Firearm prep basics

Here is a rundown on maintenance basics for rifles, rifle scopes and shotguns compiled from gunsmiths, other authorities and experience. Never forget the first rule of maintenance: Make sure the firearm is unloaded before doing anything. Rifles To clean the chamber, use solvent and patch or a brush designed for chambers. Clean bore from chamber to prevent rod from damaging the muzzle and affecting accuracy. Use a bore guide to prevent rod from gouging chamber or throat. Push patch with solvent through bore. Wait as per instructions. Scrub with brush on cleaning rod. Run fresh patches through bore until they come out clean. Lightly oil a final patch and run through bore. Clean bolt, firing pin and spring. Lubricate very lightly. Refer to instructions for disassembly if you don't know how. Use a cleaner that leaves no residue on trigger mechanisms. Do not get fluid on stock. Put a drop of oil at points of movement. Wipe off excess. Look down the barrel to ensure a cleaning patch was not left behind. Tighten screws holding the stock to the action. If equipped with a muzzle brake, make sure it is tight. Do not store guns in a gun case to prevent rust. Scopes Clean lenses if dirty or smudged. Lightly brush away loose dust with a soft brush designed for optics or a blower brush that photographers use. Use a lens cleaning solution and a soft cloth or tissues made for optics. Clean with a circular motion. Use a dry portion to remove streaks before the lens dries. Turn the power and other settings to ensure knobs are not stuck. Shotguns Follow the same guidelines as rifles. Wads can cause plastic fouling, so use a solvent that cleans plastic. For semi-automatics, clean gas ports in the barrel and the gas system. Do not oil the gas system. Apply an anti-seize compound to the threads on the choke tube to prevent it from getting stuck or rusted. Rusting threads can bulge and cause the barrel to rupture when fired. Check the choke tube's skirt to ensure it is not bent and causing an obstruction.