How often do you clean your guns?

[JL_Ray]

I'm a new pistol owner (9mm & .380). I've had 2-22s and 2 shotguns in the safe for the past 10 years. I'm trying to get back into shooting. So I thought I should clean everything to get me started off good, question is: How often do you clean your weapons?

I always thought they should be cleaned after every shooting outing, but some people tell me they never clean their guns.

 

[zonker5]

I clean mine every time I shoot them usually. The only time I don't is if I only fire one or two rounds from the 22 at a rabbit that's eating my tomatoes.

 

[gunlovingirl]

I've always cleaned my guns after every outing. And sometimes in between. I actually enjoy cleaning my guns almost as much as shooting them.

 

[Evil Dog]

I try to clean mine after every use, problem is that I go shooting practically every day (one of the perks of being retired).

 

[HotRoderX]

I try and clean my barrels every time I go shooting. As far as a detail cleaning I do that every 250-500 rounds unless its a SD weapon. Then I make sure to keep those in top shape.

The reason I only clean barrels is because I was told the more you strip a gun down the loser the tolerances get. literally its possible to clean your guns to much.

 

[hittman77]

Mine get cleaned after every range trip. No reason NOT to.

 

[Harrison]

Everytime I shoot them. On the .22 rimfires, I don't waste a lot of time scrubbing the bores. Usually just an oily patch followed by a dry one.

 

[2hawk]

Clean them when they're dirty. Or when you're bored. Either will work.
But, be aware, and clean them right... more barrels have been damaged/worn out by improper cleaning than by shooting. Especially true of the .22s.

 

[Damocles]

Every time I shoot which isn't all that much, but I do try to check them once or twice a month in case any rust may pop up, which I am pleased to say it never has.

 

[gruntanz]

I clean mine after every use because I like to.
I know of some guys who never clean their guns apart from an occasional wipe with an oily rag to prevent rust.
I have never cleaned the barrel of any of my .22s

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Centerfire handguns and shotguns get cleaned every range trip.

I tend to only clean the bores of my 22s every half dozen range trips or so(my compromise between the "clean them every time" and the "never clean them" folks). The Marlin 60s, however, get their actions cleaned every range trip even when not cleaning the bore as I've found they tend to feed unreliably if not clean.

 

[pownal55]

This is a much discussed subject with a lot of opinions. Most experts agree excessive copper fouling will have a negative effect on accuracy. I know from experience the longer you shoot without cleaning the bore the harder it is to remove powder residue build up as well as copper fouling. I always clean my guns after each shooting sessions including rimfires.

 

[Buttugly072]

The handguns i clean after every use. The shotguns like the Winchester model 1200 and the 12ga. and .410 really take some abuse. Shotguns about every 3 to 5 yrs. I usually end up dumping sand out of them.I rarely shoot 30/30 so like once a year at least i oil it to keep rust off. The 10/22 about every 1k rounds but i could shoot that in 2 days. The marlin 39a about every 150-300 which could be one range visit. The 39a action locked up on me once from leading and carbon buildup so i take better care of it now.
Gl and have fun
Dave

 

[JL_Ray]

Clean them when they're dirty. Or when you're bored. Either will work.
But, be aware, and clean them right... more barrels have been damaged/worn out by improper cleaning than by shooting. Especially true of the .22s.

My late husband was the one who took care of the guns, but now it's my responsibility. How can cleaning cause barrels damage or wear? I want to to it right and do a good job.

 

[bushmaster1313]

The following has been sent via PM to the OP:

Please accept my heartfelt apologies for my insensitive post.

I made a joke about clean and dirty guns not seeing that you are a widow caring for your husband's guns.

I did not mean any harm and thought you were an young kid just buying his or her first gun

 

[Buttugly072]

My late husband was the one who took care of the guns, but now it's my responsibility. How can cleaning cause barrels damage or wear? I want to to it right and do a good job.

I know that the metal cleaning rods which are small but screwed together to make a longer rod for a longer barrels(rifles) can bend at the joint and scar the inside of the barrel rifling. That is among many improper cleaning methods.The plastic or fiberglass may be less harmful.BTW my wife says her guns are self cleaning. Meaning she leaves it on the counter and well, when she returns they are clean. He he im the gun cleaning gremlin i guess. Also some solvents could do damage to things like some nickel finishes. And abrasives could damage blueing. It really depends the certain item you wish to clean. Youtube does have some nice instructionals on most specific models of guns regarding proper care and cleaning.
Dave
GL and have fun

 

[2hawk]

My late husband was the one who took care of the guns, but now it's my responsibility. How can cleaning cause barrels damage or wear? I want to to it right and do a good job.

My condolences, ma'am. You can do a web search on "proper gun cleaning" or equivalent, but if there is an acquaintance that you know has guns and seems responsible, then I would suggest you ask for some instruction. If you are not currently using (shooting) the guns, just keep them in a safe storage environment and they should be fine. Brownells and Midway both sell silicone storage bags, they are like socks, and those would be good to use. You can also find them a local gun or sporting goods outlets.

If you can't find anyone to help you easily, I would suggest contacting an NRA gun safety instructor in your area, I think they'd probably be happy to help you out. Have a safe and happy holiday!

 

[JL_Ray]

BTW my wife says her guns are self cleaning. Meaning she leaves it on the counter and well, when she returns they are clean. He he im the gun cleaning gremlin i guess.

LOL I know how she feels, I do miss my gremlin. I hope you spend many more years being hers.

 

[chief38]

If it gets shot - - - - it gets cleaned.

 

[JL_Ray]

Thank you 2Hawk. The 2 rifles (22s) and the 2 shotguns (12 & 16 ga) are all in socks and have been in the safe which is in a metal storage container in the desert and have not been shot for the past 10 years. Now since I've recently purchased 2 pistols (9mm & .380) I want to take them out of mothballs.

I vaguely remember what he used to to and I have the old oils and cleaners. I do have several of the old screw together style rods, including one that is a large wooden one for the shotguns. The old cleaners are: Hoppe's copper solvent, Hoppe's powder solvent and Hoppe's lubricating oil. Do you think these are still good??

I took the rifles into the gun shop the other day and he said I should use a silicone lubricant so I'll pick that up next time I'm in town. I was able to download manuals for the rifles and shotguns that do give me info on how to field strip and some info on cleaning.

Unfortunately I'm an hour from the grocery store so finding NRA anything is difficult. I was looking today for beginner safety and self defense classes and it was a bust so guess I'll have to expand my search area.

Thanks for all the great ideas and the support. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!