The CheyTac M200 Intervention sniper rifle is one of the best long range rifles in the world. Some would (and have) even called it the best. 

But like all ELR rifles, it needs proper care and maintenance. Here are some basic tips to ensure your rifle stays clean, cycles fluidly, shoots consistently, and stays accurate. 

Breakdown and Cleaning

For basic cleaning, remove the bolt and trigger assembly from your M200 Intervention; always clear the rifle before cleaning. 

• Always clean from the chamber end to prevent damage to the muzzle crowning. 
• Use a bore guide if necessary.
• Be cognizant of solvent selection. Some bore solvents only remove powder fouling, not copper fouling. 
• First clean the bore with brushes, then run patches through to remove the loosened debris. Repeat this process until the barrel shines like a mirror. If you have a borescope, you can spot-check the barrel to see if there are any remaining powder or copper fouling deposits. 
• After cleaning, run dry patches through the bore to remove any remaining residue, as well as to dry the bore. 

You should also clean the bolt and trigger assembly. For deep cleanings you will need to disassemble these, but for high-level cleanings, that may not be necessary: 

• Using a cotton cloth or nylon brush, scrub off any powder fouling from the bolt and bolt face. Wipe clean and apply a very light coat of lubricant, like gun oil, to insulate the bolt against corrosion. 
• Wipe down the exterior of the trigger assembly, but do not apply lubricant here as lubricant can attract fouling and other debris, impacting the performance of the trigger. 
• Your magazine should also be cleaned from time to time to make sure it is clean and clear of debris (especially internally).

One more maintenance note for accuracy’s sake: 

• Periodically check your optics mounts. Recoil can loosen the hardware that secures your scope, which can throw off your zero. Make sure the fasteners are torqued down to manufacturer recommendations.

Where to Store Your Rifle 

Where you store your rifle is just as important as your maintenance protocols and schedule. Humidity and temperature fluctuations can spell doom for a rifle by causing corrosion. 

Your M200 Intervention is made with largely corrosion-resistant components and is well-protected by a Cerakote finish, but you still shouldn’t roll the dice. Store it somewhere climate controlled to prevent massive swings in temperature, and make sure, more importantly, that humidity is under control as well, below 50%. 

How Often to Clean

That’s really up to you. Some guides will tell you every 200-500 rounds. The high pressures generated by the .375 and .408 CT cartridges probably necessitate more frequent cleaning, after 50-100 rounds, but ultimately, that’s up to you. 

Or, you could do what some shooters do and clean your rifle after every single range visit. 

Why Keep Your Rifle Clean? 

Let’s just call a spade. You don’t keep your rifle clean for the sake of it. You keep your rifle clean to ensure the operability of the components, to ensure consistent harmonics, to prevent unnecessary wear, tear, and corrosion, and ultimately, to uphold a high degree of accuracy. Keeping to the rifle maintenance tips in this article will help ensure that. 

Thinking You Need a Serious ELR Rifle Like an M200 Intervention? 

If by chance you landed here and don’t yet have a great ELR rifle like an M200 Intervention, you can get it online at B&B Firearms. They carry ELR rifles from CheyTac, McMillan, Armalite, Victrix, and other industry leaders, and they even offer an interest-free payment plan. Visit their website for more details or get in touch with them directly.

For more information about Precision Rifles and 408 Cheytac Please visit: B&B Firearms LLC.