WvDave

It all depends....If I have been to a range with one of my guns that doesn't get fired that often, like the M1 Garand or AR-15 for example, I give it a good cleaning and put it back in the safe.
Since I can shoot my .22 rifles and pistols right next to the house and if I plan on going outside again soon, I will wait until I am finished with that gun for awhile and then clean it.
For example: I just installed a VQ trigger kit in my MKIII 22/45 yesterday afternoon (nice rainy day). When I got finished with the installation I went out and fired 32 rds to test it and check the sighting. Since I plan on doing some sight work today, I didn't clean it internally, just wiped it down, put it in it's case and into the safe. If I get done with it today or tomorrow, and don't plan on shooting it the near future, I will then give it a good cleaning, put it away, and move on to my next project.

Rxdoc

I usually clean after each range visit that I shoot over 50+ rounds. However, after cleaning, I will run a mag full through (carry Kahr CM9) before carrying for SD, just to make sure all is still well. When carrying/ shooting my Ruger KLCR revolver, I just clean after range visit, check functionality by dry firing, load up and carry.

GunBlue

There are certain protocols in life that can be a bore, but are done because they're just good sense. Such as it is with guns. If it's for hunting, it can cost a head of game. If it's for competition, it can cost a match. If it's for self-protection, it can cost your life. No matter what the use--even if just for shooting cans--cleaning is an act of charity toward a good friend, and will assure you of a lifetime of good service, and a very valuable gun when you sell it. There are no good reasons for not cleaning a gun, but there are a lot of excuses, and they sound like the ones a kid uses when he doesn't do his chores or brush his teeth. The same kids grow up not cleaning their guns.

Don't be mislead by the non-corrosive argument! While the old mercury chlorate primers contained salts that could corrode in hours, all firing residue is hygroscopic and will attract unwanted moisture, and will certainly rust a bore in short order, unless, perhaps, you live in the desert. But in the desert, dust fouling is just as bad a destroyer. The military takes a dim view of lack of PM (preventative maintenance) such that it can get you an Article 15 if not done as required, which is after EVERY firing session. Try an argument to the contrary with a Drill Instructor, and he will gladly show you the "light".

I've seen my share of guns that the owner cared for with no routine maintenance, and they look pretty similar to the rest of the junk those owners have. Cleaning a gun will never harm it, provided you always use a good quality plastic coated steel rod or equivalent in conjunction with a chamber guide (as applicable), correct brushes, etc., and follow good practice for cleaning that any conscientious owner will adhere to.

I'm now in my mid sixties, and I've never had a gun let me down, and I win matches regularly, but I've been on the line plenty of times when the less than ardent cleaner has hollered "alibi!@#&*!@" with a stoppage. You ever wonder why 20 people give five stars to a particular brand of ammo, and one guy dopes it out as one star because of all the FTFs he gets? Bingo. Some guys never get it. It's always the ammo.

I've seen firing pins so crudded up that they move forward with less enthusiasm than a new bottle of ketchup, and actions that have more gunk than a dirt bike chain sprocket. Their owners have similar cars.

MichigunMfg1927

Usually shoot 100 rounds per range visit (every 1-2 weeks) in my LC9 and clean each time. Feels like it completes the 'circle' and assures that everything looks as it should.

WvDave

PS: I keep a spreadsheet in Excel and I record the total rd count on a gun, the rd count for the year and rd count since last cleaning and also date of last cleaning.
I also keep track of any issues I may have found, any mods, etc
I must have OCD

RAC55

I was always anal about cleaning my guns after a day at the range...It's like taking a shower after mowing the lawn on a hot day, It just feels good!

Waveform

Ditto here. I love the smell of Hoppe's #9 - I'd buy the Hoppe's #9 air freshener and hang it in my truck! But my wife can't stand the smell . I can only clean when she's not at home and then I have to destroy the evidence and mask the aroma with scented candles or something. I guess I'm a candidate for the occasional cleaning school but I'm a bit OCD when it comes to gun cleaning.....

Steve in PA

Some I do, some I don't.

For instance, I tear down and clean my Super Redhawk just about every single time I come back from the range with me usually shooting 100 rounds.

I carry a Sig P220 on duty and have a second one I use for training, range work, etc. I don't clean this handgun until it gets really dirty. I will lube it up every trip. I normally shoot 200-250 rounds in one trip.

Same with my AR. I will go several range trips before tearing it down for a cleaning. I'll shoot anywhere from 250-300 rounds on each range trip.

The ones I clean are usually the ones where I have a pretty good idea I may not be shooting next weekend. The ones I don't clean are just the opposite. They are the ones that I will more than likely be shooting next weekend.

haney

I got in the habit of cleaning after every range trip because my old model 39 HAD to be clean. Also it's rare I shoot less than 50 rds each time so to me it just makes sense to give it a good cleaning and make sure it's lubed properly. My father was a stickler to keeping his rifles clean, at one time his family was pretty dependent on hunting.

conditionyellow

I'm one of those who may clean it too much or at least more than needed if I shoot 1 or 500+ rounds. The fastest guns I have for me to clean are Glocks and it takes me at least an hour and a half. I clean my guns the old fashioned way plus use plenty of Q-tips and pipe cleaners. My Mini-14 takes me the longest at about 2+ hours. As said I probably clean them more than needed but most of the 10 guns I have could pass for only shot once or twice to most people. People who know me want to buy my guns because they know they're in primo shape and very well kept and they will also pay top dollar for them. I used to shoot 3 or more guns when I'd go to the range but don't anymore because I know I'll spend the first 5 or more hours cleaning them. I now only shoot 1 but sometime two.

Larry46

Yup! Love the smell of Hoppes No.9!

Troubador222

Thanks for the replies folks. Lots of good info and things to think about. Bottom line is, I was not able to get to the range the next day, so I cleaned it. The pistol is in good shape and I want to keep it that way.

ColoradoChris

I'm new to thts but it just seems lik a good habit to clean after every range trip. Lke any good tool, it will perform better when it's taken care of.

stargeezer

This is one of those darn if you do and darned if you don't questions.

Personally, I enjoy looking after my guns and after being in charge of a couple Army Armory Centers, I'm always afraid of a pop GI. That said, it all depends on how many rounds were shot, how soon I'm going back out, etc., but I always wipe down the action a oil things no matter what.

In the case of my precision large bore rifles, I seldom shoot more than 50 rounds at a outing and I know that a fouled bore will give me the most consistent results. **Fouled does not mean filthy!** I'll run a lightly oiled patch down the bore, followed by a clean one, just to see how bad it's fouled - too much and it's time for the bore cleaner.

I always wipe the bolt and oil any slides, etc.

Now, IF I don't make that followup range trip for whatever reason, I jump back on the guns and clean everything GI Inspection ready.

wild willyLC9

If I shoot it, I clean it.