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

SBR 2026 July21 1
SBR 2026 July21 1

Juniors Shine as Hands Across The Sea Debuts: 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship, Day 1

Junior shooters dominated the 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship opener as Ruby Harris won metallic sights and the inaugural Hands Across The Sea team was selected.

Proof Research Adds Competition Blanks to PXT Barrel Line

Proof Research expands its PXT barrel line with steel competition blanks, more pre-fit options and new .243 and .257 caliber offerings.

USPSA Membership Hits Record 45,000 in 2026

USPSA and Steel Challenge hit a record 45,000 members in April 2026, driven by daily sign-ups and rising match activity.

New: Leupold LCO Pro F2

Leupold’s new LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight combines a redesigned aluminum housing, aspheric lens and 30,000 hours of battery life for hard use.

Krieghoff Revives Historic Trophy for 140th Anniversary

Krieghoff revived its namesake trophy after 21 years, drawing 232 shooters from 13 countries to Germany’s Dornsberg course for its 140th anniversary.

Remington Don’t Tread on Me, Come and Take It Bulk Buckets Now Shipping

Remington’s Don't Tread on Me and Come and Take It bulk ammo buckets are shipping nationwide, expanding the company’s patriotic America 250 lineup.

Interests



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