Cleaning guns is theraputic.

[Glock22]

Yesterday I cleaned my AR and when I was done I felt very relaxed. More so than I have felt in a long time.

Anyone else feel similarly.

 

[Greell]

it is very calming to me. Just me, maybe some music, with my hands and tools to get a good cleaning done---it's even more therapeutic after im back from the range!

 

[solvability]

I prefer to clean my own, but thanks.

 

[esmith]

I think its the only thing that keeps me from going insane. Yeah it is cool making things clean and stuff. You get to take something apart into tiny pieces then put it all back into one.

 

[bumm]

I love my guns, and field strip and clean them meticulously after each trip to the range, but I can't say I enjoy the cleaning routine. I store all my cleaning supplies as conveniently as I can so that I can get through the process as efficiently as possible.
Marty

 

[Tom Servo]

I usually clean them in the showroom at my range when I'm done.

It gives me a chance to unwind and have pleasant conversation.

At home, I put on some music and zone out while I do it.

I actually find being anal-retentive to be quite relaxing

 

[ColinthePilot]

Its the next best thing to shooting them, thats for sure. And shooting stuff is definitely the best stress relief I've had lately. When I come home from the range and don't have time to immediately clean the guns, I'm antsy till I get the job done.

 

[BlazingAngel01]

It always has been for me.

 

[The_Shootist]

Ummm...

...not really. Not while I'm doing it. I regard it as a necessary evil to keep the tools I might use to defend my self clean.I mean I cleaned my 686+ after a range session last weekend and it reminded me while I was doing it as to why I shoot my G19 more than my 686

But it is satisfying putting a gun back in its place all shiny and clean and smelling of Hoppes #9.

 

[Moonclip]

I really dislike it. But I get a feeling of accomplishment when I'm done.

 

[Aaryq]

My first few weeks of my first deployment (this one) was a lot of hurry up and wait boredom, confusion and adjusting. I found that just field stripping my M16 and getting every nook and cranny was just the relaxer I needed.

 

[Dysfunctional Individual]

It gets to be a chore, like most other things done several times a day.

 

[Leitmotif]

I find it very relaxing. It's one of the simpler things to do, and gives you a clear feeling of accomplishment when you're done. I take pride in my sidearm, and love the smell of gun oil, so it's almost like spending some quality time washing my gf in the shower.

 

[camacho]

In my case I actually dread it but I do take my time and clean my guns well after each trip to the range. Man, I wish it was relaxing and therapeutic like it is for some folks here.

 

[igpoobah]

I love it as well.

And it's a good opportunity to get the kids familiar with the inner workings...

 

[Rachen]

I clean mine all the time. I am also a seasoned black powder shooter, and even though I mostly use Hodgdon's 777, I still clean my guns all the time.

I work on my novel, when my hands get sore from writing, time to take a break, maybe wipe down my guns a little bit with oil.

It is therapeutic, I agree completely.

 

[Franksterm1]

When I was in the Army it would turn into a BS/instructional session for the new guys especially on the crew served weapons (I hate disassembly/assembly of the bolt on the M2). Now it's a chance to show the kids and new shooters the inner workings. I find I enjoy it more when I'm not alone. I agree with the sense of accomplishment.

 

[eventer289]

I find it theraputic as well. I especially like showing others that are new to guns how to do everything.

 

[hnk45acp]

It's very meditative, that and waxing a car by hand.

 

[yosarian]

I agree,cleaning does make me more focused and relaxed.

 

[silverlance]

The only thing more therapeutic than cleaning guns for me is reloading ammo with a lee loader.

 

[CountGlockula]

Did you want to add some stress relief scented candles and dimming the lights?

Yes, shooting and taking your time cleaning your weapon is good for the soul...especially when you're not in a rush.

 

[dhoomonyou]

part of the ZEN like experience of shooting.

start with gathering ammo
packing for range
calling friends ("wassup?!, I'm going to range, are you coming"?)
range time
cleaning
planning NEXT session

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Polishing the boots is a more approachable cleaning-zen state for me--no parts to lose and a rhythm to develop. I don't clean my weapons like I used to--but when I do--if I am alone--yes--I will talk to them sometimes.

Don't worry--they (usually) don't answer.

 

[ArmedBear]

Yesterday I cleaned a #$%! black powder revolver replica that my Dad had left dirty for 25 years (fortunately just the part where the noncorrosive cap fouling accumulated, but there was a LOT of it and it was hardened).

The $%^#ing mainspring wouldn't go back into the frame, so while wrestling with it, I dinged up the nice polished blue on the frame with a pair of pliers.

I let loose some profanity more than once. The dogs ran upstairs, scared. My wife asked if she could do anything, and I told her, "No." and laughed a little. She rolled her eyes (this isn't the first time she's observed the phenomenon) and went upstairs to practice dry-firing a little S&W. Seriously.

Inside the revolver, I found that the sear and hammer were both all galled up and burred. They'll have to be replaced (about $50) if I plan to shoot the gun. The one upside is that Dad gave me the thing for nothing.

Did I find cleaning that #$%^ old thing to be relaxing? !@#$, no!

An hour and a half, black hands, frustration, and when now that I put it back together I still can't shoot it without replacing parts.

Relaxing, my ass.