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I can't stand the though of a dirty gun in my safe. Yep, cleaned after every range session.
Mike
Mike
How often do you clean your guns?
- Thread starter Hatterasguy
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RONSERESURPLUS
member
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Hello all, RON L here - SERE SURPLUS
I cean my Guns once every few Months weather they have been shot or not! I use a Bore guide as well as Brass or Fiber rods so I'm not wearing the crown or other such wear, I do the cleaning, as also an nspection, to make sure al Is in order? If I fire them and that's not darn near as much as I like, I clean them well and do the same sort of Inspection! I have been doing this the same way since I was 15 and all my guns stay in good working order! Just my thoughts and opinions, but those formed over 40 years of shooting, that should count for something?
RON
I cean my Guns once every few Months weather they have been shot or not! I use a Bore guide as well as Brass or Fiber rods so I'm not wearing the crown or other such wear, I do the cleaning, as also an nspection, to make sure al Is in order? If I fire them and that's not darn near as much as I like, I clean them well and do the same sort of Inspection! I have been doing this the same way since I was 15 and all my guns stay in good working order! Just my thoughts and opinions, but those formed over 40 years of shooting, that should count for something?
RON
Baphomet
Member
I clean them after every shooting session because I don't see any reason not to. They also represent significant financial investment, and could potentially be called upon at any time to save my bacon.
I'm also quite convinced that should I ever find myself "entertaining" unexpected visitors *cough*, that it will be at a time positively inconvenient. Presenting a crud-laden rosco at such a crucial social moment would, for me at least, be somewhat less than confidence-inspiring if not downright embarrassing. When and if I ever find it socially acceptable to be exchanging high velocity lead, I intend to do so putting my best foot forward.
That's reason enough for me to take ten minutes out of my oh-so-busy schedule to hit my pistolas with a bit of solvent, some patches and a little fresh oil.
I'm also quite convinced that should I ever find myself "entertaining" unexpected visitors *cough*, that it will be at a time positively inconvenient. Presenting a crud-laden rosco at such a crucial social moment would, for me at least, be somewhat less than confidence-inspiring if not downright embarrassing. When and if I ever find it socially acceptable to be exchanging high velocity lead, I intend to do so putting my best foot forward.
That's reason enough for me to take ten minutes out of my oh-so-busy schedule to hit my pistolas with a bit of solvent, some patches and a little fresh oil.
I do a field strip and clean to each of my pistols after every range visit. I do a quick scrub of the barrel with a bore brush but only of there is visable debris. Mostly patch clean with CLP, use q-tips for the tight spots, and a tooth brush for certain parts such as the ramps on autos or the cone on my revolver. There's no way you are going to wear out the gun my using cloth an CLP, so why not keep it clean? Maybe using a brush several hundred thousand times will finally change tolerences but I've never heard of cleaning a gun to death. 
. If you're worried about that just wet patch the hell outta the barrel and you're all set. I also strip and wipe/oil my EDC about 1-2 times a month even if it's unfired to remove all the lint and crap and keep her slick.
All and all, I clean my guns because, like my cars I hate to see them filthy. They are beautiful things and deserve to be clean.
. If you're worried about that just wet patch the hell outta the barrel and you're all set. I also strip and wipe/oil my EDC about 1-2 times a month even if it's unfired to remove all the lint and crap and keep her slick. All and all, I clean my guns because, like my cars I hate to see them filthy. They are beautiful things and deserve to be clean.
It depends on the gun, and what I did with it.
Sometimes, I'll clean a gun that hasn't been fired since it was last cleaned, if it's been out hunting with me in bad weather.
If I shoot a few times on a nice day, I'll wipe the outside off with a CLP-moistened patch and put it in the safe, especially if I'm headed back out soon.
A bolt-action centerfire rifle is so easy, I generally clean it if I shoot it. Outers Foaming Bore Cleaner while I eat dinner, then some patches, and it's squeaky-clean.
My .22 semiauto pistol gets cleaned once every pistol league, whether it needs it or not. If I wanted a finicky pistol I had to clean every time I shot it, I would have bought an expensive target pistol, not spent the money modifying a Ruger Mark II.
.22 plinkers get cleaned only when they seem like they need it, but I do the CLP wipe-down on the outside after I get my sweaty paws all over them.
Sometimes, I'll clean a gun that hasn't been fired since it was last cleaned, if it's been out hunting with me in bad weather.
If I shoot a few times on a nice day, I'll wipe the outside off with a CLP-moistened patch and put it in the safe, especially if I'm headed back out soon.
A bolt-action centerfire rifle is so easy, I generally clean it if I shoot it. Outers Foaming Bore Cleaner while I eat dinner, then some patches, and it's squeaky-clean.
My .22 semiauto pistol gets cleaned once every pistol league, whether it needs it or not. If I wanted a finicky pistol I had to clean every time I shot it, I would have bought an expensive target pistol, not spent the money modifying a Ruger Mark II.
