How (and how often) do you clean your muzzle, if at all?

[attila.]

Before my Project Appleseed Home shoot this passed weekend, I noticed a bit of residue on the muzzle of my 10/22. I thought nothing of it, as it was loose enough to be removed with a fingernail. After coming home from the event, I noticed a lot of residue as pictured below:



Before I disturb this buildup, I'd like to know what the methods of muzzle cleaning are? I don't want to damage the crown, so I haven't tried anything yet.

Also, my accuracy was not noticeably affected throughout the entire ~350 rounds, so I wonder if the residue even needs removal. Thoughts, suggestions, etc.?

Thanks guys!

 

[McCrazy]

As long as your accuracy isn't degraded there is no real reason to clean it off.

If you just don't like it being there I usually wipe it off with a cleaning patch and solvent, then put a dry patch through the barrel to make sure there is no solvent or crud remaining in the barrel afterwards.

 

[david8989]

Like crazy said, a patch lightly wet with solvent and it should just melt off. Then a patch down the barrel to make sure there's no oil in there. I have never seen any adverse effects cleaning it this way every 250-500rds.

 

[attila.]

Thanks guys! I figured it wouldn't be an issue, especially since I haven't seen any loss of accuracy. Then again, I'm not trying for ultra-precision benchrest shooting; all my shooting lately was using a sling.
In the future (once I get a dependable scope), I'll be using a bipod and sandbag to try long range (200-500 yds may be considered extreme range for the lowly 22lr). And yes, I know not to shoot anything that's alive at that distance. That's where little details like crown condition could be a factor.

Thanks again!

 

[shovelstrokeed]

Not for nothin' but it depends on how foamy my beer is.