An experienced firearms owner is performing routine cleaning and maintenance on a centre-fire non-restricted rifle equipped with a fixed magazine, stored at home. After ensuring the firearm is unloaded and rendered safe, they notice some hardened carbon fouling in the bore near the chamber. Which of the following cleaning implements and procedures, when used diligently, poses the GREATEST risk of causing permanent damage to the firearm's critical components?

Question: An experienced firearms owner is performing routine cleaning and maintenance on a centre-fire non-restricted rifle equipped with a fixed magazine, stored at home. After ensuring the firearm is unloaded and rendered safe, they notice some hardened carbon fouling in the bore near the chamber. Which of the following cleaning implements and procedures, when used diligently, poses the GREATEST risk of causing permanent damage to the firearm's critical components?

Answer options:

• Using a brass bore brush driven from the breech end, ensuring the brush exits the muzzle before being pulled back.
• Employing a cotton patch saturated with bore cleaner, pushed through from the breech using a coated cleaning rod. ✅ Utilizing a steel bore brush driven repeatedly back and forth from the muzzle end without disassembly of the action.
• Applying a carbon solvent and allowing it to soak for an extended period, followed by cleaning with a nylon bore brush.

Correct answer: Utilizing a steel bore brush driven repeatedly back and forth from the muzzle end without disassembly of the action.

Explanation: Repeatedly using a steel bore brush from the muzzle end without proper guidance can abrade the rifling at the muzzle crown, permanently affecting accuracy. Driving a brush back and forth without it fully exiting the bore can also cause bristles to become lodged or bend the brush, potentially scratching the bore.