What's The Best Way To Clean A Barrel?

by
posted on May 9, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
diy2015_fs.jpg

Having been to a number of firearm manufacturing facilities in which barrels are made, I have had occasion to ask, "What's the best way to clean a barrel?' How frequently should a barrel be cleaned? And what kinds of rods, brushes, jags and patches work best? Answers from manufacturers, custom barrel makers and high-volume shooters were as different as the people who gave them. So, is there a right way or wrong way to clean a barrel? If the former, what are the specific techniques involved? What should you see inside a "good" barrel when using a bore scope? What are your experiences?

Latest

lever-action rifles
lever-action rifles

America’s Lever Revolution

America is known across the world as a nation of gun owners, but only one firearm action has the distinction of being uniquely American: the lever-action.

Power Package: The Springfield Armory Heatseeker Pistol

Springfield Armory is jumping into the bolt-action handgun market with its new-for-2026 Heatseeker pistol, which is based on the company's Model 2020 rifle action.

The Armed Citizen® July 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Weatherby Goes Black Powder: The Model 307 MZY

As Weatherby's first entry into the muzzleloading category, the Model 307 MZY promises to “deliver a new standard of accuracy, reliability, and consistency for black powder hunters.”

First Look: Federal’s X Henry 250th Collection

Federal has officially begun shipping its Federal X Henry Collector’s Edition ammunition, created in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms.

An Independence Day Celebration of the Armed Citizen

Independence Day is a celebration of armed defiance to tyranny—and of the citizen’s right to defend their lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.