The big question is......?

[nightwolf0215]

How often should I clean my handgun? I am very new and just got my cleaning kit. So I want to clean everything a million times. But I know most gun wears come from cleaning. So what is the proper cleaning schedule for guns?

I have

Ruger MKIII (havent shot it yet)
Beretta Cougar 8000F
Colt MKIV Series 80 officer
Springfield TRP
STI Ranger II

[cwin]

I clean my guns after I shoot them, every time.

[DVSmith]

I used to clean mine after every trip to the range. That became tedious when I would take three or more guns at a time. I generally shoot less than 100 rounds through a gun each trip and try to strip and clean them every three or four trips or as soon as they start to act up, which is rare. More often for my 1911's, less often for my glocks.

I will wipe them down and lube them if they look grimy in between.

The only exception is that HD and SD guns are cleaned and lubed after every training session.

[quattrosam]

When I first started, I was the same way. These days, I only clean my centerfire pistols after 4-500 rounds. If I'll be putting them away for a while, I will clean them with less rounds through. The bore is where you don't want to be overly aggressive. Let the chemical action of the cleaners do the work. When necessary, I'll run a nylon brush through a few times to break up residue. I'll do a more detailed cleaning once a year, where I disassemble beyond a basic field strip.

Rimfire will require more frequent cleaning as they tend to run dirtier and foul quicker. When you start getting malfunctions like FTE, time to clean.

[tacticalcity]

I clean my guns after I shoot them, every time.

This. It is not about need. It is about pride and respect. Treat them right, and they will do the same for you.

[meaty-btz]

Depends, does the gun need maint? Like a car a firearm will have a duty cycle. Clean on that cycle. You can go shorter and usually a little longer without undue harm, but why would you change your oil ever time you drove your car? How much sense would that make?

This is different than a wipe down. You will know when it needs cleaning, but I have found that the manufacturer of my Subcompact actually says every 200 rounds, but 300 seems fine. Don't run her dry, don't over lube, don't leave without an oil sheen on the metal parts (to prevent rust) but otherwise clean as directed, don't over clean. My guns actually shoots better.. a little dirty.

[nightwolf0215]

So I guess the consensus is about 300 rounds. I cleaned my guns two days in a row now. With 50 shots in between. lol

[ElvenSoul]

Ummm most owners manuals state the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.

[Ub3rDorK]

buy a glock and never clean it

[llamatrnr]

buy a glock and never clean it

I believe cleaning a Glock voids the warranty

[far from tactical]

i clean my g19 every two or three range visits i shoot like 100 rounds per visit more or less... and i have no troubles at all if i do that it just depends on the shooter and the type of gun you have. and thats why i got a glock

[Ub3rDorK]

I believe cleaning a Glock voids the warranty

hahaha BAH who needs warranty anyway!?

[Turbinator]

This. It is not about need. It is about pride and respect. Treat them right, and they will do the same for you.

Yup, +1 to this statement too.

I can't believe how many people out there DON'T clean their guns.

Turby

[VegasND]

Some guns get cleaned after every range trip, some don't. It depents on their use; I worry more about my carry pistols that anything else.

My vehicle only gets washed at oil change too; the dealer washes it before returning it to me.

I'm just a bad, bad person ...

Yup, +1 to this statement too.

I can't believe how many people out there DON'T clean their guns.

Turby

[geeknow]

My guns get a trip through the ultrasonic tank at the end of each session. They go back into the safe the same way they came out. Cleaned, lubed, and ready to perform.