How to Lubricate a Ruger 10/22 Gun

Lubrication is the most important step in preventative maintenance for any gun, and a Ruger 10/22 is no different. Some care is necessary after every use, while other treatment processes can be performed annually. The purpose of lubricating your Ruger is to remove the oils left on it by your hands, to prevent buildup of powder residue and to protect the metal in the weapon from rusting.

Things You'll Need

  • Teflon dry-spray
  • Gun oil
  • Powder solvent
  • Rag
  • Felt patches
  • Cleaning rod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe your Ruger clean before lubricating it to remove any mud or grime as well as larger deposits of powder and other residue.

    • 2

      Remove or open the bolt and remove the magazine if it is removable. Make sure these are dust- and grime-free. Spray them with Teflon dry-spray, which will prevent powder buildup. Do not use oil in these areas, since oil can actually absorb the powder from the firing rounds.

    • 3

      Use a rag to apply gun oil to the trigger, trigger guard and safety catch (if the safety is located on or near the trigger guard). The oil will keep the moving parts from rusting or catching.

    • 4

      Use a cleaning rod with a felt patch soaked in powder solvent to clean the barrel. Run the patch down the barrel several times, switching patches as necessary, until a patch run down the barrel comes out clean.

    • 5

      Wipe the entire exterior metal surface with a lightly oiled rag. This removes any of the oils from your hands you may have left on the gun and provides a protective layer to prevent rusting over time.