Before you start using a gun cleaning patch, make sure that your firearm is unloaded and safe. Also, wear eye and ear protection and work in a well-ventilated area. Here are the steps to follow:

 

Choose the right size and shape of gun cleaning patch for your firearm. You can use a patch chart or guide to find the best fit for your caliber. You can also cut or fold your patches to fit your bore if needed.

 

Attach a patch holder or a jag to your cleaning rod. A patch holder is a device that holds the patch securely and allows it to conform to the bore shape. A jag is a pointed device that pierces the patch and pushes it through the bore.

 

Apply some solvent or CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant) to your patch. You can either spray it on the patch or dip it in a container of solvent or CLP. Do not soak the patch too much as it can drip and create a mess.

 

Insert the patch into the chamber end of the barrel and push it through with the cleaning rod until it exits the muzzle end. Do not pull the patch back as it can drag the dirt back into the bore.

 

Discard the dirty patch and repeat the process with a new patch until you get a clean one. You may need to use several patches depending on how dirty your bore is.

 

After you have removed all the fouling with solvent or CLP patches, you can use dry patches to wipe off any excess liquid or residue from the bore.

 

Finally, you can use oil patches to lubricate and protect your bore from rust and corrosion. Apply some gun oil to your patch and run it through the bore as before. You can also use a bore snake or a bore mop to apply oil to your bore.