Handgun cleaning:when, how often?
- Thread starter Vinnie Harold
- Start date
For centerfire range guns (guns that I shoot for fun but that don't do self-defense duty):
If it's had under 100 rounds through it since the last cleaning I'll probably wait until after the next range session to clean.
Above 100 rounds and it will probably get cleaned before the next range session.
For rimfire range guns:
I clean them when I feel like it or when they start to show accuracy loss or functioning issues. I used to clean my rimfires every 500 rounds or so but the bores were so clean I finally decided it was pointless.
For self-defense guns:
Cleaned as soon as they get home from a range trip regardless of how many/few rounds are shot. Full function check (short of actually firing a round) after cleaning and lubrication is complete.
If it's had under 100 rounds through it since the last cleaning I'll probably wait until after the next range session to clean.
Above 100 rounds and it will probably get cleaned before the next range session.
For rimfire range guns:
I clean them when I feel like it or when they start to show accuracy loss or functioning issues. I used to clean my rimfires every 500 rounds or so but the bores were so clean I finally decided it was pointless.
For self-defense guns:
Cleaned as soon as they get home from a range trip regardless of how many/few rounds are shot. Full function check (short of actually firing a round) after cleaning and lubrication is complete.
youngunz4life
New member
I don't wait for my firearms to get gunky(I couldn't even imagine), and I don't wait for signs that something is wrong: improper functions, inaccuracies, etc. That being said I know if my firearms need it or not. If a buddy gifted me a firearm because he went to gun rehab to detox off firearm enthusiam, I would clean that thing silly even if I could tell it was in better shape than one of my own. I need to know where I stand with my firearms.
If one of my guns gets shot a bunch its cleaned before that even happens(as in I'm cleaning my firearm before its overdue). If I shot a couple cylinders as an example only - whether both in succession or a month or two apart - that doesn't mean it needs to be cleaned necessarily. I already know ahead of time: "The next time I fire that it will be cleaned" & that occurs multiple instances before it has to be cleaned. I also don't see harm in cleaning one's firearm more than I do either; I just know my weapons enough to do it a little less than some people might. I might not shoot my firearms as much as some people either, as some people put many, many more rounds down range then others. I don't think either way is right or wrong as long as you don't avoid the cleaning of your firearm and you know where you stand with it(like how long its been, how many rounds since last cleaned, etc). I will say I am a big fan of stainless steel when it comes to revolvers, and I am even a bigger fan(nut) about making sure the conditions of my stored firearms are consistently good. It doesn't matter if its mid-summer or the dead of winter, my firearms stay in a good atmosphere. I avoid down cellar because if theres any moisture in my home it would be there(at least where I live).
If one of my guns gets shot a bunch its cleaned before that even happens(as in I'm cleaning my firearm before its overdue). If I shot a couple cylinders as an example only - whether both in succession or a month or two apart - that doesn't mean it needs to be cleaned necessarily. I already know ahead of time: "The next time I fire that it will be cleaned" & that occurs multiple instances before it has to be cleaned. I also don't see harm in cleaning one's firearm more than I do either; I just know my weapons enough to do it a little less than some people might. I might not shoot my firearms as much as some people either, as some people put many, many more rounds down range then others. I don't think either way is right or wrong as long as you don't avoid the cleaning of your firearm and you know where you stand with it(like how long its been, how many rounds since last cleaned, etc). I will say I am a big fan of stainless steel when it comes to revolvers, and I am even a bigger fan(nut) about making sure the conditions of my stored firearms are consistently good. It doesn't matter if its mid-summer or the dead of winter, my firearms stay in a good atmosphere. I avoid down cellar because if theres any moisture in my home it would be there(at least where I live).
I generally consider gun cleaning to be a health hazard and avoid it as much as possible.
My typical procedure is:
This only takes a few minutes and limits exposure to lead and chemicals.
About every 2 years or so I will thoroughly clean my guns in one large batch:
If I was in law enforcement or in the military I would probably be more picky about cleaning my guns, but I am just a range shooter. My life does not depend on my guns.
H.
My typical procedure is:
- Take gun to range and fire 100-300 rounds
- Run boresnake through barrel
- remove and wipe down barrel, slide and any other accessible part
- lightly grease slides and outside of barrel
- touch up other major moving parts w/ATF & needle oiler
- Inspect for worn, cracked, broken, bent parts.
- Throw away all cleaning rags, paper towels, etc.
- Wash hands thoroughly
This only takes a few minutes and limits exposure to lead and chemicals.
About every 2 years or so I will thoroughly clean my guns in one large batch:
- Remove grips, slide & barrel
- Run bronze brush, hoppes, copper cleaner, patches & CLP, etc through barrel
- Spray everything thoroughly w/powder blast or similar product. Scrub with nylon brush.
