That's my approach, too. After accumulating a number of guns over the years, I've learned how to clean and lubricate for function and preservation without expending a lot of effort on pure cosmetics---with an exception here and there.Unless your about the sell the gun, just leave them. What doesn't come off with Hoppes #9 ... stays on my stainless revolvers. It doesn't 'build up' so no problem just leaving the rings. My 2 cents.