Rolled Out On: 6/20/2007 11:33 AM

I always clean my rifle from the breech... A) for safety (no possibility of it being loaded) and B) when using a wire brush, it is supposedly easier on the rifling. Just a thought.

Rolled Out On: 6/20/2007 12:40 PM

Having the bolt sitting on a paper towel pretty much assures me it's not loaded, but I'll look into the rifling aspect of it. Thanks.

Rolled Out On: 6/20/2007 12:48 PM

I didn't mean to imply that you weren't being safe. But out of habit, even with my bolt removed, I keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Granted, some firearms are harder to clean from the muzzle side (like my Dad's Remington pump .30-06.) Anyway, even if I know the gun is disabled, someone looking at me may not realize it (I wouldn't want someone to think that I am breaking Rule #2.)

Rolled Out On: 6/20/2007 2:24 PM

I learned to shoot a 22 when I was about five. I used to help my dad clean his firearms; he would set parts on a newspaper, and I would wipe them down with a small rag and a couple of drops of gun oil.

Rolled Out On: 6/20/2007 3:24 PM

Oh, I didn't think you were implying anything Greg. You can't see the bolt removed so it's not apparent that's the case and yes, the muzzle does appear to point at my head in that one picture.

I'll amend the post to indicate this.

Rolled Out On: 6/26/2007 10:55 PM

My father (a cop and firearms enthusiast) cleaned his guns on the kitchen table when I was a child. I have always loved the smell of Hoppes #9. My wife claims she can't stand it. WTF?

Rolled Out On: 6/27/2007 8:05 AM

simonov, my wife can't stand it either. She doesn't like the smell of solvents to begin with, but the #9 burns her throat for some reason so it's outside to clean for me! Luckily I have a huge screened in patio to do so.

Rolled Out On: 6/27/2007 10:04 PM

May I recommend a Henry Mini-Bolt when she gets a bit older. My daughters love shooting theirs and they get candy for each time they hit the spinner!

Rolled Out On: 6/28/2007 11:04 AM

At 5 years old, and showing an interest: I think a Davey Crickett with a pink or purple stock is in order.

"http://www.crickett.com/CrickettRifle/crickettrifle.html"

It's an excellent way to teach responsibility.

I recommend balloons as targets early on. They're pretty big, they're cheaper than "Shoot n See" targets and they provide instant/dramatic visual feedback.

Rolled Out On: 6/28/2007 11:07 AM

Anon, I am sooooo getting one of those pink ones for my daughter. Pink is her most favoritist color in the whole world.