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Post by ET on Jun 20, 2020 9:59:44 GMT -5
Of all the topics with SML there is one important topic in IMO that should be noted. That is preparing your SML for storage. When winter arrives, I really don’t do any shooting with my SML so I prepare it for storage before putting it away. The bore gets a good cleaning and even though it is a SS barrel the bore gets a light coating of oil. Then I address the cleaning of the BP and if necessary, replace the vent liner. The BP is reinstalled and the outside gets a light coating of oil. Then when it’s time to bring my SML out of hibernation I just swab the bore with solvent soaked patches to remove any oil residue. Finally, I fire a few primers and dry swab the bore. Now it’s ready for shooting.
As often seen other shooters have their own preferred method to perform certain tasks. Hopefully there are some shooters who will share their preferred method of storage preparation.
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Post by encore50a on Jun 20, 2020 15:28:20 GMT -5
I'll admit it, I'll raise my hand.
I'm a nut case about a clean rifle. NUTS I TELL YOU. Depending on how much I can SML shoot, if the rifle is to be put up for a couple weeks, it gets cleaned like it would be going into yearly storage.
Can't help it! It was driven into my head starting 65yrs ago by my dad (R.I.P.)
He always said cleaning a rifle/gun will never hurt it.
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Post by jims on Jun 20, 2020 17:32:12 GMT -5
I bought a wildcat 25-06 when I was 14 in 1962. Cleaned it after every shooting session even if I only shot 1 shot. In hindsight I may have put more wear on the crown than anything. In the last 5 years or so with my SMLs I clean after the season is over, nothing from resight in to the end of season. Then I do a thorough cleaning and put it away until next season preparation. Not saying that is the best or preferred way, just how I do it now. Years ago when older guys said they never cleaned their firearms I just cringed. Still not like that but less than in the past.
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Post by ET on Jun 21, 2020 11:17:51 GMT -5
I'll admit it, I'll raise my hand. I'm a nut case about a clean rifle. NUTS I TELL YOU. Depending on how much I can SML shoot, if the rifle is to be put up for a couple weeks, it gets cleaned like it would be going into yearly storage. Can't help it! It was driven into my head starting 65yrs ago by my dad (R.I.P.) He always said cleaning a rifle/gun will never hurt it. Well if you consider yourself nuts for keeping clean firearms then move over so I can join you in the looney bin. While cleaning my firearms I also do a basic inspection for any possible problem areas. Then when it's time to pull my firearm out of the cabinet for usage I don't expect any major problems to occur. So far this method has proven itself.
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Post by mrbuck on Jun 23, 2020 13:52:31 GMT -5
ET ... After removing oil , drying with a few patches , firing a few primers , and then a dry patch to the bore do you still have the first shot not in the final group ? Chris
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Post by ET on Jun 23, 2020 15:14:54 GMT -5
ET ... After removing oil , drying with a few patches , firing a few primers , and then a dry patch to the bore do you still have the first shot not in the final group ? Chris The first shot is usually slightly off from the main group 3/8 to 1/2" but indicates how group performance will go for point of aim. I dry swab after every shot to try and reproduce bore cleanliness. Then after say every 4-shots I run a wire brush through the bore to also avoid crude building in the grooves. I may seem a little picky about bore cleanliness while shooting but it pays off for performance for me.
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Post by mrbuck on Jun 23, 2020 15:57:36 GMT -5
Warren Page's classic , The Accurate Rifle , Chapter 19 is titled " Cleanliness Is Godliness " . Good advice then , good advice now . Chris
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