[shaggycat]

I just bought my first semi auto so all this is pretty new to me. I was about to field strip my new Buckmark Camper to clean it and just get to know it a little better, but I read a few posts on here that advocated not field stripping buckmarks because it is impossible to get the screws on the top as tight as they are when you first purchase the gun. It sounded like I could clean the gun well enough with field stripping (a bore snake and some cotton swabs).

But I don't want to do any damage to my gun at all. I want to do whatever necassary to take care of my pistol. So what are your experiences? Field stip or not?

[Bettys Nephew]

Just make sure you use a screwdriver that fits the takedown screw EXACTLY as it is easy to mar it up. Don't ask how I know this. The replacement screw was not too expensive, but the gunsmith's screwdrivers that I bought to fit correctly were. But no more problems with poorly fitting drivers. Brownells carries what you need.

[JJE]

The Buckmarks are pretty straightforward to strip and clean. However, most .22's will go through a lot of ammo before they really NEED to be cleaned. If you just shoot the thing, you will probably be amazed at how long it takes for the gun to show signs of dirt affecting performance.

[Candiru]

I've cleaned mine every time I shot it. The gun should have come with a little allen wrench for field stripping that fits the top screws perfectly. Just be careful not to lose the washers under the screws.

[jonnyc]

I would not clean the barrel at all, no real need. Many will say you will even do more harm than good to the rifling. I only field-strip my Buckmark every 3 or 4,000 rounds, the rest of the time I do a quick clean with a rag and Q-tip. Use a small drop of MEDIUM Lok-Tite on the top screws and they will not loosen until you want them to.

[Ala Dan]

I think our friend johnny c is correct~!:) Use a very small amount of blue loc-tite on the sight base screws, and carefully clean the barrel
after a fair amount of shooting. .22 caliber firearms can actually be over
cleaned if one becomes too zealous~!:D

[guy sajer]

Bore Snake for the barrel . Stiff tooth brush for the bolt face . Occasional drop of oil on the slide rails . Pull the slide every 4-5 bricks of ammo . Wipe the exterior with a protective cloth before putting it away . imo

[shaggycat]

So I went ahead and field stripped it after putting 2000 rounds through it. I figured a little locktite would do the trick. And I really wanted to see the inner workings of my gun in order to better understand it. I figure if I need to put a little locktite on my screws, so be it.

Thanks for all the replies! Now time to start saving for my next gun....