How to Clean a Pellet Rifle

Periodically clean your pellet rifle for continued accuracy and performance.

Pellet rifles are used by people of different ages for recreational target shooting, competitive shooting and hunting. Typically using either spring power or compressed air, pellet rifles are capable of generating velocities that compare to some small caliber rifles firing bullets. Pellet rifles may require cleaning periodically, due to normal use, to remove dirt and debris from the barrel. This type of cleaning is much less involved than removing powder residue from a rifle firing bullets.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning rod Cleaning patch tip Cleaning patch Gun oil

Instructions

1. Unload the air gun before working on it. Remove any pellets or clips containing ammunition. Release any cocked spring tension by pointing the unloaded gun in a safe direction and pulling the trigger. Remove any compressed air sources from the pellet rifle.

2. Attach a cleaning patch tip to the end of the cleaning rod. Feed a small cleaning patch onto the tip and apply a small amount of high-quality gun oil to the patch.

3. Insert the cleaning patch in the end of the barrel. Push the patch and cleaning rod down through barrel to begin loosening and removing debris or lead from pellets. Pull the patch up and out of the barrel.

4. Inspect the patch to determine how dirty the barrel is, remove it and attach a clean patch. Apply a small amount of gun oil once again and run the patch down and back out the barrel of the pellet gun. Each time a new patch is used it should come out of the barrel cleaner than the last patch.

5. Determine if the pellet gun will be used in the near future or stored for a period of time. If the gun will be fired in the near future, then the oil should be removed by running a dry patch or two in and out of the barrel to remove the gun oil. If you are storing the gun for a period of time, leave the oil in the barrel to help protect the metal from moisture and corrosion.

6. Wipe down the entire exterior surface of the pellet rifle with a gun oil. Apply oil to a patch or rag and wipe down the surface of all metal parts to remove oils and moisture and create a thin barrier against rust.

References

• Air Guns: Pyramid Air Report--Cleaning an Airgun Barrel