Cleaning \ Maintaining new pistol + ammo question

[FTA84]

Hello. I just bought an M&P 40 from the local gun shop. I've put 65 rounds through it so far. The shop I bought it from has a small shooting range so that customers may try guns before they purchase them. Therefore, I am not sure how many rounds have been through this weapon. I presume others have tried it before me.

When is the first time I should clean and oil it?
The gun shop recommended buying cleaning supplies at the Wal-mart, do they also sell decent gun oil?

Also, the range here sells reloads for $18 for 100. I can purchase Winchesters $21 for 100 at the Wal-mart.

What is the performance\longevity difference between reloads and new (cheap) ammo? Is it worth the $3 per 100 rounds?

Thanks in advance.

 

[CountGlockula]

When is the first time I should clean and oil it?

I clean mine after every range trip...also I usually use 200+ round at the range.

The gun shop recommended buying cleaning supplies at the Wal-mart, do they also sell decent gun oil?

Check out Otis gun cleaning "quality" kits for handguns: http://www.otisgun.com/ I have it and it works for me.

What is the performance\longevity difference between reloads and new (cheap) ammo? Is it worth the $3 per 100 rounds?

Just be cautious of certain remanufactured ammo.

 

[SteveS]

When is the first time I should clean and oil it?

I usually inspect/clean/lube my new guns before I shoot them. Many new guns I have bought have been 'over-lubed', to the point where they were dripping with oil. Otherwise, it depends on how dirty it is. If it only got shot a little and I will be shooting it again soon, I may just wipe it down. If it is seriously dirty or is going back into the safe for an extended period of time, then it gets a thorough cleaning. Now that I have a family, I have less time for cleaning, so I am not the 'clean freak' I once was.

 

[Owen]

Generally the oil on a new gun is not a lubricant at all but a preservative. It's usually a good idea to clean a new gun before you shoot it, so you can get some lube in there. Don't worry, you didn't hurt anything with 65 rounds.

As far as cleaning goes, Every 5 or 600 rounds should be fine. For me that's once a month or so. If you are going to carry it regularly it needs to be kept clean, because its always going to be collecting lint. If you are putting it away, then you should put it away clean.

 

[glockman19]

I clean my guns after every range trip. I generally run a bore snake through before leaveing the range and do a good cleaning at home with Hopps#9, Brushes, Mops, patches and finish them off witha light oiling. I also lightly coat the barrel for rust protection.

I agree that you don't have to clean after every range trip yo can clean as others after every 500 or so rounds. I just prefer to have a clean gun every time out.