If you are using standard 1200+ fps over the counter ammunition and you are new to Smallbore Rifle Silhouette that is fine.  Anything you are confident in is good enough to try this sport (see the ammunition section on the EQUIPMENT page).   The cleaning described here is relative to competition shooting and does not apply to rifles using regular ammunition.   There is no reason to clean a smallbore rifle which has used exclusively target ammunition with any more than a dry patch.  There should be no solvents or brushes used.  They damage the barrel and effect accuracy of the rifle.

There are numerous opinions of when to clean a smallbore rifle.  There are so many you will need to do your own research and make up your own mind which works best for you  The results of my research and experience on the range is similar to some of the best Smallbore Rifle Silhouette shooters.  I specifically spoke to a couple of the best shooters in the world in 2005 to get their opinions and I have their results here.

From Augustine Sanchez, a multi-time National Champion and multi-World Record holder in Smallbore and High Power Rifle Silhouette - Agustine stated he cleans his rifle before going to a match, prior to any practicing. It is always with a DRY patch.  He also said he will not clean it during a match.

From Cathy Winstead, a multi-time National Champion and multi-World Record holder in Smallbore Rifle Silhouette - Cathy stated she cleans her rifle after 1,000 rounds. She uses only a dry patch. She mentioned that she will not feel confident in her rifle being ready for a match until it has 200 rounds through it after a cleaning.

WHAT I DO PERSONALLY...

The Anschutz 1808 MS I have is fairly simple.  After anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 shots it needs a cleaning.  After the dry patch cleaning it is back to normal accuracy after 10 to 50 shots.

The Anschutz 1712 I have is a little more complicated.  It needs cleaning after 1,000 to 2,000 shots.  It takes 100 to 200 shots for it to return to normal.