Ok, I admit that I'm new to lever actions. Just how do you go about cleaning them?? Can the bolt come out or are they cleaned through the top(1892 type)?? Do you clean from the muzzle?? I don't want to ruin my new toy. Thanks for advice on cleaning techniques.

bowhuntr

My 1886 is a take down model so it's easy and safe to break the barrel off from the action and clean it. My 1892 is like your's and I clean from the muzzle. I use a large diameter rod, less likely to flex, feed to brush/patch jag into the muzzle with my left and and push with the right, keeping the left to center the rod. Also I clean with the action opening facing down or better put the rifle is ipside down so patchs and glop will fall out.
Jim

For cleaning lever guns from the muzle, get a brass muzzle guide. It looks like a short brass funnel to guide the rod into the bore without knicking the crown.

I use a bore snake for the most part and on ocassion I will clean with the foam cleaner Wipe Out.....

I too switched to the snake and it works great except when I am shooting black powder. Then I use a fiberglass rod and work very slowly. I have removed the lever and literally taken the gun apart in the past and after a while you will get used to putting it all back together correctly. Do this with experienced help the first couple of times.
Frank

I rarely have leading as I am shooting reduced loads. I have had leading and used bore scrub which seemed to do the job using a brass brush and lots of patches.
Frank

You can also make a muzzle guide from a PVC pipe end cap. Depending on your particular muzzle you ay want to try on in CPVC, but get the one closest in size, wrap your muzzle in saran wrap, then put clear silicon on it, press the cap over the mess and let it cure. The next day take it off, trim it and drill a hole in the center. I suppose in a perfect world you'd find a cap that fits perfectly, but that usually doesn't happen.