Cleaning the Ruger 10/22

© 2009 Albert A Rasch
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Part II: Cleaning a Ruger 10/22

In our last post, Disassembling the Ruger 10/22, we field stripped the Ruger 10/22 to all of its component parts. In this post we are going to clean the Ruger 10/22 and look at some of the components more carefully.

Now that you have the rifle disassembled, it is a good time to check over all the components for damage or wear.

I noticed that the back of the bolt, where it strikes the bolt stop, has wear. After several thousand rounds, it was bound to have a few wear spots.

Back side of the bolt.

I'm sure it is normal but I decided to order a buffer from Buffer Technologies. (For more on Buffer Technologies see The Range Reviews: Tactical; 1911 Buffers) It should be here in a few days, and we will install and field test right here at the Chronicles.

Give the bolt a good scrubbing; use plenty of Hoppes #9 to cut through all the dirt and wax. A bronze brush is very handy for loosening the accumulated grime. An old bore brush on a pistol cleaning rod works great. Bend the end a bit to help you get into the tight corners and gaps.

My old standby, Hoppe's #9.

Scrubbing the bolt clean.

Getting the small spots.

Don't forget to clean around the extractor and firing pin. Misfeeds can be caused by accumulated deposits on and around the extractor. A lot of powder residue and cartridge wax gets into the little nooks and crannies and gum up the works. As I mentioned earlier, use an old bore brush and bend it slightly.

Brush the bolt face well.

Check the firing pin too.

Let's turn our attention to the action. Inspect it inside and out for any obvious signs of damage.


Now give it a good cleaning. Use a rag and plenty of Hoppe's, and follow up with a brush. Finally wipe it clean and look it over again to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Bent brush at work in the action.

The trigger group should get a wipe down. Detail stripping of the trigger group is not usually necessary, but I will cover that in a future post.

Wiping down the trigger group.

The bolt handle, spring, and guide, should also be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.

Don't forget to clean the spring and guide rod too.

The barrel should also be cleaned now that it has been removed from the action. Remember, 22 rimfire barrels should be cleaned every 5000 rounds or so. More 22s have been worn out through the improper use of the cleaning rod, than have been shot out!

Clean from the breech only! Run a wet patch down the bore and let it sit while you do other things. When you're ready, run another wet patch through removing the majority of the gunk. Now wet your brush and carefully run through the bore, several times. You know the drill. Lather, rinse, repeat, until the patch comes out clean.

Wipe down the stock, and now you are ready to put it together. We will cover that in the next post in the Ruger 10/22 series.

Don't forget we also have done a Ruger 10/22 Rotary Magazine tutorial! Please check it out at:

Disassembling, Cleaning, and Reassembling the Ruger 10/22 Rotary Magazine.

Follow the rest of the maintenance series on the Ruger 10/22:

Disassemble the Ruger 10/22
Clean the Ruger 10/22
Assemble the Ruger 10/22

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Hunt Continues...