- Dry and spray thoroughly with CLP. Wipe off as much CLP as I possible can
- lightly grease slides & outside of barrel
- touch up other major moving parts w/ATF & needle oiler
- Reassemble guns
- thoroughly clean my workarea
- Throw away all cleaning rags, paper towels, etc.
- Wash hands thoroughly
If I was in law enforcement or in the military I would probably be more picky about cleaning my guns, but I am just a range shooter. My life does not depend on my guns.
H.
bad advice
I try to clean my guns once a year. Or every two years. Or after 5,000 rds. Or 7,000.
Or not.
One thing I absolutely do: I ensure my guns work, because they are all defense tools.
More guns fail more often right after cleaning, because their functioning is compromised by the disassembly/(failed)assembly process.
After I clean a gun I walk out of the shop and fire at least one 'full load' through to ensure proper function.
Yeah.
I try to clean my guns once a year. Or every two years. Or after 5,000 rds. Or 7,000.
Or not.
One thing I absolutely do: I ensure my guns work, because they are all defense tools.
More guns fail more often right after cleaning, because their functioning is compromised by the disassembly/(failed)assembly process.
After I clean a gun I walk out of the shop and fire at least one 'full load' through to ensure proper function.
Yeah.
The Great Mahoo
New member
I always clean any gun that I have shot. Typically in the same day, but occassionally they get left in my shooting bag in hopes that I'll "get to it soon" for a few days.
Aside from that, I will clean my carry gun(s) periodically if I feel its been a long time since I've done so. I never minded cleaning guns.
Aside from that, I will clean my carry gun(s) periodically if I feel its been a long time since I've done so. I never minded cleaning guns.
brandondferrier
New member
clean em whenever i shoot em. and periodic oiling to prevent rust. +1 to everyone that said that
SigP6Carry
New member
I hate to say this... but.... I clean my guns every range session. Unfortunately, my last range session for ANY of my guns was at least three months ago.
How often do you clean a gun you don't fire?
How often do you clean a gun you don't fire?
Miata Mike
New member
Usually my hand guns are cleaned after fired. So easy to field strip the centerfires and give them a quick Hoppes 9 and wire brush bath. 
I've tried to be utilitarian about it and not clean the guns unless necessary for reliable function, you know using arguments like "Why bother? This gun can probably do another 500 rounds before any sign of slowing down." It's even occurred for me to try to "torture test" a couple of my guns to see just how many rounds I can put through them without cleaning before any reliability issues show up. But I've just never been able to stand the notion of a dirty gun and have always caved.
SigP6Carry
New member
No one's really answered my question. It may not be about handguns... since, my handgun has been fired recently. But my shotgun and rifle haven't been shot for around... 8 months on the shotgun and 6 on the rifle...
How often should unfired guns be cleaned? I assume the liquids in the lubricants evaporate, but at what rate? Dry fire drills with snap caps and empties indicate that the guns operate just as well, but I'd rather not just empties and snaps to how well the guns are operating.
How often should unfired guns be cleaned? I assume the liquids in the lubricants evaporate, but at what rate? Dry fire drills with snap caps and empties indicate that the guns operate just as well, but I'd rather not just empties and snaps to how well the guns are operating.
For a gun that's been properly cleaned and lubricated with premium specific purpose cleaning and lubricant products and safely stored away from dust, humidity and other "hazards" in high-quality cases or safes made specifically for gun storage, I would say it's sufficient to pull it out and check it annually.
If you have high humidity, don't have a good storage area that protects your firearms from dust and other contaminants, if you use expedient lubricants & cleaners, cheap cases or expedient storage methods, if you don't clean very carefully, etc. then I'd pull them out and do a once over and a function check at least monthly.
If you have high humidity, don't have a good storage area that protects your firearms from dust and other contaminants, if you use expedient lubricants & cleaners, cheap cases or expedient storage methods, if you don't clean very carefully, etc. then I'd pull them out and do a once over and a function check at least monthly.
handgunchick
New member
Gun cleaning
I clean mine every single time I shoot them. I dissasemble them, (except my Hi Point 9mm carbine, which only needs completely dissassembled every 5,000rounds), using the usual gun solvent and oil either the same day I go to the range or the day after if I get back too late. Then I reassemble them, oil everything, including clips, wipe off the excess, and voila! a new, beautiful gun. I also don't let my gun touch any surface except my hand, a holster, or the gun case. Those shelves at the range (especially outdoor ones) are disgusting and will ding up your work of art.
I clean mine every single time I shoot them. I dissasemble them, (except my Hi Point 9mm carbine, which only needs completely dissassembled every 5,000rounds), using the usual gun solvent and oil either the same day I go to the range or the day after if I get back too late. Then I reassemble them, oil everything, including clips, wipe off the excess, and voila! a new, beautiful gun. I also don't let my gun touch any surface except my hand, a holster, or the gun case. Those shelves at the range (especially outdoor ones) are disgusting and will ding up your work of art.