Maintenance (cleaning) of a new Uberti 1873

[TheOtherLeft]

Hiya all,

I have a new Uberti 1873 38/357 (pistol grip model) on the way  and being my first longarm I am looking into what I need to do to keep it running sweet.

Do I need to strip/clean before my first shoot? Can I just clean the barrel or do I need to clean the guts of it - linkages etc?

Do you recommend bedding in the barrel, i.e. clean, shoot first round, clean, shoot 2 rounds, clean, shoot 5 rounds clean etc etc etc?

After that how often should I clean it? Again is only cleaning the barrel OK or do I need to remove the sideplates and clean the linkages?

Do you guys use a Boresnake or a rod from the muzzle end?

Thanks,
Ben

[Blackfoot]

Boresnakes work really well.  I use them and wooden cleaning rods from the muzzle. I would just clean what you can see then shoot it.  I really don't see any advantage in special break-in procedures on a rifle such as this.  On a highly precision long range rifle rifle there might be some advantage in doing a special break-in.  I do an in-depth cleaning about once a year or so.  Don't shoot it with oil in the barrel.

Your mileage may vary,
Blackfoot

[Shotgun Franklin]

It ain't a sniper rifle. Mostly check the bore before first shooting it, if it's clear then shoot it. I use spray type carburetor cleaner on mine it has not bothered the wood finish. Bore snake the barrel. If you're not using really dirty loads you only have to open the side plates about every third shoot. It's an easy gun to clean.