NRA NRA Cleaning & Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of using a bore guide when cleaning a bolt-action rifle?
- To center the cleaning rod and prevent solvent from entering the action and stock inlet (Correct answer)
- To measure bore diameter
- To hold the bore brush during storage
- To align the scope with the bore
Correct answer: To center the cleaning rod and prevent solvent from entering the action and stock inlet
A bore guide centers the cleaning rod in the bore and prevents solvent from dripping into the action or stock, protecting both the bore and internal components.
Question 2: What is the best way to remove lead fouling from a revolver bore?
- Use a copper brush with copper solvent
- Use a lead removal cloth or a Lewis Lead Remover (Correct answer)
- Use hot water and dish soap
- Use a brass brush aggressively without solvent
Correct answer: Use a lead removal cloth or a Lewis Lead Remover
A Lewis Lead Remover or lead-removing cloth uses a tight bronze or brass mesh to mechanically remove deposited lead from the bore without scratching the rifling.
Question 3: What is the function of CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant)?
- It is used only as a rust preventive coating
- It serves as a combined cleaner, lubricant, and corrosion protectant in one product (Correct answer)
- It removes copper fouling exclusively
- It is a solvent for plastic and polymer parts
Correct answer: It serves as a combined cleaner, lubricant, and corrosion protectant in one product
CLP is a multi-purpose product formulated to simultaneously clean fouling, lubricate moving parts, and protect metal surfaces from corrosion.
Question 4: How should a gunsmith properly store a cleaned firearm to prevent rust?
- Wrap tightly in plastic with no air exposure
- Apply a light coat of oil to metal surfaces and store in a low-humidity environment (Correct answer)
- Store in a sealed airtight case without oil
- Apply heavy grease to all exterior surfaces
Correct answer: Apply a light coat of oil to metal surfaces and store in a low-humidity environment
A light coat of oil on metal surfaces displaces moisture and prevents oxidation, and storing in a low-humidity environment further reduces corrosion risk.
Question 5: What causes copper fouling in a rifle bore and how is it treated?
- Unburned powder sticks to the bore; treated with carbon solvent
- Copper from bullet jackets deposits in the bore grooves; treated with an ammonia-based copper solvent (Correct answer)
- Water vapor condenses and oxidizes; treated with rust remover
- Lead from cast bullets plates the bore; treated with lead solvent
Correct answer: Copper from bullet jackets deposits in the bore grooves; treated with an ammonia-based copper solvent
Jacketed bullets leave copper deposits in the rifling grooves, which must be removed with ammonia-based solvents specifically designed to dissolve copper.
Question 6: What is the recommended way to clean a suppressor (if the design permits)?
- Soak in water for 24 hours
- Soak in an ultrasonic cleaner with appropriate solvent or wet tumble in appropriate media (Correct answer)
- Use a high-pressure air hose to blow out debris
- Clean with bore brushes through each baffle
Correct answer: Soak in an ultrasonic cleaner with appropriate solvent or wet tumble in appropriate media
Many suppressors can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner or wet tumbled in appropriate media to dissolve and remove carbon buildup from baffles without mechanical damage.
NRA NRA Cleaning & Maintenance 2
What is the purpose of using a bore guide when cleaning a bolt-action rifle?