Quick Answer
To clean a .22 rifle for squirrel hunting, field strip the rifle, remove the magazine and bolt or bolt carrier, and use a soft brush and mild solvent to clean the action and barrel. Use a bore brush and solvent to clean the barrel, and dry the rifle with a clean cloth or patch. Apply a small amount of lubricant to moving parts.
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Before you start cleaning your .22 rifle, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials, including a soft-bristled brush, a bore brush, a solvent, a cleaning rod, a patch, and a cloth. Remove the magazine and any ammunition from the rifle to prevent accidents.
Cleaning the Action and Barrel
Field strip the rifle to access the action and barrel. Use a soft brush to remove any loose debris or dirt from the action and bolt or bolt carrier. Then, apply a small amount of mild solvent to the brush and use it to clean the action and barrel. Use a bore brush to clean the barrel, and rotate it as you push it through the barrel to ensure thorough cleaning. Use a cleaning rod and a patch to remove any solvent and debris from the barrel. Repeat this process until the barrel and action are clean.
Lubricating the Rifle
Once the rifle is clean, apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts, such as the bolt or bolt carrier and the magazine catch. Use a clean cloth or patch to wipe away any excess lubricant. This will help to keep the rifle functioning smoothly and prevent corrosion. Finally, reassemble the rifle and perform a function check to ensure that everything is working properly.
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