Is it necessary to clean....

[RoscoeP]

a .22LR barrell? I just returned from an awesome rat hunt. I have always cleaned everything when I return, but have heard from a few people that it is OK not to clean the barrell? Seems weird to me after putting 3,000 rounds through it. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I'm looking at new triggers for a couple of my big game rifles. If you have any advice on what kind and how much they cost installed that would be great. Timney is the first brand that comes to mind. Does $150 sound about right?

[M'kay13]

It seems weird because it is weird.

3,000 rounds without a cleaning?!?!

[Ifishsum]

On my .22 rimfires I clean the action after each shooting session, but the bore does not get cleaned very often at all - only if accuracy seems to be suffering. It does not seem to build up any fouling to speak of because .22 bullets are all lubed. In fact after a good barrel cleaning they don't seem to shoot as well again until I've fired 15-20 rounds to dirty them back up a little.

[raptorschild]

Originally Posted by RoscoeP

a .22LR barrell? I just returned from an awesome rat hunt. I have always cleaned everything when I return, but have heard from a few people that it is OK not to clean the barrell? Seems weird to me after putting 3,000 rounds through it. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I'm looking at new triggers for a couple of my big game rifles. If you have any advice on what kind and how much they cost installed that would be great. Timney is the first brand that comes to mind. Does $150 sound about right?

If it aint jamming, or throwing flyers.....why clean it?

If its a nice .22LR and you want it to last generations...then maybe you should clean it once in a while....other than that I think its overkill.

I have a cheap little Remington .22lr and I think I've put 1 billion round through it without but a few cleanings. It shoots plenty straight.

[Hunt'nFish]

I have never cleaned my 10/22 since I built it.
Shoots better every year.
Carnuba wax lubed bullets don't foul.
Hunt'nFish

[HuntnCoug]

I have a ruger 10/22 and I never clean the barrel but sometimes if my action gets dirty it jams. Those wax coated bullets do not leave much residue in the barrel.

[Trick]

Originally Posted by HuntnCoug

I have a ruger 10/22 and I never clean the barrel but sometimes if my action gets dirty it jams. Those wax coated bullets do not leave much residue in the barrel.

Never cleaned a barrel on a .22 and never have had accuracy issues that I can remember.

I never saw my dad clean his .22 and I just followed that process.

[SImudBogger]

not trying to hijack here.....but what about a .17hmr?

[EvilD]

Originally Posted by SImudBogger

not trying to hijack here.....but what about a .17hmr?

I am not totally sure but I would think the higher velocity might leave a little more residue. This thread makes me laugh because the first time I ever cleaned my 10/22 it wouldn't shoot right for a couple of clips.

D

[adobe wall]

The top Anschutz 'smith in the country doesn't even recommend cleaning them. You will likely do more harm than good.

regards, aw

[DAB]

Originally Posted by SImudBogger

not trying to hijack here.....but what about a .17hmr?

Treat them the same as any high power rifle, You are shooting jacketed bullets which will leave some copper fouling in the bore, it may or may not cause it to shoot badly, I would give it a good cleaning before putting it away for any length of time.
Now as far as a 22LR. I will run a few swabs with hoppes # 9 down the bore after each session of shooting. Years ago the wife and I shot competively with 22LR. the only time I gave it a super cleaning was at the end of the season, the Remington we shot would shoot better than 1 inch groups at 100 yds clean or dirty, with no wind

If it starts to throw shots give it a little cleaning.
DAB


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[RoscoeP]

Thanks for the input ifishers. I give the action a cleaning after 1,500 rds or if it starts jamming. I will leave the barrell alone unless accuracy tanks. I own 4 Marlins and they are all very accurate. Several hundred rats found out the hard way....