.22 plinkers get cleaned only when they seem like they need it, but I do the CLP wipe-down on the outside after I get my sweaty paws all over them.
LeonCarr
Member
The old saying is, "Never let the sun set on a dirty gun". I know that saying comes from the days of black powder, but I still follow it to this day.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Ronsch
Member
Wow...Sounds like I may be in the minority here..
I have a rotational system of PM/cleaning. I will start out by saying that after shooting, no matter how tired or late, I never, ever leave a firearm sit overnight (unless it is a cleaning solution. That said, I generally do the following:
Weekend #1 - I wipe down all blades.
Weekend #2 - I wipe down all of my sidearms.
Weekend #3 - I wipe down all of my long arms (this is also CAS weekend.)
Weekend #4 - I wipe down all of my muzzleloaders.
Again, with actual use, I clean after the range session. I timed my CAS guns for the weekend I shoot that. Generally, my wiping down includes running dry patches through the barrels, chambers, and cleaning the actions of any accumulated dirt, lint, etc. (especially on my EDCs.)
I have a rotational system of PM/cleaning. I will start out by saying that after shooting, no matter how tired or late, I never, ever leave a firearm sit overnight (unless it is a cleaning solution. That said, I generally do the following:
Weekend #1 - I wipe down all blades.
Weekend #2 - I wipe down all of my sidearms.
Weekend #3 - I wipe down all of my long arms (this is also CAS weekend.)
Weekend #4 - I wipe down all of my muzzleloaders.
Again, with actual use, I clean after the range session. I timed my CAS guns for the weekend I shoot that. Generally, my wiping down includes running dry patches through the barrels, chambers, and cleaning the actions of any accumulated dirt, lint, etc. (especially on my EDCs.)
thorn-
Member
I used to clean every gun after every range trip, no matter what. This took anywhere from 20-90 minutes... sometimes I'd shoot 1 gun, sometimes 4. Now, I clean them when I think they're fouled enough to merit cleaning.
If I put 300 rds through my P99 at the range, it's probably going to be cleaned in the next day or two... but I will put it back in a holster for a night without feeling guilt if I have other things to attend to. If I put 6 rds through my Redhawk, it gets a nice CLP wipedown and then back in the cabinet - I don't break out the brushes and solvent for such little use.
thorn
If I put 300 rds through my P99 at the range, it's probably going to be cleaned in the next day or two... but I will put it back in a holster for a night without feeling guilt if I have other things to attend to. If I put 6 rds through my Redhawk, it gets a nice CLP wipedown and then back in the cabinet - I don't break out the brushes and solvent for such little use.
thorn
Kingofthehill
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i clean everytime they get shot. I shoot a few times a week.
heck, if im bored i'll just clean an already perfect one while i watch TV or something. lol.. it very zen like for me
JOe
heck, if im bored i'll just clean an already perfect one while i watch TV or something. lol.. it very zen like for me
JOe
I do the same! There's something relaxing about cleaning them, same with my Camaro or Corvette, just with less sweat involved.
And then the finished product is gorgeous. I clean things in order to keep them properly maintained. The more I like them, the more I want them to stay in top shape.
However, I don't buy guns, or cars, so I can enjoy cleaning them, any more than I have toilets so I can enjoy cleaning them.
However, I don't buy guns, or cars, so I can enjoy cleaning them, any more than I have toilets so I can enjoy cleaning them.
heavyshooter
Member
Ditto.
I am not denying the validity of the OP's point. It may be the case that cleaning adds to the wear and tear on the weapon. But I have seen too many weapons fail because they were "dirty." That has nurtured a need within me to clean them after every shooting session.
Heavy
However, I don't buy guns, or cars, so I can enjoy cleaning them, any more than I have toilets so I can enjoy cleaning them.
Neither do I. I drive the hell out of my cars and shoot the hell out of my guns, that is why I bought them. So I also like to keep them clean, and enjoy the process, is there something wrong with that?
I think the situation comes down to the intended use of the weapons, and how a person treats their property in general. Some people will treat their property like a newborn baby, and some will keep them in anything but non-functioning condition. Also, for some, their weapons may be just for plinking, and for others, their weapon may be their only one so they want to keep it in tip top condition at all times. Personally, I like to at least do something after a range trip, but I'm also guilty of not touching some after several trips.
RDCL
Member
Always. Especially right after shooting. Like others have said here I cannot stand a dirty gun sitting over night. Can't stand a dirty gun period.
Gotta keep 'em smellin' like Hoppes 9
Russ
Gotta keep 'em smellin' like Hoppes 9
Russ
SOUTHPAW, I don't give a crap what you do, or about your taste in cars for that matter. If it makes you happy, or relaxed, it's a good thing, I figure.
