I have a 25 year old .22 pistol, do I have to clean it and how do I know it's safe to shoot?

Answer 1

Go to a gunsmith and have him check it for safety. He or somebody in the shop can tell you a bit about gun ownership while you're there. And welcome to the world of firearms. By the way, my kids have hunted with a shotgun that my great-grandfather hunted with. Guns, when well cared for, don't age, they gain character.

Answer 2

Hi Lynne. If its been stored properly 25 years is no time at all for a gun to lose its functionality.

However, if it is a pistol and not a revolver, it must be properly cleaned and lubed before firing to assure that: 1. It functions correctly; 2. that you do not damage it. Revolvers are more forgiving about being fired without cleaning/lubing.

NOTE: Whatever configuration you 'pistol' is, make sure the barrel is not obstructed before you attempt to shoot it.

Recommendations: Have it checked out by someone you trust (like a reputable gunsmith), a policeman friend, or someone else knowledgeable about guns before you fire it. And remember, never point your pistol at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Best,

H

Answer 3

Unless you're a gunsmith, or have enough firearms experience to understand what one means when one says "a revolver cylinder should have a good, strong lockup and a minimum of end-shake," or you understand why you should pass on a firearm whose barrel reveals a crescent-shaped shadow when you shine a bore light down it; the best, safest way to determine if the pistol is useable is to take it to a reputable gunsmith and have them check it out. This is especially true in the case of .22s, given their comparative popularity, level of use and abuse, and a couple of peculiarities that are unique to rimfires. Sure there are guns out there which have been around for a century and more which shoot just as well as they did the day they left the factory, but on the same token there are a lot of abused and neglected guns less than ten years old that are plainly unsafe to shoot. Don't judge a gun on its age alone.

Cleaning it, and keeping it clean, should it pass muster at the gunsmith, is straightforward. A good gun shop will sell a cleaning kit with everything you need, and detailed instructions on how to use them.

Answer 4

Take it to a gun shop and they will look at it and show you a thing or to about your gun. They will be more than happy and you should reward them with some patronage (shells, cleaning supplies, etc.). Gunsmiths usually work through gun shops anymore (it's a dying profession) and you probably just need an experienced shooter who works behind the counter. DO NOT take it to just any store that sells guns. Go to a real gun store that specializes in handguns.

Answer 5

Yes you have to clean it. while you are cleaning it you inspect the barrel for bulges and cracks. Their is no reason that a 25 year old .22 should not be save if it has been properly maintained. But like I said you have to clean it and inspect it for structural integrity. Safety is the shouters responsibility.

Answer 6

Yes you have to clean it. It will work fine but if you are unsure about how it's funtioning have a gunsmith take a look at it

Answer 7

its needs cleaned and oiled...after cleaned... oil it monthly or rust will eat off the finish. If you have never fired it before...go to a state certified hunters course...then find a safe place to fire the weapon to get familiar with it as each one is different. I am retired us army and know weapons well...good luck

Answer 8

take it to a gunsmith he`ll know how to take it apart and what to check to see if it is safe.he`ll also give it the cleaning it needs

Answer 9

Should you actually be in possession of a weapon and be asking these questions? Go to a club or gun shop and ask them, as you'll need some help in shooting anyway..