Author Topic: Basic Cleaning  (Read 2212 times)

Offline sshewins

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Basic Cleaning
« on: February 28, 2009, 03:36:08 AM »
Got a question for you guys.  Which is better, using a bore snake or a brass brush to clean out any fouling or lead deposits?  Ever use a cleaning pellet?  Would using a chemical such as Gun Scrubber be ok?  If not to these, then what?  Sorry for so many questions all at once, I'm just trying to get the "borrowed" daisy 880 to group better than a sheet of paper at 15 yards (discovered this dilemma while trying to sight in a scope)  Thanks in advance, Scott
Scott




Offline daved

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RE: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2009, 03:52:22 AM »
First, NEVER use regular firearm solvents in air rifles.  Those solvents will damage seals used in air guns.  Second, there are those that will say the same about brass brushes, but I've done it under extreme conditions.  Remember, this is a low velocity rifle, powered by air, not gunpowder, you're not going to get the kind of leading and fouling you'd get with a firearm.  Even with my high velocity PCP's I clean barrels maybe once a year, and I shoot quite a bit.

Typical procedure is to use a pull through rod like the Otis and a patch soaked in Goo Gone, that's a citrus cleaner available at any home center.  If you can't use or don't have an Otis setup, week whacker line works just as well, cut one end at an angle, melt a blob on the other end, skewer the patch and slide it on down to the blob.  Follow up with dry patches until clean.

Finally, your groups may not improve even after a good cleaning.  The 880 is a BB/pellet rifle, and since .177 BB's and pellets are actually different sizes, the bore is a compromise that really doesn't shoot either all that well.  Add in steel BB's beating up what is some pretty delicate rifling, and you have a recipe for poor accuracy.  If you're looking for pin point accuracy, you're probably going to need to look at another rifle.  Later.

Dave

Offline sshewins

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Re: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2009, 07:24:42 AM »
I'm saving my pennys for a big cat - only 120 more to go.  Then I'll have to save for a GRT III and a tune.  Oh boy !!
Scott




Offline USNCop

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RE: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2009, 03:32:54 PM »
If you don't feel comfortable making your own, take a loow at http://www.patchworm.com or look at AirgunsofArizona.com
The have a couple of pull through kits.  I use one, it's great.
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Offline Schmidty25

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Re: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2009, 04:37:24 PM »
I cleaned my gun with Fishing line/Goo gone/ and patches before I shot it when i first bought the gun.  Haven't cleaned the barrel since.  You want the lead to "pile up"  so to speak .  Your accuracy will improve over time. and all the parts of the gun begin to "mesh" together.   There are some good articles on Pyramidair.com  .  They also say you shouldn't clean an air rifle with a brass brush.
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Offline sshewins

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Re: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2009, 09:26:29 PM »
Not doubting that not cleaning stuff, but it makes me wonder why would gamo make a cleaning kit (amongst others).  Looks like I might have to make a trip to the garage and canabilize the weed eater LOL
Scott




Offline tjk

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Re: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2009, 12:37:10 AM »
The same reason they sell "PBA"/ BS lead free pellets,...SALES!!! They,  like some of the other weapon brands, market all this "high velocity" crap, fooling for the most part the newer and un informed consumers that you " need" this kind of speed. Knowing full good and well it will ruin mid to magnum velocity AG's. Then you'll have to buy a new gun from them later on down the road. Call it a form of  'consumer obsolesence'. The cleanning kits just fall into their marketting scheme as a "you're going to need this to keep your weapon in top shape". What a bunch of horse $#it!!!! You've recieved some sage advice, so I won't repeat what the fellas have stated. Just don't become obsessed with keeping a clean shiney barrel,...otherwise you'll never get any consistant accuracy. A buff of the barrel once in a while will suffice for optimal performance. Happy Shooting!!!! tjk
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Offline sshewins

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Re: Basic Cleaning
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2009, 06:08:03 AM »
Thanks guys!!  I appreciate your wisdom!!
Scott