How to Clean mossberg 351 22 cal?

Answer 1

You will need a cleaning kit (rod, .22 brush, patch holder, patches, powder solvent such as Hoppes #9, and a light oil)

Insure that the rifle is UNLOADED. Then check it again.

There are 2 different models of the 351. One has a front barrel band. If yours has that, remove the front sling swivel to release the band. Then remove the takedown screw under the forearm. Lift the action from the stock, and set stock aside.

Unscrew the plug at the rear of the action- exercise care, there is a compressed spring under there. Release it gently, set plug aside. Using operating handle, draw bolt to rear. Line up handle with opening, pull handle out. Grasp the spring at the rear (it was under the plug) pull spring and bolt out of the rear of the action. Avoid further disassembly.

Clean the bore by wetting a patch with solvent, push through the barrel from the rear, out the muzzle, and remove it. Let bore soak for 5 minutes. Attach brush to rod, push in from rear, all the way through, then all the way back- 10 times. Remove brush. Use patch holder to push clean patch through from rear, out the muzzle, discard. Repeat 3-4 times until patch is clean.

Wet patch with solvent, wipe the exterior of the bolt, bolt face, dry with clean patch. Use several patches wet with solvent to wipe the inside of the action, dry.

Lightly oil bolt/ firing pin/ extractors on bolt- just a drop or two. Use patch with solvent to wipe outside of action and barrel, dry. Wipe with oily cloth.

To re-assemble, slide bolt and spring forward (may need to hold trigger down to insert) line up hole in bolt with hole in receiver, insert handle, push bolt forward. Compress the spring, screw plug in place at rear. Place action in stock, tighten screws.

NOTE- if bolt requires internal cleaning from severe fouling, suggest you use a spray cleaner like Gunscrubber.