Safety: The Foundation of Firearm Maintenance
Required Safety Precautions
Before you even consider reaching for cleaning supplies, firearm safety must be your top priority. Cleaning a firearm, like handling it in any situation, necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols. Failing to follow these simple, yet crucial steps can lead to severe injury or even death.
First and foremost, always confirm that your 450 Bushmaster is unloaded. Open the action, visually inspect the chamber to ensure there’s no round present, and physically check the magazine to confirm it’s empty. It is always best to handle the firearm as if it is loaded, even after you have confirmed it is not.
Once you are certain that the firearm is unloaded, point the muzzle in a safe direction. The safest direction is typically away from people and structures. Consider the potential trajectory of a bullet if it were to accidentally discharge.
Wear appropriate eye protection. Safety glasses or goggles shield your eyes from debris, cleaning solvents, and potential splashes. Also, wear gloves. These will protect your hands from solvents and keep them clean.
Choose a well-ventilated area. Cleaning solvents can release fumes that are harmful to breathe. Working in an open-air environment or a room with excellent ventilation minimizes the risk of inhalation.
Gathering Your Cleaning Arsenal
Having the right tools and supplies will make the cleaning process easier and more effective. Here’s a comprehensive list of the items you’ll need:
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Cleaning Rod: Select a high-quality cleaning rod designed for firearms. Choose a rod of the correct caliber to avoid damaging your 450 Bushmaster’s barrel.
- Cleaning Attachments: You will need an assortment of attachments to attach to the cleaning rod, including:
- Jags: Jags are designed to hold cleaning patches securely.
- Bore Brush: A bore brush, specifically for .45 caliber firearms, is critical. The brush loosens carbon buildup and other residue in the barrel.
- Mops: These are often made of cotton or other absorbent material, and are used to wipe the interior of the barrel clean after the solvent is used.
- Bore Solvent: A good bore solvent is designed to dissolve and remove carbon deposits, copper fouling, and other contaminants that can accumulate in the barrel. Select a solvent formulated for copper and carbon fouling.
- Gun Oil or Lubricant: Use gun oil or lubricant to protect metal parts from corrosion and reduce friction between moving components.
- Gun Grease: Gun grease is used for lubrication of areas of high friction, like the bolt carrier group rails, to ensure smooth operation.
- Cleaning Patches: Cotton patches, or patches made of synthetic material, are essential for wiping away residue and applying solvents and oils.
- Patch Holder: Some people find patch holders handy for holding patches on the cleaning rod.
- Cleaning Mat or Workspace: A cleaning mat protects your work surface from spills and damage.
- Small Brush: A small brush, such as a toothbrush, can be used to scrub away debris from hard-to-reach areas.
- Q-tips or Cotton Swabs: These are useful for cleaning smaller components and crevices.
- Optional Copper Solvent Remover: If your barrel has significant copper fouling, a copper solvent is often necessary to remove it.
Breaking Down Your Rifle for Cleaning
Disassembly of your 450 Bushmaster is a necessary step in the cleaning process. While the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model of your rifle, the general process is similar. Always refer to your rifle’s owner’s manual for precise instructions.
Begin by removing the magazine. Once the magazine is removed, pull back on the charging handle and ensure that the chamber is clear. Verify the safety is engaged before continuing.
Once you’ve confirmed that the firearm is unloaded, you can begin the disassembly process. Most modern 450 Bushmaster rifles use an AR-15 based design, which typically involves the following:
Disassembly Steps
- Removing the Bolt Carrier Group: Press the takedown pins located on the lower receiver. This will allow the upper and lower receivers to separate.
- Separating the Upper and Lower Receivers: Once the takedown pins are pressed, the upper receiver can be pivoted away from the lower receiver. Then, pull the charging handle back to remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver.
- Removing the Handguard: If your rifle has a free-float handguard, you may need to remove it to access the gas system and other components. Consult your owner’s manual for handguard removal instructions.
Remember to keep track of all small parts. A well-organized workspace will help you keep your parts in order.
Deep Cleaning the Barrel
Cleaning the barrel of your 450 Bushmaster is crucial for maintaining accuracy. Here’s how to perform a thorough barrel cleaning:
Barrel Cleaning Procedure
- Solvent Application: Attach a jag to your cleaning rod and place a cleaning patch on the jag. Saturate the patch with bore solvent.
