Clean it every time you shoot it. Overcleaning doesn't hurt the gun, what does hurt it is constant disassembly and reassembly of the gun. When you put the gun away (less than 6 months) a very light film of gun quality oil will keep it looking new. Wipe it down monthly with a silicone impregnated cloth. More than 6 months, I use a grease so I don't have to worry about evaporation of the oil. If you use grease, clean it before you shoot it. That's what works for me. ....Whit
