Pistol Cleaning - How Often?

clearshot7

clearshot7

Joined
May 9, 2007
Messages
111
Likes
4
Location
North of Boston
Feedback: 0 / 0 / 0
Hi all, looking to see how often you all clean your pistol.

I have fired over 4000 rounds through my S&W M&P 9c, cleaning it approximately after every 5 to 6 times at the range. I generally go every week, and fire about 100 rounds (it's getting expensive [frown]). I have no FTF's or FTE's. Am I just lucky, do I have a great gun, or is just not necessary to clean the gun after each use?

What's your experience?
 
I clean my guns after every range trip, even if I only put one mag through the firearm. If your pistol is proven to be 100% reliable, what better way to further insure this by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting it after every range trip.
 
I never clean my guns more than a couple of times a year. I shoot mostly Glocks and Revos and put about 500-800 rounds per month thru them. I do have to brush out the revo cylinders after each use, but that's it. I normally don't lube the Glocks more than once between cleanings. They seem to prefer that treatment and reward me with flawless operation.

-Cuz.
 
clearshot7 said:
Hi all, looking to see how often you all clean your pistol.

I have fired over 4000 rounds through my S&W M&P 9c, cleaning it approximately after every 5 to 6 times at the range. I generally go every week, and fire about 100 rounds (it's getting expensive [frown]). I have no FTF's or FTE's. Am I just lucky, do I have a great gun, or is just not necessary to clean the gun after each use?

What's your experience?
Click to expand...

I clean my M&P's after each range trip. I figure its better to be cleaned & lubed too often than not often enough. FWIW, I just recently picked up a new M&P45, and the 9c is much, much smoother - I chalk that up to my cleaning & lubing.
 
I usually clean after every use, even if it's one mag. (Ask JDubois how clean my guns are[smile]) Perhaps it's overkill but I figure if I'm going to go to the trouble to be licensed, own and carry firearms, depend on them for my life and manage the repercussions, I might as well do everything possible to keep them running flawlessly...plus I kind of enjoy it. Particularly now that winters coming and I don't sweat all over them.

Picture:

A cool evening, a fire in the wood stove, some playoff baseball on TV, dog snoring at my feat, snifter of B&B on the side table and 3 disassembled firearms in various stages of cleaning. That, my friends, is a fine evening.
 
Last edited:
I try to clean mine after every trip to the range. Doesn't always work out that way, but that is what I try to do.

Raoul, I second that it is fun to clean them... at least when they are new. After a while it can get old... but I guess more reason to expand the safe, to keep cleaning new and interesting. [wink]
 
nanerclip said:
I clean my guns after every range trip, even if I only put one mag through the firearm. If your pistol is proven to be 100% reliable, what better way to further insure this by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting it after every range trip.
Click to expand...

+1

Others may do otherwise, but I will stick with what has worked for me.
 
It's a BAD idea to constantly clean your gun. You shouldn't go crazy cleaning your barrel as you will cause more harm than good. Cleaning the rest of the gun is fine but you shouldn't go crazy with the barrel. I got this information from a MASTER gunsmith (Brazos Custom) who mentioned that if you are cleaning the barrel a lot it causes a loss of pressure in the barrel because any imperfections in the barrel will be filled with residue from your ammo. You should clean the rails and the rest of the gun but go light on the barrel.

That being said I shoot a LOT (well not in the past 2 months) and I hardly ever clean my guns. I will clean before a match but that's about it. Sometimes I don't even bother doing that.
 
every 500

Smith and wesson recommends cleaning every 500 or so. taking a gun
apart freqquently is not good for it. I follow their recommendations.

However, the cleaning freqauency is your business, its your gun.

JimB
 
PistolPete said:
It's a BAD idea to constantly clean your gun. You shouldn't go crazy cleaning your barrel as you will cause more harm than good. Cleaning the rest of the gun is fine but you shouldn't go crazy with the barrel. I got this information from a MASTER gunsmith (Brazos Custom) who mentioned that if you are cleaning the barrel a lot it causes a loss of pressure in the barrel because any imperfections in the barrel will be filled with residue from your ammo. You should clean the rails and the rest of the gun but go light on the barrel.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but this is one of the silliest things I've heard in a long time. I think what you are getting at is that if you have a barrel that you have neglected it will have pits/imperfections. Now, you might notice that your gun shoots best after ten rounds or so and that is because those pits are now filled. The best bet is not to neglect your barrel and to keep it clean and oiled. Moisture will get in there and rust will happen wether you like it or not if you leave your barrel dirty for a long period of time. Even stainless rusts.

