wear are removed and the magazine looks clean, then keep it aside for drying.
Step 7: Repeat as Long as Necessary
While cleaning your semi auto rifle, there are certain steps you will have to repeat over and over again. Persistence and patience are essential if you want your semi-auto rifle to be squeaky clean.
However, it is important to cycle your actions over time with the same initial care as the first.
Cleaning your rifle is not something to be done every day; as such, it is wise to do it well when you do.
So, make sure you cycle your actions as long as necessary to ensure your semi-auto rifle is good as new.
Step 8: Reassemble the Parts
After completing the cleaning process, all that is left is to couple your rifle. Reassembling your auto rifle requires adequate attention to every part.
Make sure that the same care exercised in the disassembling process is also exercised when reassembling.
Taking down notes when disassembling will help you put your rifle back together.
Like disassembling the rifle, you can also refer to the owner’s manual when assembling it again.
In the manual, you’d find out laid down procedures as to how to easily couple back your rifle in no time.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, following these steps will ensure that your gun is well taken care of.
Here’s a video guide on the overall dismantling and cleaning process of a semi auto rifle.
How to Clean a Semi Auto Rifle: Precautions
Certain safety measures have been provided for you to take note of before, during, and after the cleaning process.
You can find these safety measures in the manual that comes with your auto rifle.
It is imperative that you adhere to these safety measures throughout the process. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles to avoid exposing yourself to the chemicals.
These chemicals produce dangerous fumes and can damage your body if it touches you. Also, we can’t stress this enough; please make sure your rifle is offloaded before you try to disassemble it.
Among many other reasons why a semi auto rifle is being properly cleaned is to ensure it functions properly and lasts longer.
Congratulations! Now you know how to clean a semi-auto rifle the proper way. Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential if you want to get the most out of your semi-auto rifle.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your semi auto rifle can be a tedious process, but it’s a necessary one. If done correctly, the cleaning process can ensure that your gun functions properly and with precision accuracy.
By taking the time to clean your rifle, you will save money in repairs and replacements down the line. It is also important to note that when cleaning your gun, you should always adhere to safety procedures.
Make sure your gun is unloaded before disassembling and also make sure to wear the appropriate safety gear at all times.
And with this, we’re at the end of our today’s discussion. This guide profided the best way to clean a semi-auto rifle at home. If you need professional support, don’t hesitate to contact a professional gunsmith as it’s imperative to maintain gun security.
I hope all the information in this guide will prove to be helpful. Thanks for reading this far. I wish you all a great weekend ahead and happy shooting to you!
FAQs
How Often Should You Deep Clean a Rifle?
For general maintenance purposes, it is best to deep clean your rifle at least every three months. If the rifle is used in extreme conditions, such as exposure to water, dirt, or mud, then it should be cleaned more often. The frequency of deep cleaning depends on how often you use the rifle, as well as its type and quality.
Does Cleaning a Rifle Barrel Affect Accuracy?
Yes. The bore, which is the interior part of the barrel needs to stay clean and clear in order for the weapon to fire accurately. When dirt and debris builds up inside the barrel, it can change its shape and diameter which will affect how accurate your shots are going to be.
What is the Most Important Part of a Gun to Clean?
The most important part to clean when maintaining a gun is the barrel, as this will ensure accuracy and help the gun to last longer. The barrel should be cleaned thoroughly after each use of the gun, using specialized cleaning tools and proper lubrication.
How Long Does It Take to Clean a Weapon?
Generally, it should take around 30 minutes to an hour to thoroughly clean a gun. The time largely depends on the type of firearm and its condition.
This includes: disassembling the weapon, cleaning the components with a degreaser or cleaning solvent, lubricating moving parts with oil, wiping down all surfaces, and reassembling the weapon. To ensure optimal performance, it is important to take your time and be thorough when cleaning a firearm.
Why is It Important to Clean Your Rifle?
A dirty rifle can experience malfunctions, jams and misfires due to dirt or debris in the firing mechanism, making it dangerous to use. Additionally, dirt and debris inside the barrel will affect its accuracy when shooting. It’s important to clean your rifle regularly to ensure that it functions correctly and safely.
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