NRA Cleaning & Maintenance Flashcards

What is pitting on a firearm barrel and what causes it?

Answer: Corrosion damage caused by moisture and oxidation, creating small holes in the metal

Pitting is corrosion damage where oxidation eats into the metal surface, creating small holes that can degrade accuracy and are difficult or impossible to fully repair.

What lubricant is appropriate for a firearm's wooden stock hardware?

Answer: Linseed oil or stock finish appropriate to the wood type

Linseed oil or appropriate stock finishing oils condition and protect wooden stocks without the mineral oil components that can swell or discolor wood.

What is the danger of using steel cleaning rods in a rifle bore?

Answer: They can scratch the bore and crown, damaging rifling and accuracy

Steel rods are harder than the bore steel in most rifles and can scratch or damage the rifling and crown, harming accuracy; coated, aluminum, or carbon fiber rods are preferred.

What does inspecting a firearm's crown involve?

Answer: Examining the muzzle end of the barrel for damage, burrs, or uneven wear that could affect accuracy

The crown is the muzzle end of the barrel where the bullet exits; even minor damage to the crown can cause asymmetric gas release and degrade accuracy.

What is the purpose of using a snap cap during dry-fire practice and maintenance?

Answer: To protect the firing pin and chamber from the stress of dry-firing on an empty chamber

Snap caps absorb the impact of the firing pin in firearms where dry-firing on an empty chamber can damage the firing pin tip or breech face.

When should a gunsmith use a toothbrush-style cleaning brush during maintenance?

Answer: To scrub carbon and debris from action components, rails, and recesses

Small stiff-bristled brushes are ideal for scrubbing carbon fouling and debris from slide rails, trigger groups, and other small recesses in the action.