How Often Should You Clean Your Air Gun?

by
posted on August 30, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
airgun-2.jpg

In order to alleviate equipment malfunctions on the line, it is important to maintain a clean competition air gun. Just like in other competition firearms, it is essential to keep the barrel of your air gun clean of any unnecessary oils or undesirable particles at all times. How often you clean your barrel will depend on the type of air gun you have, the smoothness of the bore and the type of pellets you use.

Collegiate Air Rifle Competition
Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure that a gun is safe to operate. Photo by John Rickards.


Most air gun dealers will recommend that a well-used air gun be brought in annually for servicing, but a less-used air gun may require servicing only once every two years. During servicing, most shops will replace the air seals, clean, lubricate and test the air gun for accuracy. By making sure your air gun is clean and well-lubricated, you could easily turn your 10s into Xs.

Feinwerkbau 500
Feinwerkbau .177 Model 500.


For a more in-depth look at keeping your air gun in tip top shape, read the Shooting Sports USA article “Air Gun Maintenance” by Scott Pilkington.

Latest

1 Howtoipsc Worldshoot
1 Howtoipsc Worldshoot

How To Qualify For IPSC Events

USPSA members can represent the U.S. at IPSC World Shoot events through a merit-based qualification process using designated qualifier matches.

WVU Eyes Fourth Straight Title as GARC Championship Returns to West Point

The 2026 GARC Championship features No. 1 Kentucky, No. 4 WVU and four more ranked teams competing at Army West Point on February 28–March 1.

Gunsmith Who Apprenticed With Beretta in 1979 Now Runs Its Top Premium Dealer Worldwide

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing is again named the world’s top Beretta Premium Dealer, a distinction rooted in four decades of factory-trained expertise.

SK Customs Turns Legend of Joaquin Murrieta Into Gold-Engraved Colt 1911

SK Customs releases its Joaquin Murrieta Colt 1911 in .38 Super, limited to 200, with selective 24k gold engraving honoring the legendary California Gold Rush outlaw.

Smith & Wesson’s M&P9 M2.0 Metal Gets a Direct-Mount Aimpoint ACRO Slide Cut

Smith & Wesson’s newest M&P9 M2.0 Metal aluminum-frame 9 mm handgun sports a direct-mount Aimpoint ACRO slide cut and ClearSight gas-diversion system.

Range USA to Expand Footprint with Three New Locations in 2026

Range USA will open three new stores in Smyrna, Monroeville and Lenexa in 2026, expanding its presence in Nashville, Pittsburgh and Kansas City markets.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.