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

Building an AR-15 lower receiver
Building an AR-15 lower receiver

Review: Assembling an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a high-quality AR-15 starts with selecting appropriate components.

Suppressors Deregulated in South Dakota

In a move anticipating a further reduction of restrictions, South Dakota has removed the law requiring the Federal stamp.

The Pursuit Of Increased Muzzle Velocity Comes With A Price

The quest to make our firearms’ projectiles move downrange at ever higher velocities cuts across multiple shooting pursuits and predates anyone alive today.

Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol

Springfield Armory just released its popular Hellcat double-stack, striker-fired pistol in .380 ACP, and it might be an ideal option for armed citizens looking for a soft-shooting handgun for concealed carry.

New for 2026: Langdon Tactical Technology Beretta Cheetah Pistol

Beretta's .32 ACP Cheetah gets the Langdon Tactical upgrade package.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 16, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.