Greetings All!
I have a .22 caliber Umarex Zelos and have fired approximately 500 pellets through it. I am requesting information from you all on when I should clean the bore. Is it after so many pellets fired or if I see accuracy issues?
I have purchased Ballistol and a Worm Patch (extra-long) cleaning kit and waiting for it to arrive. Thanks in advance.
R/
jde
You are starting right with the patchworm and Ballistol.
Different people have different answers to your question. Since I have been reading forums for almost two years now, I will chance an answer. Many people say to clean when you first receive the rifle and then whenever accuracy falls off. Others clean after so many shots. One factor for the difference is how much accuracy you need. A plinker or pester at normal ranges can be more lenient than a competition shooter. And a few people just buy and shoot with good results. Who can argue with success? Still, I run some patches through any new gun. Others have their methods, some rather involved, and I have nothing against that. Hopefully, they will reply too. If not, search for “clean” and read previous posts.
So whatever you feel good about as long as your needs are met and you enjoy the adventure. Just by asking you show you will care for your new purchase. Welcome aboard!
It looks like David has you pretty well covered with his advice above. The only thing I'll add is that due to the different lead compositions of pellets, some pellets may foul the barrel sooner than others requiring the barrel to be cleaned more often. But as David mentioned, just enjoy yourself and when the accuracy falls below what you prefer or your gun is capable of, then give the barrel a clean and reseason it (coating it with a thin film of lead from the preferred pellets) with a few shots to stabilize the accuracy again. Welcome to the world of airguns and have fun with your new hobby!
