(c) In cleaning the bore after firing it is well to proceed as follows:  Swab out the bore with soda solution (subparagraph j) to remove powder fouling.  A convenient method is to insert the muzzle of the rifle into the can containing the soda solution and, with the cleaning rod inserted from the breech, pump the barrel full a few times.  Remove and dry with a couple of patches.  Examine the bore to see that there are in evidence no patches of metal fouling which, if present, can be readily detected by the naked eye, then swab out with the swabbing solution—­a dilute metal-fouling solution (subparagraph j).  The amount of swabbing required with the swabbing solution can be determined only by experience, assisted by the color of the patches.  Swabbing should be continued, however, as long as the wiping patch is discolored by a bluish-green stain.  Normally a couple of minutes’ work is sufficient.  Dry thoroughly and oil.

(d) The proper method of oiling a barrel is as follows:  Wipe the cleaning roll dry; select a clean patch and thoroughly saturate it with sperm oil or warmed cosmic, being sure that the cosmic has penetrated the patch; scrub the bore with the patch, finally drawing the patch smoothly from the muzzle to the breech, allowing the cleaning rod to turn with the rifling.  The bore will be found now to be smooth and bright so that any subsequent rust and sweating can be easily detected by inspection.

(e) If patches of metal fouling are seen upon visual inspection of the bore the standard metal fouling solution prepared as hereinafter prescribed must be used.  After scrubbing out with the soda solution, plug the bore from the breech with a cork at the front end of the chamber or where the rifling begins.  Slip a 2-inch section of rubber hose over the muzzle down to the sight and fill with the standard solution to at least one-half inch above the muzzle of the barrel.  Let it stand for 30 minutes, pour out the standard solution, remove hose and breech plug, and swab out thoroughly with soda solution to neutralize and remove all trace of ammonia and powder fouling.  Wipe the barrel clean, dry, and oil.  With few exceptions, one application is sufficient, but if all fouling is not removed, as determined by careful visual inspection of the bore and of the wiping patches, repeat as described above.

(f) After properly cleaning with either the swabbing solution or the standard solution, as has just been described, the bore should be clean and safe to oil and put away, but as a measure of safety a patch should always be run through the bore on the next day and the bore and wiping patch examined to insure that cleaning has been properly accomplished.  The bore should then be oiled, as described above.