Reeler, proper cleaning techniques will keep your new rifle accurate for a lifetime. Big Red gives good advice, but not enough. You need to buy some copper solvents as well as powder solvents. Next you should clean out the copper after every 25 rounds, as with most rifles that is the point where enough copper builds up in the bore to inhibit consistant accuracey. Actually the copper fouling should be removed before any extended storage, as over the winter until next hinting season. You will also need alcohol (rubbing) to clean out the copper solvents when you're finished. Always make sure that your bore is pointed dowh while cleaning because you absokutely don't want cleaning solvents to get into the bedding. Also drape a cloth over the butt of the stock to catch drops of solvent before it etches the finish. There is a lot more to do yet. Do you have some method of holding the rifle while cleaning it, other than your hands? If not try to rig something up or pick up a cheap plastic holder. Now as I said, lots more to do, either go on to a website or better yet get ahold of someone that is knowledgeable to get together with you for some hands on training. Proper cleaning technique is the most overlooked part of gun maintenance by most shooters, not Gunnutz of course. bearhunter