I am just saying that, contra some others, cleaning guns is no particular source of pleasure to me, and if anything, I avoid shooting -- and even purchasing -- guns that take too much cleaning or too much effort to clean. I've found myself really liking bolt guns, over/unders, and revolvers, in part because cleaning them is so much less of a PITA than semiautos.
I am just saying that, contra some others, cleaning guns is no particular source of pleasure to me, and if anything, I avoid shooting -- and even purchasing -- guns that take too much cleaning or too much effort to clean. I've found myself really liking bolt guns, over/unders, and revolvers, in part because cleaning them is so much less of a PITA than semiautos.
Kerf
Member
zero maintenance for me
I used to clean my guns a lot, but now, not so much. They are, after all, inanimate objects and don’t know, in and of themselves, whether they’re clean or dirty. It’s all in the eye of the owner, not so much the beholder.
Ever since I started reading the post on these forums, it’s been zero maintenance for me. I was never aware of how much damage I could be subjecting my prized guns to by stripping and cleaning them after every use. Kind of like, third hand smoke, if you follow my drift. After all, I don’t wash my car every time I drive it; and, it’s not like I’m living in a World War One trench.
I would suggest that everyone try Zero Maintenance for awhile, just to confirm and validate, that you're not cleaning compulsively. There are doctors and clinics that can help treat that condition.
kerf
I used to clean my guns a lot, but now, not so much. They are, after all, inanimate objects and don’t know, in and of themselves, whether they’re clean or dirty. It’s all in the eye of the owner, not so much the beholder.
Ever since I started reading the post on these forums, it’s been zero maintenance for me. I was never aware of how much damage I could be subjecting my prized guns to by stripping and cleaning them after every use. Kind of like, third hand smoke, if you follow my drift. After all, I don’t wash my car every time I drive it; and, it’s not like I’m living in a World War One trench.
I would suggest that everyone try Zero Maintenance for awhile, just to confirm and validate, that you're not cleaning compulsively. There are doctors and clinics that can help treat that condition.
kerf
Hahaha I agree with you Bear. I said I like to clean my guns, but I'm in the same boat as far as avoiding difficult to clean guns. Out of my current pistols, my 1911 is probably the most difficult to strip/clean and even that's not bad at all. I may have not made myself clear in my previous posts, my personal stand on the OP's question was simply that I like to keep my toys clean, not that I buy them specifically to clean them.
And as far as all this talk of "cleaning a gun to death", a cleaning patch/toothbrush and CLP is not going to destroy or harm a firearm in any way. Taking a metal brush to your gun every day on the other hand, might be a different story... I don't know.
Old Shooter
Member
I like clean, properly lubed weapons. After every range session or being out in the field I do a basic tear down, clean, inspect and lube all moving parts. I then re-assemble, function test and put them away until next time they are to be used. If I really, really need to use one of them in a hurry I don't want it to fail to function and be thinking that I really should have cleaned it last week.
It works for me but to each his own.
It works for me but to each his own.
IMHO a lot of wear on weapons is caused by over cleaning.
This happens in the military in a training environment where guns are carried a lot and not shot a lot.
The act of shooting a gun doesn't produce dirt, just carbon which won't hurt anything.
You're wrong there. Carbon can foul rifling, gas systems, firing pin channels and a lot of other things in a firearm.
Their simply isn't that much fouling, I don't notice an accuracy change.
Perhaps in the accuracy you're looking for but I don't know of any rifles that won't suffer some accuracy loss from fouling after 1000-2000 rounds. Try benching the rifle before and after cleaning.
I always clean after every shooting session. Always the bore and strip down for handguns. M1s usually just get the bore punched as it takes a few rounds to settle it in the stock if you take it apart and changes your zero.
I do agree that detail stripping on a regular basis does more harm than good. The only reason I see to detail strip is if the gun is broken. I've always seemed to do a good enough job cleaning after firing any corrosive ammo without detail stripping.
This happens in the military in a training environment where guns are carried a lot and not shot a lot.
The act of shooting a gun doesn't produce dirt, just carbon which won't hurt anything.
You're wrong there. Carbon can foul rifling, gas systems, firing pin channels and a lot of other things in a firearm.
Their simply isn't that much fouling, I don't notice an accuracy change.
Perhaps in the accuracy you're looking for but I don't know of any rifles that won't suffer some accuracy loss from fouling after 1000-2000 rounds. Try benching the rifle before and after cleaning.
I always clean after every shooting session. Always the bore and strip down for handguns. M1s usually just get the bore punched as it takes a few rounds to settle it in the stock if you take it apart and changes your zero.
I do agree that detail stripping on a regular basis does more harm than good. The only reason I see to detail strip is if the gun is broken. I've always seemed to do a good enough job cleaning after firing any corrosive ammo without detail stripping.
I agree on detail stripping. I've never detail stripped any of my guns and don't really look forward to doing it at all. A simple field strip and clean with CLP is all I do.
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