How To Clean A Henry Lever Action Rifle?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

How to Clean a Henry Lever Action Rifle

Henry lever action rifles are a popular choice for hunters and recreational shooters alike. They are known for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. However, like all firearms, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good working order.

In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in cleaning a Henry lever action rifle. We will cover everything from basic cleaning to more thorough maintenance procedures. We will also provide tips on how to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these steps, you can keep your Henry lever action rifle in top condition for years to come.

What You Will Need

To clean your Henry lever action rifle, you will need the following materials:

  • A cleaning kit designed specifically for Henry lever action rifles
  • A soft cloth
  • Gun oil
  • A bore brush
  • A cleaning rod
  • A solvent
  • A patch holder

    Step Instructions Image
    1 Remove the magazine and open the action.
    2 Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a clean cloth.
    3 Dry fire the rifle several times to expel any remaining gunpowder residue from the barrel.
    4 Apply a small amount of gun oil to a clean cloth and wipe down the interior of the barrel.
    5 Apply a small amount of gun oil to the moving parts of the action and work the action several times to distribute the oil.
    6 Reassemble the rifle and wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth.

    How to Clean a Henry Lever Action Rifle?

    Tools and Materials

    To clean your Henry lever action rifle, you will need the following tools and materials:

    • A cleaning rod
    • A bore brush
    • A cleaning patch
    • A solvent
    • A lubricant
    • A rag
    • A pair of gloves

    Disassembly and Cleaning

    1. First, remove the magazine from the rifle.
    2. Then, open the action and lock the lever in the open position.
    3. Use the cleaning rod to push out the spent cartridge case from the chamber.
    4. Remove the bolt from the rifle by pulling back on the cocking handle and rotating it counterclockwise.
    5. Use the cleaning rod to push out the firing pin from the bolt.
    6. Clean the inside of the barrel with a bore brush and solvent.
    7. Clean the bolt with a cleaning patch and solvent.
    8. Lubricate the bolt with a light coat of oil.
    9. Reassemble the rifle.

    By following these steps, you can clean your Henry lever action rifle and keep it in good working order.

    Here are some additional tips for cleaning your Henry lever action rifle:

    • Always clean your rifle after shooting, even if it was only a few rounds.
    • Clean the rifle more often if you shoot it frequently.
    • Use a bore guide to prevent the cleaning rod from damaging the rifling in the barrel.
    • Use a solvent that is compatible with the finish on your rifle.
    • Lubricate the rifle with a light coat of oil, not too much.

    By following these tips, you can keep your Henry lever action rifle in good working order for many years to come.

    3. Reassembly

    Once you have cleaned all of the parts of your Henry lever action rifle, it is time to reassemble it. This process is relatively simple, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the rifle is properly assembled and functions properly.

    To reassemble your Henry lever action rifle, follow these steps:

    1. Place the receiver assembly in a vise with the action open.
    2. Insert the bolt assembly into the receiver assembly, making sure that the bolt head is aligned with the bolt stop.
    3. Rotate the bolt handle clockwise until it is locked in place.
    4. Insert the firing pin assembly into the bolt assembly.
    5. Insert the extractor assembly into the bolt assembly.
    6. Insert the ejector assembly into the bolt assembly.
    7. Insert the magazine tube into the receiver assembly.
    8. Insert the magazine follower into the magazine tube.
    9. Insert the magazine spring into the magazine tube.
    10. Close the action of the rifle.

    Your Henry lever action rifle is now reassembled and ready to use.

    4. Storage

    When storing your Henry lever action rifle, it is important to take some precautions to protect it from damage. Here are a few tips for storing your rifle:

    • Store your rifle in a dry, cool place.
    • Keep your rifle away from moisture and humidity.
    • Do not store your rifle in direct sunlight.
    • Use a gun sock or case to protect your rifle from dust and dirt.
    • If you are not going to be using your rifle for an extended period of time, you should disassemble it and clean it thoroughly.
    • Store your rifle in a safe place where it is not accessible to children or unauthorized persons.

    By following these tips, you can help to keep your Henry lever action rifle in good condition and protect it from damage.

    Cleaning and maintaining your Henry lever action rifle is an important part of owning a firearm. By following the steps in this guide, you can keep your rifle in good condition and ensure that it functions properly.

    If you have any questions about cleaning or maintaining your Henry lever action rifle, please consult your owner’s manual or contact a qualified gunsmith.

    How often should I clean my Henry lever action rifle?

    It is recommended to clean your Henry lever action rifle after every 500 rounds fired. However, if you shoot in dirty or dusty conditions, you may need to clean it more often.

    What do I need to clean my Henry lever action rifle?

    You will need the following items to clean your Henry lever action rifle:

    • A cleaning kit specifically designed for Henry lever action rifles
    • Gun oil
    • A cleaning cloth
    • A bore brush
    • A patch jag
    • A solvent

    How do I clean the exterior of my Henry lever action rifle?

    To clean the exterior of your Henry lever action rifle, follow these steps:

    1. Remove the magazine and any cartridges from the rifle.
    2. Disassemble the rifle as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
    3. Wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a clean, dry cloth.
    4. Use a solvent to clean any dirt or grime from the rifle.
    5. Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the exterior of the rifle.
    6. Reassemble the rifle.

    How do I clean the bore of my Henry lever action rifle?

    To clean the bore of your Henry lever action rifle, follow these steps:

    1. Remove the magazine and any cartridges from the rifle.
    2. Disassemble the rifle as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
    3. Insert a cleaning rod into the bore of the rifle.
    4. Apply a solvent to the cleaning rod.
    5. Use a bore brush to clean the bore of the rifle.
    6. Use a patch jag to remove any residue from the bore.
    7. Repeat steps 4-6 until the bore is clean.
    8. Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the bore of the rifle.
    9. Reassemble the rifle.

    What are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their Henry lever action rifle?

    Some common mistakes people make when cleaning their Henry lever action rifle include:

    • Using the wrong cleaning kit.
    • Using too much solvent.
    • Not using a bore brush.
    • Not using a patch jag.
    • Not cleaning the bore enough.
    • Not applying gun oil to the rifle.

    How can I prevent my Henry lever action rifle from becoming dirty?

    You can prevent your Henry lever action rifle from becoming dirty by following these tips:

    • Store the rifle in a clean, dry place.
    • Use a gun sock or case to protect the rifle from dust and dirt.
    • Clean the rifle after every use.
    • Avoid shooting in dirty or dusty conditions.

    What should I do if I have a problem cleaning my Henry lever action rifle?

    If you have a problem cleaning your Henry lever action rifle, you can contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find helpful resources online, such as YouTube videos and blog posts.

    cleaning a Henry lever action rifle is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your rifle is properly maintained and will continue to function smoothly for years to come.

    Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

    • Use a cleaning kit specifically designed for lever action rifles.
    • Clean the rifle after every use, or at least once a month.
    • Pay special attention to the bolt, action, and barrel.
    • Lubricate the rifle with a light oil after cleaning.
    • Store the rifle in a dry, safe place when not in use.

    By following these simple steps, you can keep your Henry lever action rifle in top condition and enjoy shooting it for many years to come.

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