Cleaning

    The rifle must be cleaned after it has been fired because firing produces primer fouling, powder ashes, carbon and metal fouling. American manufactured ammunition of military issue since the start of the Korean war period has non-corrosive primers which make cleaning much easier, but no less important. These primers still leave a deposit that may collect moisture and promote rust if not removed. Many excellent commercial and G.I. issue bore cleaners are available, hot soapy water may serve as an expedient.
(a) Chamber: the chamber should be thoroughly scrubbed with bore cleaner and a chamber brush (issue chamber brush, and wiped clean.

(b) Bore: saturate a bore brush with bore cleaner and scrub thoroughly. Saturate a patch with bore cleaner and swab the bore thoroughly. Change patches until they come out clean, then dry the bore with a clean patch and oil the bore and chamber lightly with a good grade of gun oil, or as an expedient No. 10 motor oil.

(c) Gas cylinder lock screw with lock assembly: remove carbon deposits by using bore cleaner. Do not use abrasives. Check to see that the valve is not held open by particles of dirt or sand. Wipe dry and oil lightly.

(d) Operating rod: remove any carbon from the piston end with bore cleaner. Clean the tube portion with a patch and bore cleaner. Do not use abrasives on the piston end of the operating rod, as if the piston becomes rounded it will not function satisfactorily. Wipe dry and oil lightly.

(e) Gas cylinder: clean the gas cylinder with bore cleaner and patches. Use caution when removing carbon deposits from the front end of the gas cylinder, so as not to damage the inside of the cylinder or the splines which fit on the barrel. Wipe dry and oil lightly.

(f) Face of bolt: clean with bore cleaner and a patch, or scrub with a long bristled, soft brush. If corrosive ammunition has been fired, disassemble the bolt and clean the inside with bore cleaner to prevent rust. Wipe clean and oil lightly.

(g) Other parts: use dry cloth to remove dirt or sand from other parts and exterior surfaces. Apply a light coat of oil to all metal parts, and rub a light coat of raw linseed oil onto wooden parts. Be careful not to get linseed oil on metal parts, as it will dry and leave a gum which will hamper functioning.

(h) The rifle should be cleaned the same day it is fired, and the bore should be wiped dry and re-oiled for three consecutive days after firing, to check for possible rust. A light coat of oil should be kept on all metal parts.