Cleaning air guns?

I think you should leave the hoppes #9 on the shelf. I too grew up on powder burners and we used hoppes. You need an abrasive cleaner to break down the copper deposits on a powder burner. These airguns dont fowl the barrel like a firearm. Every air rifle is different in terms of how many shots before cleaning. I typically use patches lightly sprayed with simple green with a pull thru snake from the breech to muzzle. My wolverine has gone thousands of pellets with no cleaning and still shoots lights out. A RAW I just recently sold seems to prefer a cleaner barrel. All depends on the gun but the rule of thumb is dont clean until your accuracy falls off. Just remember......whatever you clean with will get a little down the transfer port and you dont want hoppes on your valve or seals.

It's really a personal preference...but in general if you follow cleaning/lubing guidelines in the Manuel that comes with your gun you'll be fine. Most enthusiasts strip their guns down out the box, clean EVERYTHING (though I've heard not to use the same cleaners you'd use to clean cordite from fire arms barrels), lightly re-lube (again lube products are a matter of preference and function as "cleaners" too) high friction areas (some don't) and o-rings...if performance changes (POI or gritty action) them a good once over should help. The environment you're in is a factor as well. I always wipe my guns down with a microfiber cloth after a session.

Cordite? Are you kidding me? That hasn't been used in firearms ammunition since WWII

@outdoorman...my father read my post and gave me a mock slap upside the head! You get the picture, though...what is it called, powder residue?

Yeah, that works, or propellant residue.

I use a Dewey Ball bearing-handled, nylon coated .17cal cleaning rod with patches moistened with Rem Oil. Then run a couple dry patches through it for initial cleaning to get that black greasy stuff out before first shots. Then follow the manual thereafter. My Hatsan manual says, for example, to oil it every 250 shots. Clean the bore every 500 shots.

I never clean any of my guns except the blackpowder rifles. I have a .22 rimfire, a 12 ga. shotgun, and a 7 mm Remington magnum, in addition to my two air rifles and four air pistols.

I don't believe that the minor leading that may occur from pellets affects my accuracy any (since I'm not shooting benchrest 8^) and lead isn't corrosive. I clean and lubricate the action and seals according to the owners manual (which varies from gun to gun), but I think that anything that goes down the barrel other than pellets stands to do more harm than good.

Am I crazy?

Jaybo,
I can't vouch for your sanity since I'm kind of nuts over airguns, LOL! If what you're doing (or not doing) is working for you, stay with it.
I am not a benchrest shooter but I do test my zero from a bench from time to time, especially if I see my offhand shots going wrong when I know I was on target when the trigger broke.
I have personally experienced loss of accuracy in my airguns due to dirty bores. Imagine a gun that'll do a 3/8" 5 shot group at 30 yards going to over an inch at that distance-same pellets, no wind. I pull a few patches with MP5 oil and then dry patches till they come out clean. Accuracy returns to 3/8" groups-that's all I need to know. I do notice different guns are more or less tolerant and need more frequent cleaning.
I have seen a very powerful gun (Sumatra) that was shot on full power constantly get severely fouled.
Note that some guns are difficult or impossible to clean from the breech with a rod without disassembling the gun. A pull through such as the crown saver allows you to pull patches from the breech, preventing damage to the barrel crown.
John

I need to get that bore guide/crown saver option for my Dewey rod. The Crosman 160 bolt action will need it.

Actually I was referring to something like this:
data:image/jpeg;base64,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
Mac 1 and AOA have them, around $10 iirc. You push the loop in from the muzzle(use a drinking straw to get through LDC or moderator) and it exits the breech. You put your patches through the loop and pull. Wahlah! The plastic sleeve and nylon cord will not damage the crown.

I have the Umarex version of that flex shaft rod. Can't get a straw to fit the suppressors, and the tip hangs up in the internal baffles.

I use 3 bore snakes . First is wet with Hoppes , second has no brushes and is dry , third also no brushes and very light coat of oil .

Boresnakes just like Joe, except I only use 2 and Froglube. I haven't found anything better at preventing rust in case you are putting it away for an extended period.

not my invention I copied it years ago for .22 ruger. I take a piece of weedwhacker line.090 or .110 heat it over flame and make a ball on end. I bought 10lbs of 1.25' sq. patches decades ago at gun show. It takes 2 or 3 patches for a truly tight fit. I cut a slight slit in each and stack them. A light spray of WD-40 with 2 patches will lube barrel. Some debris will be on patch. I then remove top patch and replace with dry pull thru. I usually have 3 patches and with moderator off on Cricket I need a pair of pliers to pull thru. It usually takes 15 patches to get it so there is absolutely no residue. Typically it's 3-4 dry patches after the wet one. Lately I started using mineral oil after the initial WD-40 Using on a Marauder I use a straw from Burger King they are smaller than McDonalds. On 10/22's I used Hoppes

350-400 jsb pellets crosman's are oily-dirty- very lubed barrel gets gunky in 200

I gotta get a bore snake. Right now I use nylon string. Slip it down the barrel, pull three to five feet through the breech tie from one to three 1" patches on with one overhand knot ( the length of the barrel apart ) put balistol on the first one and pull them through. If the third one still has dirt on it, repeat.

I am rather a newb when it comes to air guns. Lots of experience with PB weapons. I am a bit anal about the cleanliness of my firearms. I have searched the web and on the Gamo website for info on how to clean and what I should be using to clean my Gamo Whisper Fusion mach 1 IGT .22 air rifle. I have found nothing definite on either. Only thing gamo says is clean it, but don't get any oil in barrel or down breach. Some help please . I have cleaning kits but no specific air rifle cleaning chemicals.

"LIVIT"I am rather a newb when it comes to air guns. Lots of experience with PB weapons. I am a bit anal about the cleanliness of my firearms. I have searched the web and on the Gamo website for info on how to clean and what I should be using to clean my Gamo Whisper Fusion mach 1 IGT .22 air rifle. I have found nothing definite on either. Only thing gamo says is clean it, but don't get any oil in barrel or down breach. Some help please . I have cleaning kits but no specific air rifle cleaning chemicals.

Click to expand...

I use Beeman MP5 oil and a home made crown saver, Lots of folks use Ballistol, Goo Gone or whatever. Probably a bad Idea to use PB bore solvents in an airgun (Especially a PCP) as they may damage seals. You can clean a breakbarrel from the breech with a rod, just be mindful of the crown. 
Popular wisdom has it to clean the barrel of a new gun and from then on clean when switching different brands of pellet or when accuracy falls off.
I usually wet the first one or two patches with MP5 oil and then use dry patches till they come out clean.
PS- a search here or on other airgun forums should get you some good info.