Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Foundation
Unload and Verify
The very first thing you *must* do is ensure your Ruger 10/22 is completely unloaded. Physically remove the magazine. Then, pull back the charging handle and visually inspect the chamber to confirm that no ammunition is present. Verify, then verify again. Do this every time you handle the firearm, not just when cleaning.
Safe Direction
Always point the muzzle of your 10/22 in a safe direction. This is typically downrange or toward a direction where an accidental discharge would pose no threat to any person or property. This is true regardless of whether you believe the firearm to be unloaded or not.
Eye Protection
Wear eye protection. Gun cleaning, particularly with cleaning solvents, can splash or release small particles that could cause eye injury.
Gloves
Consider wearing gloves, particularly when dealing with solvents and lubricants. This protects your skin and helps keep your hands clean.
Ventilation
Work in a well-ventilated area. Gun cleaning solvents often have strong odors and can contain chemicals that are harmful if inhaled in large quantities. An open-air environment or one with good airflow is ideal.
Handling Solvents
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaning solvents and lubricants you use. Store these products safely and out of reach of children.
Essential Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
To clean your Ruger 10/22 effectively, you’ll need a few essential tools and supplies. Having everything ready before you begin streamlines the process and makes it more enjoyable.
Cleaning Rod and/or Bore Snake
A cleaning rod is a rigid rod used to push cleaning patches and brushes through the barrel. A bore snake is a flexible, one-piece cleaning tool that combines brush and patch in one pass. Both are effective, and personal preference often dictates which you choose. Make sure the bore brush and cleaning rod are designed for the correct caliber— in this case, .22 long rifle.
Bore Brush
A bore brush specifically designed for .22 LR. These brushes are made from bronze or nylon and are designed to scrub away fouling from the barrel’s interior.
Cleaning Patches
Cotton cleaning patches are essential for applying solvents, absorbing debris, and drying the bore. Purchase patches appropriate for the .22 caliber bore.
Cleaning Solvent
A quality gun cleaning solvent is a must. These solvents dissolve powder residue, carbon buildup, and other contaminants that can affect your rifle’s performance. There are many excellent gun-specific solvents available, and some general-purpose solvents also work well.
Lubricant
A good lubricant helps protect your rifle from corrosion and ensures smooth operation of moving parts. Gun oil is the most common choice, but gun grease can be applied to certain areas, like the bolt rails, for added protection and longevity.
Cleaning Mat or Work Surface
A cleaning mat or other protected surface is very important. It prevents scratches on your work surface and catches spills.
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is often needed to remove the stock from the receiver. Most 10/22 models use a flathead screwdriver, but check the model.
Small Brush or Toothbrush
A small brush or an old toothbrush is incredibly helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and scrubbing away stubborn carbon deposits.
Rag or Paper Towels
Rags or paper towels are indispensable for wiping down parts, applying solvents, and cleaning up spills.
Taking Your 10/22 Apart: The Disassembly Process
Now that you’ve ensured safety and gathered your supplies, it’s time to disassemble your Ruger 10/22. Remember, this is a straightforward process, and if you follow these steps carefully, you should have no trouble.
Confirm Unloading
As mentioned previously, and it’s worth repeating: *double-check* that the rifle is unloaded. Remove the magazine, open the bolt, and visually confirm the chamber is clear of any ammunition.
Magazine Removal
Remove the magazine by depressing the magazine release button, located on the left side of the receiver.
Bolt Inspection
With the magazine removed and the chamber clear, cycle the bolt a few times to verify its movement is smooth. This step offers an opportunity to visually inspect the bolt and the chamber for any unusual issues.
Removing the Stock
The first step in disassembly usually involves removing the stock. Typically, a single screw secures the stock to the receiver. Locate this screw, often located underneath the receiver near the front of the trigger guard. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw. Once the screw is removed, you can carefully separate the stock from the receiver. Pull the stock straight down, then away from the receiver.
Removing the Bolt
With the stock removed, the bolt can be removed. Pull the charging handle back fully and hold it in that position. Then, lift the charging handle upwards and out of the receiver. Gently slide the bolt out of the receiver.
Optional Disassembly
Depending on how thorough a cleaning you want to conduct, you can also disassemble the bolt further. This is not always necessary, but it allows for more complete cleaning. This is often a good opportunity to take photos or a short video of your disassembled components.
Cleaning the Barrel: The Heart of Accuracy
Cleaning the barrel is perhaps the most critical aspect of maintaining your 10/22’s accuracy. A clean barrel allows the bullet to travel smoothly, ensuring consistent and predictable trajectories.
