Introduction

The Winchester Centennial 66 is a classic lever-action rifle cherished by many collectors and shooters. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of this beautiful firearm. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process of thoroughly cleaning your Winchester Centennial 66 rifle, ensuring its continued reliability and accuracy.

General Cleaning Procedure

Cleaning any firearm, including the Winchester Centennial 66, follows a standard procedure:

Disassemble the rifle: Start by breaking down the rifle into its components, such as the barrel, action, and stock.

Dust removal: Use a soft, dry brush to remove any loose dirt and debris from the exterior of the rifle, particularly from the barrel and action.

Wipe down the exterior: Use a clean, soft cotton cloth to remove any fingerprints, oils, or other residues from the exterior surfaces.

Interior cleaning: Use a solvent and appropriate cleaning tools to clean the interior parts of the rifle.

Lubrication: Apply a suitable amount of gun oil to the moving parts and external metal surfaces to prevent rust and ensure smooth functioning.

Cleaning the Barrel and Bore

The barrel is the most critical component to clean, as it affects accuracy. Follow the steps below for cleaning the bore:

Clean with solvent: Use a solvent such as Hoppes or another suitable cleaner. A bore snake or bore brush can effectively remove fouling and grit.

Rinse with water: After cleaning, rinse the bore with water to remove any remaining solvent or debris.

Final lubrication: Use a good quality gun oil to dry and lubricate the bore, ensuring it is ready for the next use.

Note: Be careful not to use harsh solvents like Hoppe's 9, as they can damage the gold plating on the Winchester Centennial 66. Instead, consider using ammonia-free solvents like Eliminator or Ballistol.

Cleaning the Action and Stock

The action and stock also require thorough cleaning and care:

Cleaning the action: Use a solvent and a brass brush to clean the action components, such as the trigger mechanism, firing pin, and extractor.

Stock care: For the real brass furniture, use a non-abrasive dish soap and gently clean the stock and components like the barrel band and buttplate.

Finishing touches: After cleaning, apply a light coat of gun oil to the metal parts and a soft cotton cloth to the wood to protect and maintain their appearance.

Note: If the stock has been treated with harsh compounds like Brasso, it may need additional cleaning and sealing with specialized products such as Tarn-X and protectants like ProtectaClear.

Conclusion

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for preserving the value and performance of your Winchester Centennial 66 rifle. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure that your rifle stays in excellent condition, ready for both shooting and display. Enjoy the satisfaction of owning and caring for a classic firearm.