How to Care & Maintain a Ruger 10/22 LR Rifle

The Ruger 10/22LR is a smaller rifle that uses .22 caliber rounds. The LR stands for "Long Rifle" meaning the weapon takes .22 LR shells as well as the standard .22 caliber ammunition. Maintaining a Ruger differs little from any other weapon. The rifle requires oiling and the barrel cleaning after use to prevent cordite or other build-up in the barrel.

Things You'll Need

• Gun oil
• Chamois clothes
• Barrel cleaning tool with wipes

Instructions

1. Open the chamber and make sure it holds no rounds of ammunition. Pour a little gun oil onto the chamois cloth and wipe down all metal parts on the exterior of the rifle. Leave a sheen of oil on the rifle to prevent rust build-up during storage.

2. Slide a cleaning wipe into the end of the barrel cleaning tool, which looks a bit like a bow-tie. Push the wipe down into the barrel and push-pull several times to wipe off any accumulated cordite or detritus from the inside of the weapon. Do this after each target or hunting shooting session.

3. Place a drop of 3-in-1 oil onto the moving parts of the rifle bolt. Wipe away any excess from the rifle.

4. Store the weapon in a case or display rack unloaded and with the light oil coating. Store it out of direct sunlight. Store the ammunition in a different location than the rifle itself.

Tips & Warnings

• Always treat any firearm as if it were loaded, even when you know it is unloaded.

References

• 22-lr.com: Ruger 10/22LR
• KleeneBore: Firearm Safety and Cleaning Tips
• Hoppes.com: Guide to Gun Care