Do you have a semi auto rifle and you want to clean it but don’t know how to do it impeccably? Then, for you here goes our complete guideline on how to clean a semi auto rifle.

How to Clean a Semi Auto Rifle
The guideline follows below is an overall experience of rifle cleaning of the pros. So, you must not dare to do anything in an exceptional way after your mind. Doing so, you may end up imperiling yourself or damaging the rifle.
Required tools
- A cleaning rod that must be sufficiently soft
- A jag to be an assistant to the cleaning patch
- Cleaning patches to be used as wiping tool
- A cleaning brush with soft bristles
- Quality lubricants and solvents
- Goggles and gloves as your own protective tools
Disassembling the rifle
- The first and foremost step is the disassembling of the rifle. Otherwise, anyone might be deadly injured.
- Remove the piston
- Remove bolt and action with the utmost care. This removal will enable you to separate the trigger assembly without much afflictions.
- Finally, here comes the chapter of spring. Be steady while removing the link of the spring. Use pliers for more secure removal.
If you are not an expert level user of a semi auto rifle then we strictly forbid you to disassemble the rifle by yourself. Even if you are an expert, maintain a time-frame for disassembling the gun. For example, you should disassemble it once or twice a year, not more than that.
Most importantly, don’t forget to take a complete note of the parts disassembled with proper sequence. This simple note will stand as a blessing for you while reassembling the rifle parts.
Applying solvent
As soon as the rifle is completely disassembled, the first thing that you are to perform is – applying solvent to the chamber, bolt and every of the points where fouling and gunk accumulate. Then, you must not forget to apply solvent to the patch. This application to the patch will allow the solvent to run through the bore section.
While doing the job, you must be highly steady and careful so that the application occurs evenly. Once the application is over, allow the parts to dry up naturally.
Additionally, be careful enough not to make the purchase of any harsh type of solvent. It’s better if the solvent comes in a spray bottle.
Cleaning the barrel
Remember that the barrel is the most sensitive part of your semi auto rifle. That’s to say while cleaning it, you must pay the maximum focus. Otherwise, you may end up causing damage to it.
First of all, take a piece of clean cloth patch. Pass the patch carefully down to the gun’s bore. Keep doing it until the barrel is cleaned meticulously. As soon as you are done with the cleaning, it’s time for cleaning the outer portion. Use quality lubricant for the cleaning.
Leave the barrel for some time to dry up naturally.
Cleaning the bore
The cleaning of the bore is a mammoth task and it requires the most tools together. Let’s cast a look upon the tools that you will be in need of for the cleaning:
- A solvent cloth patch to run down the bore to clean it by wiping.
- Another piece of clean cloth patch for running through the bore. This will absorb the inner solvents to make sure the dryness.
- A bore brush that is initially dipped in a solvent, which is used for cleaning metals.
Run the brush through the bore like three more times rotating it. When the bore is completely clean, detach the brush from the cleaning rod. Then, place a patch holder on the rod and run it through the barrel. When the barrel is totally clean, lubricate it well.
In the end, apply lubricant to the bore. Wipe off the excess solvent using a soft rag piece.
Cleaning bolt, cam and firing pin
First, have a clean rag piece and pour some solvent on it. Use it for cleaning bolt, cam and firing pin. What you need to do is – wipe the surfaces of the parts with the solvent applied rag. Continue the cleaning one by one. Whenever any of the parts is cleaned, keep it aside and focus on the other.
Use a patch for any of the parts, which is soaked in solvent for metal surfaces. Such a patch should be highly capable of removing body oil, fingerprints and residual of any kind from it.
Are you done? Then, end this step with the lubrication of the parts. Doing so will enable the parts to be highly compatible with other parts when assembled again.
Cleaning the magazine
Cleaning the magazine of a semi auto rifle isn’t that much exhausting. The first thing is – have a clean cloth piece or patch. Then, oil the cloth or patch very lightly. Start rubbing the oiled cloth all over the magazine. Keep rubbing until you feel like the magazine is glistening.
Cycling the actions
Cleaning a semi auto rifle is a matter of fortitude. You may not get all the parts super clean in the first round of cleaning. In such a case, you are to repeat the process from the beginning with the utmost care.
Reassembling the parts
When every part of the rifle is cleaned and lubricated properly, it’s time to jump to the reassembling part. Take that note out that you made while disassembling the parts. Understand the sequence well. Maintain a reverse sequence of the note for reassembling.
Final words
So, these were all from our part about how to clean a semi auto rifle. Throughout the cleaning process, you must not take off goggles and gloves. These two will maintain your safety from the chemicals of the rifle, which are detrimental to human health.
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