Solvent Application
Attach a patch to the cleaning rod, ensuring it is a snug fit for your barrel. Apply cleaning solvent to the patch, saturating it but not dripping.
First Pass
Insert the patch-covered rod into the chamber end of the barrel and push it through to the muzzle end in a single, smooth motion. Do not reverse direction while the patch is inside the bore.
Repeat
Repeat the process with fresh, solvent-soaked patches until the patches come out relatively clean. This removes the bulk of the initial fouling.
The Brush
Replace the patch with a .22 caliber bore brush. Soak the brush with solvent and scrub the bore thoroughly, moving the brush back and forth over the entire length of the barrel. Continue this process for about 10-15 strokes.
Clean Patches Again
Remove the brush and run several clean, dry patches through the barrel. This removes the remaining solvent and loosened debris. Continue using clean patches until they come out virtually spotless.
Chamber Cleaning
Use a brush moistened with solvent to clean the chamber area thoroughly. Pay attention to any build-up of carbon.
Final Inspection
Finally, run a dry patch through the barrel. Then, inspect the bore under good light to make sure the cleaning is complete.
Bore Snake (Alternative)
If you are using a bore snake, insert the weighted end through the chamber and pull it through the barrel. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and repeat this process as needed.
Cleaning the Bolt: Maintaining Reliability
The bolt is a critical component in your Ruger 10/22, responsible for extracting and ejecting spent casings and chambering new rounds. Keeping it clean ensures reliable operation.
Inspection
Examine the bolt for carbon buildup and residue. Focus on the bolt face, the extractor, and the firing pin.
Solvent Application
Apply cleaning solvent to these areas and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grime.
Brush Cleaning
Use the small brush or toothbrush to scrub away carbon deposits and residue. Pay particular attention to the extractor claw, which must grip the rim of the cartridge casing to pull it from the chamber.
Wipe Down
Wipe down the entire bolt with a clean rag or paper towel. Make sure all traces of solvent are removed.
Cleaning the Receiver and Other Components: Attention to Detail
While you are cleaning the core components, don’t neglect the receiver and other parts of your 10/22. A clean receiver helps prevent malfunctions.
Receiver Cleaning
Wipe down the interior and exterior of the receiver with a solvent-moistened rag. Remove any loose debris or particles.
Trigger Group (Optional)
The trigger group can often be removed for more in-depth cleaning. Inspect this area and remove any debris.
Magazine Well
Use a brush and solvent to clean the magazine well. Debris in this area can affect the smooth feeding of ammunition.
Other Components
Clean any other small parts that you disassembled (e.g., the charging handle), paying attention to any areas where carbon or fouling may accumulate.
Lubrication: Ensuring Smooth Function
Proper lubrication is as essential as cleaning. It reduces friction, prevents corrosion, and ensures smooth operation.
Bolt Lubrication
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the bolt rails (the areas where the bolt slides within the receiver).
Trigger Group (Optional)
If you disassembled the trigger group, apply a small drop of gun oil to the moving parts. Be careful not to over-lubricate.
Barrel Lubrication
Lightly lubricate the inside of the barrel with a patch lightly saturated with gun oil. Also, apply a thin coat to the outside of the barrel.
Excess Removal
Wipe away any excess lubricant, as too much can attract dirt and grime.
Putting It All Back Together: Reassembly
Once everything is cleaned and lubricated, it’s time to reassemble your Ruger 10/22. This process is the reverse of disassembly.
Bolt Reinsertion
Carefully insert the bolt back into the receiver, ensuring it slides smoothly.
Charging Handle Installation
Replace the charging handle.
Stock Reattachment
Align the stock with the receiver and reinstall the screw. Tighten the screw securely, but do not overtighten.
Testing
Cycle the action several times by hand to ensure smooth operation. Insert the magazine and cycle the bolt again to ensure that it picks up and feeds rounds properly.
Final Checks and Ongoing Care
Before you consider your Ruger 10/22 fully cleaned and ready to go, there are a few final checks to perform.
Screw Tightening
Double-check that all screws are properly tightened.
Action Cycling
Cycle the action multiple times to make certain that it operates smoothly.
Safe Storage
Store your rifle safely, unloaded and in a secure location.
Regular Cleaning
For optimal performance and longevity, clean your Ruger 10/22 after each shooting session, or at least after every few sessions, especially if you’ve fired a large number of rounds.
Safe Practices
Always handle your rifle responsibly, following safe gun handling practices.
