Well tried the DIY cleaning of my Ruger Airhawk barrel with fishing line and q tip wrapped in a paper towel and it got stuck managed to get it out by fishing around in there gently with a shiskabob wooden stick.. no weed whacker line around to try the other method. It came out completely black as well.Not gonna risk any other needless mistakes so I ordered the Umarex Cleaning Kit (pretty cool little pull through cleaner for .177 and .22)
I'm seriously considering the Benjamin Prowler now. Or really any springer/gas rifle other than the Gamo I was considering. Thanks a lot guys for all your input. I really appreciate all the replies.American made seems more bang for your buck and that's what I'm after. Not necessarily just fps but features and how long they last. After some quick research the gas pistons have less vibration and recoil and exact hand placement isn't that much of an issue concerning accuracy among other pros. Some claim the gas piston is just marketing hype with no advantage whatsoever over the spring and if/when the piston fails the rifle is ruined basically then you need to buy a new one. Is any of that true? Another Question I have is should I go with .22 or .177? Like I said I'm only going after squirrels and mostly going to be target practicing and plinking at give or take 20 yards but may move on to longer distances in the future. Would I notice any huge difference between the two calibers? Especially with the Prowler. My local Walmart has them in stock for 104 dollars. EDIT: just saw the recommendation for the Benjamin Trail for 99 bucks. Seems like a stellar rifle. Thanks for the find. I'm actually having an internal struggle not to jump on that right now. Worried it might be used or refurbished though and not brand new given the huge discount in price.