Cleaning Woodsmaster 742

[dbHunterNY]

Any tips on cleaning a Remington Woodsmaster Model 742? It's a semi-auto rifle so I don't know if it's something I should do myself. My attempts so far have been to spray Outers Nitro solvent into the action. Work the action back and forth. While doing this I took clean patches and wiped away anything I could get to without taking it apart.

Thanks,

Dan

[uncle john]

My experience with cleaning center fire semi's is limited to Garands, M-1 carbines and AR's, but I'll give you my thoughts.

You will be getting a lot of dirt, but not all of it. Also, you might be removing lube that needs replacing. Unless you are shooting 100's of rounds, likely you aren't causing problems. The military rifles are easy to field strip for cleaning, but this isn't usually the case on regular hunting guns. Unless you are good at mechanical stuff with flying springs, etc., it may be prudent to get some help.

[toddpipkin]

Remove the magazine.

Work the action to make sure the chamber is empty and the hammer is cocked.

Make SURE the chamber is empty.

Using an appropriately-sized brass punch, drive out the two pins which hold in the trigger assembly. The springs are all captive; you don't have to worry about them flying away as long as you don't slide any of the other pins.

Pull down on the trigger guard to remove the trigger assembly.

Use a spray-type cleaner to flush out the crud from the whole assembly.

Lube the friction points sparingly with a good quality gun oil. Set the trigger assembly aside.

Insert an EMPTY magazine where it normally goes. The latch is on the trigger assembly, so you'll have to hold it in with your left hand cupped under it.

Work the action. The bolt should lock back in the open position. If not, insert the magazine deeper and make sure it is as far forward in the magazine well as possible.

USING A BORE GUIDE to protect your muzzle crown, clean the bore. Pay special attention to get the chamber squeaky clean.

Use dry patches to get the bore and ESPECIALLY THE CHAMBER as dry as possible.

Put a dab of gun grease on each bolt guide rail in the inside of the action, and rub it along the rails.

Lube the remainder of the inside of the action with a good quality gun oil. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET OIL IN THE CHAMBER!!

Again cupping the magazine in your left hand, pull the bolt back, allowing the magazine to be removed. Let the bolt close.

Make sure the hammer is still cocked and reinsert the trigger assembly, front end first. Make sure the holes for the pins line up.

Tap the pins back into place.

Lube the exterior of the gun.