Cleaning Bolt Recesses

by
posted on August 26, 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. **
qanda2015_fs.jpg (1)

Q: Is there an easy way to clean the bolt recesses in a bolt-action receiver? I find that after just a couple of shooting sessions they get so full of junk that I have trouble closing the bolt.

A: Sinclair makes a recess cleaning tool that utilizes cotton swabs that resemble an oversized cigarette filter. Secure the swab to the tool, soak it with solvent and insert it through the rear of the receiver. Once the swabs reach the recesses they will spread. A few turns will remove the grime that accumulates in this hard-to-reach area. For really dirty recesses it may take several swabs. Be careful removing the tool, especially on receivers like the Winchester Model 70 that have blade-style ejectors. You will have to carefully push the ejector down to remove the tool.

undefined

Latest

Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol
Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol

Take a Safe Queen to the Range

With few exceptions, there’s no reason not to shoot your classic firearm periodically.

9 New 1911s & 2011s for 2026

There is a host of new 1911s and 2011s available to today's handgun enthusiasts, with each design bringing a unique feature set to the table.

Wyoming Breaks Ground on State Shooting Sports Complex

Wyoming state officials were on hand at the groundbreaking ceremony for the state's new shooting complex, which is expected to open in mid-2027.

Beretta Holding and Ruger Agree to Partnership

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. and Beretta Holding S.A. have announced that both companies are entering into a strategic cooperation agreement.

Return of the Encore: T/C Arms Brings Back Its Iconic Single-Shot

In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.

7 New ARs for 2026

While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.