Got my .243 now some cleaning questions

[Extremesolo]

I printed the FAQ's on cleaning and will be using either flitz or jb polisher and polishing the barrel before I shoot it.  I am also going to get some brake cleaner or carb cleaner and clean the barrel and action.  My questions are:  Do I need a bore guide to clean the barrel or is that not needed?  I will be removing the stock before I use the cleaner so I do not damage the wood.  What cleaner is best?  When I put it back together should I install an o-ring or just put it back together as it came?  The cleaning rod I have is from Wal-Mart and is one piece and I believe it is painted blue.  Should I use this or invest in a better one?  Sorry for so many questions but I want to do this right so I get a good shooter without any hassles later.   Thanks,   Andrew

[MSP Ret]

Always clean from the chamber end and you should be OK without a boreguide. Try your gun for groups with and without an o-ring to free float the barrel to see which your particular gun prefers. Do not overtighten the forearm screw and try to rest the gun on the sand bags (or whatever, avoid hard objects to rest the gun on) just foreward of the trigger guard, by the action hinge pin and squeeze the trigger, being sure to pull it all the way through and completely to the rear. Remember be consistant, be safe and have fun, thats what it's all about....<><.... :grin: