Cleaning your Airgun
One of the nicest things about shooting an airgun is that you aren't relegated automatically to cleanining it once you are done shooting. Airguns have the virtue of not dirtying up their barrels like firearms, due mostly to the absence of a burning propellant of some kind. However, airguns will eventually need some attention in certain areas, and doing it the correct way will help insure the accuracy and long-term use of your airgun.
First, when you get a new airgun, realize that there are packing grease, oils, and preservatives in the barrel. You really want to get rid of these deposits in order to enjoy the best accuracy you can get from your new airgun. But if you are a firearm shooter, avoid the urge to grab your rimfire cleaning kit and scrub the barrel. Airgun barrels, for the most part, aren't made out of firearm-grade steel, and an uncoated rod will scratch the inside of the barrel and possibly damage the accuracy of your airgun. And DO NOT use your harsh solvents found in your cleaning kit for firearms. You'll ruin seals and make your airgun useless.
To clean your new airgun, use a pull-through if you have one. Start a patch soaked with a citrus-based cleaner of some kind from the breech end, and pull toward the muzzle. If you don't have a pull-through, a coated rod of some kind will suffice. Run a couple of patches through that have been dampened with cleaner, and when they come out clean, run a couple of more dry ones through to dry out the barrel.
Here are some products available from Airgun Depot to assist you with your cleaning needs:
Hoppe's BoreSnake for .177 caliber airguns
http://www.airgundepot.com/boresnake-gunmate-rifle-cleaner.html
RWS Shooter's Kit
http://www.airgundepot.com/rws-177-shooterskit.html
Gamo Air Rifle Maintenance Center
http://www.airgundepot.com/gamo-rifle-maintenance-center.html
These products, as well as some others found at Airgun Depot, will help you keep your airgun up and running for years and years.
To finish, realize that many competitive shooters never clean their barrels until they begin to perceive a degredation in their accuracy. You don't have to clean often, so be careful that you don't over-do your maintenance. Airguns are much more shooter friendly when it comes to their maintenance needs. Their main enemy is dust and particles getting into their moving parts, not the leading up of the barrel interior. When you are done shooting, wipe the metal parts down with a good preservative and store appropriately to keep dust and debris from working their way into the gun. If you are using optics, place your scope covers to keep your lenses clean, and store it until the next time you are ready to enjoy your airgun shooting hobby!
Comments
Subject Return Policy. I ordered an air-rifle, and two boxes of ammo as a Christmas present for dad. He received the rifle, but no ammo. Also there was not a packing slip or invoice! We have no status on the ammo! And this RMA stuff! Most companies ship return labels and info. Like most companies, they're there to take your order ($$$), but when it comes to anything else! LOL. Not impressed at all!
Posted by: Mark Embry | January 2, 2009 11:59 AM
Mark,
Airgun Depot has a system in place for return authorizations, as well as a means to contact them for sales issues such as the one you've raised.
I don't work at Airgun Depot, but write their blog as a freelance writer. I would call the phone number listed on the website and try speaking to the representatives there to clear up the missing ammo issue.
Randy
Posted by: randy | January 3, 2009 07:11 PM