Cleaning between gun range sessions

[gwanghoops]

I go to the range 2-4 times a week and shoot between 50 and 150 rounds / handgun and do a very thorough cleaning on the weekends.

What do you recommend for a quick and dirty cleaning between gun range visits?

I've been lazy by not disassembling the barrel, using a bore brush a few times with CLP (yeah, I know it should be done from the chamber side), followed by the boresnake, and Qtips on the ramp.

[Huge Grant]

For quick/dirty between sessions get yourself a boresnake and be done with it. Not sure you even need that if you're only shooting 50-150 per session. Your weekend routine, as long as you're somewhat thorough, should be plenty sufficient.

[Merc1138]

As long as the guns only take a few seconds to field strip(which is just about everything from glocks to 1911s), field strip, wipe down with a rag, run some q-tips along parts that look filthy, and a boresnake. Shouldn't take more than maybe 5 minutes per gun.

[gwanghoops]

Thanks. Gotta love boresnakes!

[Merc1138]

Thanks. Gotta love boresnakes!

Just remember to keep the boresnakes clean, otherwise it's like trying to wash a car with a dirty rag(I only say this because it's amazing how many people don't realize you're supposed to clean them. Even saw one guy here saying they should be thrown away when the product website says they're washable).

[ACfixer]

For quick/dirty between sessions get yourself a boresnake and be done with it. Not sure you even need that if you're only shooting 50-150 per session. Your weekend routine, as long as you're somewhat thorough, should be plenty sufficient.

+1 I can't say it any better than that.

[CZ93x62]

If the pistol/revolver is purely a recreational device--not to be used for home or self defense--then your regimen is likely all right.

If your pistol/revolver is a 22 LR, then at 150 rounds you are at most 22s' "dirt limit", and a cleaning is indicated for top reliability. I brush out 22 LR revolver chambers every 50 rounds or so, to keep crud levels manageable and extraction easier.

If the pistol/revolver is also used for home- or self-defense, CLEAN IT AFTER EVERY FIRING. This will optimize its reliability, and if (God forbid) a lethal threat management event occurs, and your pistol remains unfired during that event, it is easy to prove that you fired no shots if the police become involved. The perpetrators of acts that result in lethal threat management scenarios are not limited to factual recounting of incident details, and seldom do so. Having as many facts under your control as possible at such a time can be quite beneficial.

[MAC USMC]

I normally clean my guns after each use and do a thorough inspection at the same time. If I intend to shoot again in a day or two then I skip the detailed cleaning job and do it after the next range session.

It is very easy to get pre-occupied and NOT CLEAN your firearms at all. I want to be positive all my guns are in top shape and fully functional. Cleaning guns is a also great way to reinforce your familiarity and knowledge of each gun you own.

[Ubermcoupe]

Im with huge grant. A quick boresnake with ensure you clean any heavy deposits. I would also keep some oil/lube in my range bag in case you get something sticking up.

You make it to the range 2-4 times a week??? That’s awesome.

[Icypu]

Just boresnake the gun like whateveryone else said. What I do is boresnake it after the range 200 rounds. Every 500 I strip it and do a brush and lubing.

[gwanghoops]

Yeah, got the gun bug a few months ago and want to become a decent shooter, but it's hard being old, need reading glasses, get tired eyes after a box or two. At least I'm pretty sure I can become a good gun cleaner.

[Below.Zero]

For that round count I would just go with a Boresnake VIPER as others have mentioned.

[Wicked Pete]

I have read (CGN) about guys that don't clean at all. Wow!

[Press Check]

Maybe I'm weird, but I enjoy cleaning just as much as shooting, which I do after each trip to the range, regardless of how many rounds were spent. For the record, this is a 1911, and I completely strip it down to the bare frame; trigger, sear and everything.

[jonzer77]

I usually take a boresnake to it after the range and then put it back in the safe. I usually clean them before a match or if it's my home defense gun but that's about it. I mainly shoot 1911's so I can easily go 500-600 rounds without cleaning them and they still clean up the same. I do make sure I lube them up before I shoot them though.