What kind of solvent should be used on a patch when cleaning a air rifle? Is WD-40 OK? What about solvents used for cartridge guns?
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What kind of solvent should be used to clean a air rifle?
- Thread starter Rangeland
- Start date
I use Simple Green. I like Batistol for wiping the rifle down. I read once that Balistol was nothing more than bad smelling Mineral Oil. Is this true?
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You need to be extremely careful with what you use on air guns and I definitely wouldn’t use WD-40. Air guns are much different than firearms, they have o-rings to seal and prevent leaks and many products made for firearms will destroy your them. Many use Ballistol as it’s safe to use on air guns. I myself like FrogLube and that is safe as well. If you want to consider another product, make sure it’s safe to use on rubber before applying.
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WD-40 is fine if used as a cleaning agent only. I have used it on bore patches and it works fine. However it is a poor lube.
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G
Guest
Guest
Balistol for general barrel cleaning and Kroil for heavy cleaning and for guns that have the O rings on the probe. I don't know if Kroil will harm O rings so I always put cleaning pellets in the breach if the gun has a breach O ring. I also turn the gun upside down to keep it out of the TP. Balistol smells like a$$.
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I use Ballistol. I flip the gun upside down so none gets into the transfer port. I must be the only one that doesn't mind the smell of Ballistol.
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I've heard the new WD-40 Silicone is ok for airgun use. I'd stay away from original WD-40 as I don't think "O" rings react well to it, in the long run. I use Ballistol, it's a proven performer.
WM
WM
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It is not my intent to hijack this thread, but my question is along these lines.
Assuming you rifle shows no sign of accuracy issues, how often do you deep clean the barrel?
Will
Assuming you rifle shows no sign of accuracy issues, how often do you deep clean the barrel?
Will
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clean in what way .. for a basic barrel clean i'd use that ballistol or just simply a patch with a little silicone oil on it and dry patch it to your satisfaction .. for a deep cleaning of parts as in you got it disassembled, mineral spirits works great and wont damage anything ... a brush and dunking in a cup of it works well ...
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I for one very rarely clean the barrels of my air guns,I do lube the "joints" though,I use Crossman oil where orings are and good reel lube on the joints
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I have used WD-40 Silicone as a pellet lube, otherwise I keep silicone away from air rifles.
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Use whatever you like to clean the barrel. The only "seal" is a possible oring for a breech seal. They are basic Buna-N orings, and are resistant to most chemicals, as is every other oring in the gun. Only other type of oring is Urethane and they are just as resistant if not more so.
WD-40 is fine and won't hurt a thing.
The BS that's been circulating for years about "damaged seals" is just that. It's BS that's been recirculated over and over by people that heard it somewhere else and don't know any better.
Kroil is good and will loosen lead deposits, but is also hard to get out completely. It wicks into everywhere and just a little goes a looonnng way.
WD-40 is fine and won't hurt a thing.
The BS that's been circulating for years about "damaged seals" is just that. It's BS that's been recirculated over and over by people that heard it somewhere else and don't know any better.
Kroil is good and will loosen lead deposits, but is also hard to get out completely. It wicks into everywhere and just a little goes a looonnng way.
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Are you just doing a general cleaning or de leading?
General cleaning is just a wipe down and mineral oil for a finish. Same as all my guns. It might be wise to keep any oil out of the barrel of an air rifle. Many use paste wax, and I R 1. It isn't needed often, and takes a shoot in to get things settled. Otherwise a dry patch.
Stripping a leaded barrel is a different story, and I can't help with that.
I thought silicone was the lube of choice for air rifle O Rings. Did I missunderead?
I may be completely off on all this, but it works for me. Of course there can always be a better way to be learned.
General cleaning is just a wipe down and mineral oil for a finish. Same as all my guns. It might be wise to keep any oil out of the barrel of an air rifle. Many use paste wax, and I R 1. It isn't needed often, and takes a shoot in to get things settled. Otherwise a dry patch.
Stripping a leaded barrel is a different story, and I can't help with that.
I thought silicone was the lube of choice for air rifle O Rings. Did I missunderead?
I may be completely off on all this, but it works for me. Of course there can always be a better way to be learned.
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IPA is a little too hoppe for my taste, never thought about using it on a rifle, may be its best use!
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