How to Clean a Lever-Action Rifle: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick Tips

A lever-action rifle is a thing of beauty—smooth, reliable, and a tribute to a bygone era of American craftsmanship. But beauty fades. Powder residue builds up. Carbon fouling chokes the bore. Dirt grinds against the moving parts like sandpaper. Ignore it long enough, and that buttery lever action starts feeling like a rusted door hinge. Cleaning your rifle isn’t just a chore; it’s the ritual that keeps it running smoothly, shot after shot.

This guide takes you through every necessary step to clean, protect, and preserve your lever-action rifle. Whether you’re maintaining a Marlin Model 336 or a Winchester 1894, these methods will keep your firearm in peak condition for decades to come.

Why Regular Cleaning is Essential

Firing your rifle leaves behind a mess of burnt powder, lead, and copper. This debris settles inside the bore and action, leading to reduced accuracy, gritty lever operation, increased wear and tear, and eventually, corrosion. How often should you clean your rifle? If you’re hunting in dusty or humid conditions, clean after every outing. If you’re only target shooting, clean after every few hundred rounds to keep it functioning properly.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning

Cleaning a lever-action rifle requires a little more attention than a bolt-action or AR-15. You’ll need a cleaning rod with attachments like jags, bore brushes, and patches that match your rifle’s caliber. A quality bore solvent will break down powder residue, while gun oil or lubricant will protect against rust and keep the action smooth. Lint-free cleaning patches and soft brushes will help you remove stubborn fouling, and a microfiber cloth will wipe down and protect the exterior. A bore snake can be a quick alternative for field cleaning, and a bore guide will help prevent solvent from dripping into the action. If you want to go the extra mile, cotton swabs and dental picks can help you reach those tricky nooks and crannies.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Ensure Safety First

Before you do anything, make absolutely sure the rifle is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube—never assume. Engage the safety mechanism to prevent any accidental misfires, and create a clean workspace with good lighting. A soft gun mat or towel will keep small parts from rolling away and prevent scratches to the rifle’s finish.

2. Disassemble the Rifle

Disassembly depends on your rifle’s make and model, but for most Marlin lever-action rifles, the process is straightforward. Open the lever halfway, remove the lever screw, then pull out the lever. The bolt slides out next, followed by the ejector, which may drop out on its own.

Winchester rifles are a different story. Some require side plate removal, and unless you’re confident, it’s best to clean around the action without full disassembly. Either way, getting inside the action is crucial—lever guns collect fouling fast, and if you never disassemble, all that grime gets pushed deeper into the mechanism with every cycle of the lever.

3. Clean the Bore

Start by soaking a patch in bore solvent and running it through the barrel from the breech to the muzzle. This dissolves powder residue and carbon fouling, so let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to break everything down. Attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod and scrub the bore with long, controlled strokes. If you’re dealing with stubborn fouling, don’t be afraid to run the brush through multiple times. Once the bore is loosened up, follow up with dry patches until they come out clean. A lightly oiled patch at the end will prevent rust and leave the bore protected.

4. Clean the Action and Components

The bolt, lever, and receiver need just as much attention as the bore. Start by wiping them down with a microfiber cloth or a soft brush to remove loose debris. If you notice caked-on residue, apply a small amount of solvent and let it sit before scrubbing gently. The bolt face, extractor, and ejector tend to collect the most grime, so take a close look and make sure everything is clean. Once everything is dry, apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent wear and keep the action running smoothly.

5. Wipe Down and Reassemble

Once the internal components are clean, turn your attention to the rifle’s exterior. A soft microfiber cloth with a few drops of oil will protect the finish and guard against moisture. Pay extra attention to the barrel and receiver, as these areas are prone to rust. When everything is wiped down, carefully reinsert the bolt and lever, making sure the ejector is positioned properly before tightening everything back up. Before calling it a day, cycle the action a few times to ensure everything moves smoothly, then check the safety mechanism one last time.

Additional Maintenance Tips

A clean rifle is a happy rifle, but maintenance doesn’t stop at cleaning. Store your firearm in a cool, dry place to prevent rust, and consider using a gun sock or dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate. If your rifle has a wood stock, a little furniture wax will keep it from drying out and cracking. Avoid over-lubrication—too much oil attracts dust, leading to gummed-up internals. Lastly, make it a habit to inspect screws and pins regularly to prevent unexpected failures in the field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Skipping the magazine tube is a rookie mistake—residue builds up here just as much as the bore and action. Using the wrong tools can lead to unnecessary wear, so avoid steel brushes or anything abrasive. If you’re tempted to skip disassembly, think again; a quick wipe-down isn’t enough to keep a lever gun in top shape. And finally, don’t forget about the stock and finish—leather slings dry out, wood stocks need conditioning, and metal surfaces should always be protected from moisture.

Conclusion

Cleaning a lever-action rifle isn’t just about maintenance—it’s a form of respect. Whether your rifle is a hunting tool, a collector’s piece, or a range workhorse, proper care ensures it lasts for generations. Take the time to clean it thoroughly, and it will reward you with flawless performance every time you rack that lever. If you’re serious about keeping your firearms in pristine condition, also check out How to Clean a Rifle Scope for tips on maintaining crystal-clear optics.