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New to the forum, and Ruger and handguns in general - just picked up a Ruger SR22 PB

Planning on going to the range in the next day or so and was wondering what "normal" (if any) cleaning needs to be done to the gun before shooting?

Also, should the SR22 be "seasoned" with any particular 22LR rounds? The LGS recommended shooting some CCI mini mags through my AR 15-22 before feeding it any of the bulk packs... I have CCI Tactical & Blazer, Remington M-22, and Federal 550 bulk on hand.

And one last question - is there an easy way to remove the stock smaller grip to get the included larger one on? I tried following the instructions but having a hard time removing it...

TIA - can't wait to try out this cool little gun!

I found replacing the grip to be quite easy. Just place thumb and forefinger on front and back of the grip at the top and squeeze as you pull down.

+1
Putting any pressure on the sides of the grip as you pull will only make it harder. Try to keep all the pressure on the front and back. Wrap your "off" hand around the barrel and trigger guard. Keeping your fingers out of the trigger guard is always a good habit to get into.

I did not do anything to mine before shooting it the first time, but it was pretty well lubed from the factory. Take it down and give it a once-over. It's probably good to go.

The only rounds I would recommend against are any lead-nosed rounds. Try to shoot the copper plated stuff. Less fouling.

Good luck and happy shooting!

Appreciate the feedback...

I ended up resorting to using a couple of precision screwdrivers for "the removing the grip for the first time" problem... pried them in from the top, spread the top of the grip slightly, and then pulled the grip off finally!

Other than that, she needs a feeding and we'll see what happens... I bought it on the claim she eats everything, and in the middle of testing 22LR for another rifle (lots of ammo), can't wait to take her to the range to find out!

Congratulations, bet you'll love your SR 22 as much as I love mine!

They changed grips at the gun shop so I can lend you no advice on that issue. I always give my new guns a minimal once over cleaning as a matter of form - and habit.

Years ago the CCI Mini Mag was recommended to me as a great .22 so I always begin with them when I get a new .22. They remain'y favorite but I do shoot a good deal of Winchester Western white box ammo due to costs and they shoot well. But never, never any lead bullets.

Have fun and best wishes,
WHK

_________________
-WHK

FFV, First Families of Virginia
SAR, Sons of the American Revolution

"Shoot low boys, they're riding Shetland ponies." - Lewis Grizzard

The grip on mine was very stubborn so I took the advice of warming it up with a hair dryer and the grip came off easily.

CCI mini mags are good... I don't recall anyone ever having a cycling problem with them in a standard 22lr rifle or handgun....

My suggestion for preparation before shooting is do very little.... make sure the barrel is clear of greece and have lub on hand for the bolt and such and fire it... the potential problem with breaking down a new fresh from the factory gun and cleaning it and such before firing it is if there is a problem with it, then how do you know it's not something you did? My experience with new guns is .... take it out of the box... load it up and shoot it... has never been a problem... heck, in reality it's not really 'new' anyway.... there was a spent casing in the box right?

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

Finally got out to the range - didn't get to shoot too many rounds, but I liked what I saw. Shot with Federal 550 (copper) and was able to dial in pretty quickly. I thought the groups were decent for a first time handgun owner firing bulk ammo... once I get more experienced with it, I'll try out some of the better stuff. I went in the evening so I could dial in the laser on my M&P 15-22 while I was there and was surprised by the amount of flash from the SR... I don't think I've seen that from the muzzle of my rifle - besides a longer barrel, is the flash hider really that effective?!?! Anyway, loving it so far!