Cleaning the bore of an old Enfield.

[Cdn303]

Henry at Budget Shooter Supply has wipe out.

 

[RRCo.]

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE
It never ceases to amazes me what comes out of an apparently clean bore after running boiling water down the chamber and running a brush. I think the mechanical process of expanding steel does a good job of lifting or separating soft metals and residue. It is important to run a dry patch down the bore as soon as possible though.

One thing to add. I like to keep a can of brake cleaner nearby before I take a rifle shooting to remove oils from the chamber and throat area. De greasing these areas prior to shooting is important to deflect rear-ward pressure on the bolt face with every firing.

Yes, the expansion and contraction is another good point; hadn't thought of that!

 

[bigedp51]

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE
It never ceases to amazes me what comes out of an apparently clean bore after running boiling water down the chamber and running a brush. I think the mechanical process of expanding steel does a good job of lifting or separating soft metals and residue. It is important to run a dry patch down the bore as soon as possible though.

One thing to add. I like to keep a can of brake cleaner nearby before I take a rifle shooting to remove oils from the chamber and throat area. De greasing these areas prior to shooting is important to deflect rear-ward pressure on the bolt face with every firing.

Very good point Riflechair, you must be almost as smart and good looking as I am, did I say modest also?

From the 1929 British Textbook of Small Arms.

Please note for "anyone" reading this, if someone tells you to lube your cases on an Enfield or any rifle to fire form the cases do NOT do it, it doubles the bolt thrust applied to the bolt face.

Below are the effects of bolt thrust and the pounding it delivers to the bolt and receiver, meaning increased headspace.

 

[RRCo.]

These are things all Enfield users should know; great illustrations Ed.

Reading this:

reminded me of a spread in the Ross Rifle Story where Sgt. Bill Carey, ex-sniper demonstrated his methods in the 1970s for the authors of the book. Whether they supplied the rifle or he still had his I don't know, but that's beside the point. What was interesting was that he claimed to have fired 200 rounds rapid fire through his Ross in one exceptional episode during WWI. To ensure he had no jams he "emptied his oil bottle into the breech" before he started firing.

How's that for a proof test!?

Now back to Enfields!

For example, where can a fellow buy a dog-legged funnel for pouring boiling water down the barrel?

Although it should be easy to make one with a fired case with the end cut off as the tip, and some soldering skills.

 

[mkrnel]

These are things all Enfield users should know; great illustrations Ed.

Reading this:

reminded me of a spread in the Ross Rifle Story where Sgt. Bill Carey, ex-sniper demonstrated his methods in the 1970s for the authors of the book. Whether they supplied the rifle or he still had his I don't know, but that's beside the point. What was interesting was that he claimed to have fired 200 rounds rapid fire through his Ross in one exceptional episode during WWI. To ensure he had no jams he "emptied his oil bottle into the breech" before he started firing.

How's that for a proof test!?

Now back to Enfields!

For example, where can a fellow buy a dog-legged funnel for pouring boiling water down the barrel?

Although it should be easy to make one with a fired case with the end cut off as the tip, and some soldering skills.

CT used to sell a funnel (still might) which was a made in Canada, 10" long (Norex brand) with a 1/2" spout end opening and a 3" mouth opening that is perfect for pouring boiling water down a rifles chamber and bore.