Any reason to clean guns that haven't been shot for a while?

[jeffafa]

I have a few guns that I don't shoot that often but always get cleaned after shooting. If it's been a few months since I shot & cleaned them and they've been sitting in the safe (pistols are in gun socks), is there any reason to clean them?
Is there a period of time that it should be done regardless even if they were put away clean?

[VolvoWrench]

Nope.

[NIKSD]

If the guns are in a dry place, once per year is enough.

[dk94044]

Or if you have a teenage daughter that has boys visiting, they just happen to catch you in the middle of cleaning your firearms

[roger1022]

Or if you have a teenage daughter that has boys visiting, they just happen to catch you in the middle of cleaning your firearms

That is one of the best times to be cleaning your firearms.

[kengotit]

i usually check for rust, relube it if its dry things in the nature

[Merc1138]

Clean them? They aren't dirty, cleaning them wouldn't accomplish anything. The occasional wipe down with some oil or other protectant if you're concerned about rust wouldn't be a bad idea once in a blue moon as long as you don't go overkill and end up with a wood stock soaked in oil.

[L84CABO]

You do, however, probably want to be sure you inspect them periodically. Found rust in the magwell on one of mine once. Fortunately I caught it quickly so it wasn't a big deal. Ever since then, I make sure to give everything a once over weekly.

[Sabot]

Lube once in a while or the gun will jam.

[boomer135]

Nothing wrong with inspecting every couple months... And give a light coat of oil. All depending on how well you cleaned the first time will result in a touch up or full strip. The guns that are going to sit I do a full strip clean and coat with oil of your choice.

For a detail clean the q-tips and pipe cleaners come out, and revolvers get the cylinder removed for de-leading... Before I shoot after stored for awhile I wipe clean and run a dry patch through the barrel. To remove any excess oil.

Shampoo, rinse, repeat...

[heidad01]

Any gun that gets used needs cleaning afterwards. This does not necessarily mean field stripping, but they get sprayed and wiped down. Strip as needed after every x range trips depending on the usage.

Any gun that is long term stored collectibles (not for shooting) or ones that have not been shot or touched in a while, They get oiled on the outside once a quarter.

Can of oil = $5 to $6 + a few minutes a gun

Forgotten and not oild gun = $hundreds or $thousands lost in value + regret for a life time

Take your pick.

p.s. I like mine and they are not treated like Craftsman tools from Sears.

[BigPimping]

I do every 6 months if they are not used. I am uptight though.

[Rusty Bolts]

The best reason to clean a gun that has not been shot for a while is that it gives you a reason to fondle it.

Rusty Bolts

[DennisCA]

I check mine (usually) once a month, regardless if I have shot them recently or not but that's just me.

Rusty Bolts - Totally agree with your statement; you are talking about your firearms - right?

[Cal10]

Some I check more than others, like the Mossy 500, and the AK for rust of course. Most of the others are stainless and plastic and aluminum so they can go longer between checks.

Dessicators can remove the solvents in the lubes over time especially Froglube because it's water based so any gun you plan on pulling out for an emergency should be checked regularly. The rest are in heavy lube cold storage, remove clean and relube lightly prior to use.