- Initial Pass: Carefully insert the patch and jag into the barrel from the chamber end, guiding it through the bore to the muzzle. Let the solvent dwell in the barrel for the time recommended by the solvent manufacturer.
- Brush Action: Remove the jag and attach the .45 caliber bore brush to your cleaning rod. Pass the brush through the barrel multiple times, back and forth, to scrub away fouling.
- Wipe and Repeat: Remove the brush and wipe it clean. Use fresh solvent on a patch, and pass the patch through the barrel again to remove dislodged debris.
- Patch Until Clean: Continue using solvent-soaked patches and running the brush and more patches through the bore until the patches come out clean, with no visible signs of fouling.
- Inspect with Light: Use a bore light to visually inspect the barrel for any remaining fouling.
- Copper Solvent (if needed): If you still see copper fouling (often blueish in color), use a copper solvent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Final Oil Pass: Attach a patch lightly saturated with gun oil. Pass the oiled patch through the barrel to protect it from corrosion.
- Wipe Excess Oil: Finish by wiping off any excess oil, leaving a light coating for protection.
Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group with Precision
The bolt carrier group (BCG) is the heart of your 450 Bushmaster’s action. Keeping it clean and well-lubricated ensures reliable cycling.
BCG Cleaning Instructions
- Disassembly: Some BCGs are disassembled to allow for more thorough cleaning. Consult your owner’s manual for disassembly procedures.
- Scrub and Solvent: Using a small brush and bore solvent, meticulously scrub away carbon buildup from the bolt, carrier, and firing pin. Focus on the bolt face, the extractor, and the gas rings.
- Wipe Down: Wipe down all components with clean patches to remove loosened debris and solvent.
- Lubrication: Apply a small amount of gun oil to all moving parts, including the bolt, carrier rails, and firing pin.
- Grease: Apply a thin layer of gun grease to the rails within the upper receiver that the bolt carrier group rides along.
- Function Check: Reassemble the BCG and test the action to ensure everything moves smoothly.
Caring for the Lower Receiver and Other Parts
Beyond the barrel and bolt carrier group, other parts of your 450 Bushmaster also need cleaning:
Steps for the Lower Receiver and other parts
- Lower Receiver Cleaning: Clean the lower receiver with a small brush and solvent, paying particular attention to the trigger mechanism, magazine well, and any other areas where dirt or debris may accumulate.
- Detail Cleaning: Use Q-tips to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Wipe and Dry: Wipe the cleaned parts with a clean cloth or patches, ensuring they are free of solvent.
- Lubricate: Lightly lubricate the trigger, hammer, and any other moving parts within the lower receiver with gun oil.
- Grease Critical Points: Apply a small amount of grease to areas with high friction.
- Charging Handle and Handguard: Clean and lightly lubricate the charging handle and handguard, paying attention to any rails or contact points.
Putting It All Back Together
Reassembly is a reverse of the disassembly process.
Reassembly Guidelines
- Careful Reassembly: Carefully reassemble the rifle, paying close attention to all components.
- Consult the Manual: If you are unsure about any steps, consult your rifle’s owner’s manual.
- Double-Check: Ensure all parts are correctly installed and that the action functions smoothly.
Final Checks and Lubrication
Once you have reassembled your 450 Bushmaster, perform a final series of checks.
Final Check Steps
- Function Check: Perform a function check to ensure the rifle operates correctly. Cycle the action several times, making sure the bolt locks, the trigger functions, and the safety engages.
- Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the entire rifle, checking that all parts are correctly in place and that nothing has been overlooked.
- Exterior Protection: Apply a light coat of gun oil to the exterior metal parts to prevent corrosion.
- Wipe Away Excess: Remove any excess oil.
In Conclusion
Regular cleaning is an essential aspect of owning a 450 Bushmaster rifle. By following these steps, you can maintain the performance and reliability of your firearm for years to come. The simple act of cleaning regularly will not only keep your rifle functioning well, but will also help you spot potential problems before they become serious.
Take care of your 450 Bushmaster, and it will continue to deliver accuracy and reliability. Be diligent, be safe, and enjoy the shooting experience. Cleaning your rifle regularly is a commitment to the firearm’s long-term health.
Remember, for any cleaning issues or uncertainty, always refer to your rifle’s manual.
Disclaimer
Always consult your firearm’s manual. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional training or advice. Cleaning procedures can vary based on the specific model of your rifle.
