I never clean mine and it shoots superbly. It gets a lil powder fowling but it comes right out. The 17 is hell on skunks,possumns,crows, etc. I wouldnt use it on coyotes however. I think its just to small and shotplacement must be absolutly perfect. If you do shoot a yote with one at least use the cci sense it holds together better. To the post about racoons it will dispatch them but the lil ballistic tip bullets do blow up and will do lots of damage. I dont know if it would penetrate all the way through on a racoon or beaver but on small game ive shot it has and leaves some nice holes. The .17 sells well because its accurate, new, and a pleasure to shoot.

You get the savage or marlin (blued) for less than 200$. But the ammo is a bit expensive at 10$ a box of 50. Hopefuly wiht 3 manufactors making ammo the price will drop.