Dave DeLaurant
Member
A general observation: blowback and delayed-blowback firearms (including the 10/22) are dirtier than any other type because their function relies on residual propellant pressure to open the breech. Happily, modern .22 rimfire ammo is usually very clean-burning, so the residue is minimal and builds up very slowly.
Another consideration is that many brands of .22 LR bullets are outside-lubed with a waxy coating that can accumulate on the breechface over time.
Personally, I never store a dirty gun and clean after every firing. It's dirty and a bit smelly (my dog used to like the aroma of Hoppes #9), but then so are a lot of things in life. My method: a quick wipedown of the moving parts with a folded paper towel/rag soaked in powder solvent, followed by wiping clean with a dry paper towel/rags and finally a wipe with an old oil-soaked rag (this lives in my cleaning box and gets reused forever; I like Mobile One synthetic motor oil for my guns) is enough for the action; the bore gets a couple passes with a brush alternating with a solvent-soaked patch, followed by a couple of dry patches, and a final _very_ lightly-oiled patch.
I like to store the cleaned firearm in a BoreStore/SackUp-type silicone impregnated cover, rather than relying on oil alone as a rust inhibitor.
https://www.amazon.com/Arcturus-Soc...S2NWF4B3WQ5&psc=1&refRID=PNMP1XV0VS2NWF4B3WQ5
A Q-Tip soaked in solvent can remove any fouling around the breechface. An old toothbrush is the next step if wiping won't loosen residue. It is very possible to destroy a gun by aggressive overcleaning, so do not get carried away, especially with the bore.
Another consideration is that many brands of .22 LR bullets are outside-lubed with a waxy coating that can accumulate on the breechface over time.
Personally, I never store a dirty gun and clean after every firing. It's dirty and a bit smelly (my dog used to like the aroma of Hoppes #9), but then so are a lot of things in life. My method: a quick wipedown of the moving parts with a folded paper towel/rag soaked in powder solvent, followed by wiping clean with a dry paper towel/rags and finally a wipe with an old oil-soaked rag (this lives in my cleaning box and gets reused forever; I like Mobile One synthetic motor oil for my guns) is enough for the action; the bore gets a couple passes with a brush alternating with a solvent-soaked patch, followed by a couple of dry patches, and a final _very_ lightly-oiled patch.
I like to store the cleaned firearm in a BoreStore/SackUp-type silicone impregnated cover, rather than relying on oil alone as a rust inhibitor.
https://www.amazon.com/Arcturus-Soc...S2NWF4B3WQ5&psc=1&refRID=PNMP1XV0VS2NWF4B3WQ5
A Q-Tip soaked in solvent can remove any fouling around the breechface. An old toothbrush is the next step if wiping won't loosen residue. It is very possible to destroy a gun by aggressive overcleaning, so do not get carried away, especially with the bore.