I've never met a decent bullseye shooter that didn't clean the gun after shooting it. That's because bullseye means dead nuts accuracy. You might not shoot bullseye, but you can learn from the people who do how to keep your gun performing it's best. And that is to simply clean and lube it every time you shoot it. None of my guns come home dirty, they leave clean and come back that way. And that means oil in the barrel and in the internals of the gun after cleaning it to preserve and prevent rust/pitting. To sound redundant, Keep the barrel clean, keep oil in it. Moisture gets under lead and copper leads to fouling. KEEP THE BARREL CLEAN & LUBED.
 
BOBKATT said:
I'm sorry but this is one of the silliest things I've heard in a long time. I think what you are getting at is that if you have a barrel that you have neglected it will have pits/imperfections. Now, you might notice that your gun shoots best after ten rounds or so and that is because those pits are now filled. The best bet is not to neglect your barrel and to keep it clean and oiled. Moisture will get in there and rust will happen wether you like it or not if you leave your barrel dirty for a long period of time. Even stainless rusts.

I've never met a decent bullseye shooter that didn't clean the gun after shooting it. That's because bullseye means dead nuts accuracy. You might not shoot bullseye, but you can learn from the people who do how to keep your gun performing it's best. And that is to simply clean and lube it every time you shoot it. None of my guns come home dirty, they leave clean and come back that way. And that means oil in the barrel and in the internals of the gun after cleaning it to preserve and prevent rust/pitting. To sound redundant, Keep the barrel clean, keep oil in it. Moisture gets under lead and copper leads to fouling. KEEP THE BARREL CLEAN & LUBED.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you know more than a master gunsmith. Also, you shouldn't keep oil inside the barrel. So your statement is the silliest I've ever heard.

Why don't you read this article:

http://www.schuemann.com/Content/clean2.htm

So you know Mr. Schuemann is a Rocket Scientist. Literally!!! I think I will take his advice over yours. No offense...
 
Last edited:
I do a light cleaning after every use of my 1911s - remove the slide and bbl, wipe it clean, wipe the bbl ramp clean, and re-lube the slide/frame engagements; and do a full detail strip cleaning about once a year.
 
PistolPete said:
I'm sure you know more than a master gunsmith. Also, you shouldn't keep oil inside the barrel. So your statement is the silliest I've ever heard.

Why don't you read this article:

http://www.schuemann.com/Content/clean2.htm

So you know Mr. Schuemann is a Rocket Scientist. Literally!!! I think I will take his advice over yours. No offense...
Click to expand...

I have heard some wildly varying opinions on barrel cleaning from respected professionals, gunsmiths and barrel makers. This may have something to do with the barrels themselves. Bar Sto claims that their barrels are so hard that they will stand up to a SS bore brush and back this statement with a warranty. Other MFRs warn that such treatment will ruin the barrel. After talking to a tech at Bar Sto I will be using their barrels exclusively in the future.

As far as cleaning goes, I clean my guns religously every thousand rounds or so or just before a match. This includes my two Glocks in .40 that I feed a diet of lead bullets.
 
PistolPete said:
I'm sure you know more than a master gunsmith. Also, you shouldn't keep oil inside the barrel. So your statement is the silliest I've ever heard.

Why don't you read this article:

http://www.schuemann.com/Content/clean2.htm

So you know Mr. Schuemann is a Rocket Scientist. Literally!!! I think I will take his advice over yours. No offense...
Click to expand...

I briefly read through the article. All I see is recomendation against certain cleaners and steel brushes(a no brainer if you ask me), there is no need for steel brushes, and if you are in fact responsible enough to clean your gun every time and lubricate it afterwards, there is little or no need for a brush at all. All you need is a few patches of #9 on a jag followed by a clean patch and a patch with some breakfree or similar lube on it. I haven't used brass(softer than steel and a better choice for obvious reasons) brushes since I can remember. And I know for a fact that I don't need to because after every time I shoot I run jags through until they push enough lead and residue out that they come out clean.

