How often do you clean?

[Cherokeegirl87]

I clean I nice after every range visit. I use mine for self defense so I keep them in the best shape I can.

 

[JeffShrugged]

First thing I do when I return home from the range is thoroughly clean whatever I shot. All my firearms are clean, always. I'm pretty particular about my collection.

 

[wjs81866]

I clean my S&W MP 40 after every range visit, same with my Taurus 9mm. Since my S&W AR is new I haven't shot it much yet; but I did find out how much they like to be wet. That was a departure from my normal understanding of typical handguns etc. I typically clean after every range visit; I may not do anything close to a white glove but at least carrier, bolt and barrel. I also found out how much it hates steel case ammo....Wont waste my money on that again.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I live very close to the Club and am there quite often, so a range visit isn't a marathon workout. I clean my AR when I feel like it. Maybe every 500-1000rds or a few range visits. It's never required cleaning to function properly. It's a battle rifle. I figure it needs to work when a bit dirty, right?

 

[ClayCow]

I don't do anything near white glove for my pistols or shotgun. Simple scrub and wipe and oil. No need to be military clean

 

[TheMaineEvent]

I clean my firearms after every use, but mostly because I like the cleaning process. I realize I could get away with cleaning them less frequently, but there's something about sitting at the bench with a glass of ice tea, music, and working/cleaning on a gun that's almost therapeutic.

 

[MichiganScott]

I clean mine when there is too much snow on the ground to go to the range. I have one loaner AR with close to 500 rounds down range, a 6.8 SPC with eight sighters down the tube, a couple of bolt guns that I spent the summer working up loads for that have had close to 100 rounds..............................

I guess you can say it depends. There is no way I'm cleaning a rifle that I'm working up loads for, or after sighting one in before hunting.

 

[wingnuut]

I clean mine after every shoot, sometimes, but I always open the Hoppes# 9

 

[rtquig]

I've said this time and time again: I've never heard a complaint stating my firearm wouldn't fire because it was clean.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm with the "after being at the range" crowd. Yes, I know it's not necessary but like rtquig said, I've never heard a complaint about the firearm not operating because it was clean.

 

[Ranger98]

I try to clean mine after each use because it provides an excellent opportunity to closely examine the firearm for any possible defects which might be developing such as cracks or broken parts.

 

[FreedomRocks]

You will have your share of owners who will answer that they rarely clean, but you know, if that works for them and their gun shoots fine, than that's OK with me. But not me - because I like cleaning guns. Its all part of the day's fun experience that begins the moment I open my safe and put my AR in its bag to the moment my wife puts a few drops of Hoppes behind her ears and we turn off the lights.

 

[gunny4053]

I live very close to the Club and am there quite often, so a range visit isn't a marathon workout. I clean my AR when I feel like it. Maybe every 500-1000rds or a few range visits. It's never required cleaning to function properly. It's a battle rifle. I figure it needs to work when a bit dirty, right?

Phil, I've seen the pictures of your back yard. You probably don't clean for fear of missing a shot on a big buck from the back deck.

 

[Rastoff]

I do a complete detail strip and clean after every shot. Anyone who does less is a complete boob and doesn't know how to properly care for their firearm.

OK, seriously, I'm in the "clean after each range trip when reasonable" group. If I'm shooting again tomorrow, I probably won't clean. If it will likely be a week or more, I clean.

Now, there are three levels of cleaning; field strip and wipe down, bore and detail strip.

Field Strip and Wipe Down
I do this after every range trip and at least once a week with my carry gun even if it hasn't been shot. I don't touch the bore during this clean. It takes less than five minutes, is cheap insurance and ensures the functionality of the gun.

Add the bore...
Same as above, but this time I'll scrub the bore. With copper plated/jacketed bullets the bore doesn't need cleaning as often as with lead bullets. So, I'll do this every 500-1,000 rounds. Yes, I keep track of every shot.

Detail Strip and Clean
This is where I tear it down to the frame. I take off every part that isn't staked or welded on. The frequency of this depends on use. My carry gun will get this treatment at least twice a year or if it's used in an extremely dirty environment. Every used purchase gets this when I get it home. Some guns have never had this done because they just aren't used that much.

I'm sure other people use different methods and intervals. It's their gun so, they can do what they like. This is how I do it.

 

[touchoneoff]

After every shooting session. I love to clean my guns...really!

 

[shlike]

I clean my firearms after every use, but mostly because I like the cleaning process. I realize I could get away with cleaning them less frequently, but there's something about sitting at the bench with a glass of ice tea, music, and working/cleaning on a gun that's almost therapeutic.

+1. I'm exactly the same way.

 

[MichiganScott]

You will have your share of owners who will answer that they rarely clean, but you know, if that works for them and their gun shoots fine, than that's OK with me. But not me - because I like cleaning guns. Its all part of the day's fun experience that begins the moment I open my safe and put my AR in its bag to the moment my wife puts a few drops of Hoppes behind her ears and we turn off the lights.

Got some really strange people on tis board. I leave the lights on.

 

[happy1]

Let me answer your question with a question. Did you shoot it? If the answer is yes, then clean it. I am constantly amazed by people who spend hard earned cash on a quality firearm, then won't put forth the least amount of effort to protect their investment. It's your money, your weapon, do as you will. As for me, my firearms are not only for fun, but self defense. Not insuring they perform accurately and reliably would be just plain foolish.

End of my opinion, good luck and good shooting.

I'm with you why anyone would spend there money to buy a weapon and not take care of it is beyond me. And then brag about how long it's been since they've cleaned it. In my opinion thats just plain abuse. nuff said

Paul

 

[Mydogmax]

I clean my Sport after each range trip. Never know when the ghost of my old DI will show up for inspection.

 

[sanford12]

Cleaned after every trip to the range in the Army never saw a reason to stop. Just makes ME feel better. It's your gun do what YOU feel is appropriate.