I have a Marlin model 25MN (22 Magnum) whose owner's manual says that cleaning is not necessary. I went so far as to call Marlin when I first bought the gun (15-20 years ago?) and ask them about it. They said at that time that they got tons of calls about it, but that cleaning just wasn't necessary. I've heard it said that they've changed that section of the owner's manuals a time or two from clean it to don't and perhaps back again?

This is a sharp contrast with my Smith&Wesson 22 pistol's owner's manual that says failure to clean the gun often enough or properly constitutes neglect and they won't fix it if it breaks and you've haven't cleaned it.

So clearly, there is a divergence of opinion even on the part of the manufacturers. My 22 pistols (Ruger and Smith) I clean pretty much after each shooting session. The Ruger would jam if I didn't keep it clean when it was new. It's better now, but still it lets me know when it's dirtier than it prefers to be. OTOH, I didn't clean my first 22 rifle (a Brazilian Remington Nylon) for the first 10 years at least (probably 15+) that I owned it. I finally decided to clean the bore because, by that time, I had learned more about guns and learned that you need to clean them. Accuracy took a noticeable hit when I did. So, I don't clean the rifles much any more. No more than you do anyway.

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