Where is the information that suggests cleaning a barrel has negative effect on the barrel, and where does it suggest not to use a lubricant inside the barrel at all times? Please copy and paste or point me to this. Also if there is any data that has been collected to show the effects of lead and copper and powder residue on steel inside the barrel, it would be a helpful comparison. Have you researched that as well?

Also, no offense, but Rocket Science has nothing to do with this. I know a brain surgeon that couldn't positively I.D. a grip safety so I cannot assume Mr. Schuemann's job to have any relevance to this particular subject.
 
Last edited:
Mr. Schuemann is not only a rocket scientist but he designed and manufactured gun barrels. So that is why it is relevant.
 
Pistol Pete & Bobcatt, you both have valid points. A master gumsmith works on guns, if you want to "fill" or smooth out a barrel, I would suggest lapping. Buy a kit! I usually shoot 50 rounds and clean, another 100 and clean, 200 and clean when firing a new handgun. The fine crap that will come off the rails is very abrasive to other parts. I run a patch w/ CLP, then a dry patch through the barrel after that, every time I shoot. Whether 50 or 500. The slide comes off every 250+ rounds or end of session after inital break in.
#9, forget it. I like Otis or Breakfree much better. Otis cleaner smells like A lady on South beach w/ coconut oil in FLA. Think about that when you clean your guns. You guys need to lighten up and get out more.
What I do works for me. What you have heard, or think is correct can be disputed by many sources. I doubt you could put 5 guys in a room and they would agree on one subject. So if my handgun craps out 1000 rounds before yours, oh well. Smile, take a breathe and agree to disagree. Ya, I know it sounds like a pansy liberal thing to say, but it is better than fighting among ourselves. Screw it and have a beer together, I'll buy! If you want to get bloody I'll take you both home. JP
 
jpattersonnh said:
Pistol Pete & Bobcatt, you both have valid points. A master gumsmith works on guns, if you want to "fill" or smooth out a barrel, I would suggest lapping. Buy a kit! I usually shoot 50 rounds and clean, another 100 and clean, 200 and clean when firing a new handgun. The fine crap that will come off the rails is very abrasive to other parts. I run a patch w/ CLP, then a dry patch through the barrel after that, every time I shoot. Whether 50 or 500. The slide comes off every 250+ rounds or end of session after inital break in.
#9, forget it. I like Otis or Breakfree much better. Otis cleaner smells like A lady on South beach w/ coconut oil in FLA. Think about that when you clean your guns. You guys need to lighten up and get out more.
What I do works for me. What you have heard, or think is correct can be disputed by many sources. I doubt you could put 5 guys in a room and they would agree on one subject. So if my handgun craps out 1000 rounds before yours, oh well. Smile, take a breathe and agree to disagree. Ya, I know it sounds like a pansy liberal thing to say, but it is better than fighting among ourselves. Screw it and have a beer together, I'll buy! If you want to get bloody I'll take you both home. JP
Click to expand...

Good input.

We're not fighting.

I've had many beers.

I'll have another.

Cheers to you and Pete!
 
Alright

Done cleaning 4 guns now...

The dog's snoring, and I've got a warm fuzzy whiskey sorta feeling

The Sox are up two in the bottom of the 7th and Okajima is holding it together.

I suppose one could clean their guns less often, but why?
 
BOBKATT said:
I've never met a decent bullseye shooter that didn't clean the gun after shooting it.
Click to expand...

Allow me to introduce myself. [smile] I'm a reasonably decent bullseye shooter (mid-270s average) and my Walther GSP gets cleaned about once a year or so - a bit more often for the frame and bolt, etc., but only once a year for the barrel. I used to shoot a Smith 41 that got cleaned only when I started to get misfires, maybe three times a season - they have a reputation for being fussy that way.

