3 rookie AK questions

[M4CARBINE556]

Hey guys, I just bought my 1st rifle, a WASR 10, and I have a few rookie questions to ask. The 1st one is, what size brush do I use to clean the barrel? I bought a cleaning kit, and the smallest brush feels to small, but the next biggest one is really tight, is that normal? My 2nd question is, is it alright to use a gun lock that leaves the bolt pulled back about an inch? And third the lever that locks the top hand guard on looks staked, is that normal? Thanks

[96 SS]

I'll take a stab:
1. .30 Cal brush and cleaning kit. I also use a 12G mop to clean out my gas tube and gas block.
2. If you feel it is a big deal you can remove the recoil spring for locked storage.
3. It's normal. In fact I have not seen anything different ever.

[JOHNO]

I'll take a stab:
1. .30 Cal brush and cleaning kit. I also use a 12G mop to clean out my gas tube and gas block.
2. If you feel it is a big deal you can remove the recoil spring for locked storage.
3. It's normal. In fact I have not seen anything different ever.

He nailed it, the only thing I can add is a .30 cal bore snake and hoppes #9.

And for question 2- The lock will not hurt anything by leaving the bolt partially open.

[M4CARBINE556]

Thanks for the help guys.