Maintaining your Remington 700 rifle is crucial for its longevity, accuracy, and reliable performance. Regular cleaning isn't just about aesthetics; it's about preventing malfunctions and ensuring your firearm operates safely and effectively. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of properly cleaning your Remington 700, covering everything from necessary tools to preventative maintenance.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Remington 700
Before you begin, gather the following essential tools:
- Cleaning Rod: Choose a high-quality cleaning rod, preferably one made of a durable material like carbon fiber or coated steel. Avoid using a rod that's too thin, as it could bend or break inside the barrel.
- Bore Brushes: You'll need bore brushes in the correct caliber for your Remington 700. It's advisable to have both bronze and nylon brushes; bronze for aggressive cleaning and nylon for a gentler finish.
- Patches: Use patches designed for your caliber, ideally in a lint-free material like cotton or microfiber.
- Cleaning Solvent: Choose a high-quality gun cleaning solvent designed to dissolve fouling and residue. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Gun Oil: A good quality gun oil is crucial for lubrication and protection against corrosion.
- Cleaning Kit: Many comprehensive cleaning kits are available, providing most of these tools in one package.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Safety First: Before beginning, always ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Double-check!
1. Disassembly: Carefully disassemble your Remington 700. This typically involves removing the bolt, removing the magazine, and detaching the scope (if applicable). Consult your owner's manual for specific disassembly instructions for your model.
2. Barrel Cleaning:
- Initial Cleaning: Attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod. Apply a generous amount of cleaning solvent to the brush. Slowly and carefully run the brush through the barrel from the breech (the rear of the barrel) to the muzzle (the front of the barrel). Repeat this process several times.
- Patching: After brushing, attach a clean patch to the cleaning rod. Run this patch through the barrel to remove the loosened fouling and solvent. Continue patching until the patches come out clean.
- Final Patching (Optional): For a final clean, use a patch lightly lubricated with gun oil.
3. Action Cleaning:
- Remove Debris: Carefully remove any visible debris or residue from the action using a soft brush or cotton swabs.
- Lubrication: Apply a small amount of gun oil to the critical areas of the action, such as the bolt, locking lugs, and trigger mechanism. Avoid over-lubrication.
4. Bolt Cleaning:
- Disassemble (If Applicable): Some Remington 700 bolts can be partially disassembled for more thorough cleaning. Consult your owner's manual.
- Clean and Lubricate: Thoroughly clean the bolt and its components with a solvent and brush, then lubricate all moving parts.
5. Magazine Cleaning:
- Remove Residue: Clean the magazine using a solvent and a brush or cloth. Remove any built-up debris or powder residue.
6. Reassembly:
- Careful Reassembly: Carefully reassemble your Remington 700, ensuring all parts are properly aligned and seated. Refer to your owner's manual for assistance.
7. Final Inspection: Inspect the rifle to ensure all parts are clean and properly lubricated.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular cleaning is only part of proper firearm maintenance. Here are some additional tips for preventative maintenance:
- Storage: Store your Remington 700 in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Frequency: The frequency of cleaning depends on the amount of shooting. After a range session, cleaning is recommended. For infrequent shooting, a thorough cleaning every few months is sufficient.
Conclusion
Properly cleaning and maintaining your Remington 700 is essential for its safe and reliable operation. By following these steps and practicing preventative maintenance, you can ensure your rifle remains in optimal condition for years to come. Remember to always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your model of Remington 700. Safety should always be your top priority.