Most of the people on the three teams I shoot on are not frequent cleaners. A clean barrel will not shoot to the same point of aim as a fouled one, and even after re-fouling it with a few shots it may shoot to a different point. This is for the .22s - the centerfires, in my case a GSP in .32 and a .45 Colt, do get cleaned more often - every few range trips, and my various other guns get cleaned more than that, but IMHO the .22s are best left alone. I do know some shooters who clean every time and seem to get away with it, but that hasn't been my experience in the 20 years I've been competing.
 
Dick said:
A clean barrel will not shoot to the same point of aim as a fouled one, and even after re-fouling it with a few shots it may shoot to a different point. This is for the .22s - the centerfires, in my case a GSP in .32 and a .45 Colt, do get cleaned more often - every few range trips, and my various other guns get cleaned more than that, but IMHO the .22s are best left alone.
Click to expand...

That's what I was getting at here:

BOBKATT said:
I think what you are getting at is that if you have a barrel that you have neglected it will have pits/imperfections. Now, you might notice that your gun shoots best after ten rounds or so and that is because those pits are now filled. The best bet is not to neglect your barrel and to keep it clean and oiled. Moisture will get in there and rust will happen wether you like it or not if you leave your barrel dirty for a long period of time. Even stainless rusts.
Click to expand...

I still believe that the reason the gun shoots better after being leaded up (I only shoot lead heads in my 41 and all of my target pistols) is because there are pits/imperfections in the barrel that have been filled with lead after having shot a magazine or two. Now, I attribute most of that to people not cleaning the gun and moisture getting in under the lead on the lands and grooves and causing the pitting. The best way to prevent that would be to clean and lube it whenever you shoot it. You can always lead it up by running ten or twenty rounds through the barrel before you do some serious shooting. That's my take. Do what works for you.
 
jpattersonnh said:
Pistol Pete & Bobcatt, you both have valid points. A master gumsmith works on guns, if you want to "fill" or smooth out a barrel, I would suggest lapping. Buy a kit! I usually shoot 50 rounds and clean, another 100 and clean, 200 and clean when firing a new handgun. The fine crap that will come off the rails is very abrasive to other parts. I run a patch w/ CLP, then a dry patch through the barrel after that, every time I shoot. Whether 50 or 500. The slide comes off every 250+ rounds or end of session after inital break in.
#9, forget it. I like Otis or Breakfree much better. Otis cleaner smells like A lady on South beach w/ coconut oil in FLA. Think about that when you clean your guns. You guys need to lighten up and get out more.
What I do works for me. What you have heard, or think is correct can be disputed by many sources. I doubt you could put 5 guys in a room and they would agree on one subject. So if my handgun craps out 1000 rounds before yours, oh well. Smile, take a breathe and agree to disagree. Ya, I know it sounds like a pansy liberal thing to say, but it is better than fighting among ourselves. Screw it and have a beer together, I'll buy! If you want to get bloody I'll take you both home. JP
Click to expand...


Break Free is a pretty good lubricant, but not much of a cleaner.
 
Excuse me. Break Free is an excellent lubricant. I used it for years until I found that I could make my own for much less $.
 
Mobil 1 synthetic is one of the best lubricants out there. It won't burn off as the gun gets hot and is thick yet not too thick. It just doesn't smell as good as others.
 
What about running a bore snake through my Browning Buck Mark ( I am on a budget) after every practice and meet. I am new to Bullseye so let me hear it.
 
I vote for the Bore Snake. I have them in calibers for all my pistols and rifles.

I'll also second the motion for synthetic motor oil.
 
I've always cleaned my guns as soon as possible after a range session.
I can't stand the idea of putting a fouled gun back in the safe.

For carry guns, I'll field strip them once a week and do a quick clean. This is mostly to get lint and other debris out of the barrel, behind the hammer, and other spots where stuff collects. If it's summer, I'll also take the grips off and wipe the whole thing down to get the salty sweat off.
 

Similar threads

Revolver deep cleaning
Replies
7
Views
182
straightshooterjake
S
Gunsmiths for pistol slide and frame work
Replies
11
Views
417
DW357
DW357
How do I get this spring out?
Replies
7
Views
256
milktree
milktree
Identify this pistol?
Replies
2
Views
369
cfwii1979
cfwii1979
  • Locked
How to sell firearm on this website?
Replies
11
Views
645
fencer
fencer
Back
Top Bottom