Cleaning
- Thread starter Tom C
- Start date
HansGruber
Ronin
As often as you feel comfortable with.
Seriously; there is no magic number where you have to clean your pistol...folks have put, literally, thousands of rounds through their pistols without cleaning, and experienced no problems directly attributable to it being dirty.
However, you probably should have cleaned it and relubed it before shooting it for the first time; the oil they are shipped in is more for long-term storage than it is for use.
So it might be a good idea to clean it sooner rather than later, particularly if you are carrying it/relying on it for defense.
If it's just a range toy--run it to failure, let us know how many rounds you can put through it before it becomes problem. You aren't going to damage it.
Seriously; there is no magic number where you have to clean your pistol...folks have put, literally, thousands of rounds through their pistols without cleaning, and experienced no problems directly attributable to it being dirty.
However, you probably should have cleaned it and relubed it before shooting it for the first time; the oil they are shipped in is more for long-term storage than it is for use.
So it might be a good idea to clean it sooner rather than later, particularly if you are carrying it/relying on it for defense.
If it's just a range toy--run it to failure, let us know how many rounds you can put through it before it becomes problem. You aren't going to damage it.
Generally speaking what Hans stated is true, but everyone's usually a bit different too.
Always make sure gun is unloaded before cleaning and verify. What some people usually do when 1st getting any firearm is to at least fieldstrip it to see what's going on for a few reasons. One is general inspection of parts, second is familiarity of operational mechanics, third is to likely clean and lubricate gun so you actually know what lubricant is in there. Sometimes MFG lube is only meant for long term storage.
General cleaning? Depends on scenario. If in clean environment, likely less. Dirty one? Likely more. Type of ammo can make a difference when to clean too. Some ammo runs cleaner than others. When cleaning, know where to lube and where not to is important to remember, can reduce malfunctions and other issues. Usually lubricate most parts fairly well, especially friction parts, then wipe off lubricant leaving a very thin layer. Remember, lube also usually acts as dust, dirt and debris catcher as well as working as a lubricant. Is the reasoning / logic behind thin layer of lubricant.
Always make sure gun is unloaded before cleaning and verify. What some people usually do when 1st getting any firearm is to at least fieldstrip it to see what's going on for a few reasons. One is general inspection of parts, second is familiarity of operational mechanics, third is to likely clean and lubricate gun so you actually know what lubricant is in there. Sometimes MFG lube is only meant for long term storage.
General cleaning? Depends on scenario. If in clean environment, likely less. Dirty one? Likely more. Type of ammo can make a difference when to clean too. Some ammo runs cleaner than others. When cleaning, know where to lube and where not to is important to remember, can reduce malfunctions and other issues. Usually lubricate most parts fairly well, especially friction parts, then wipe off lubricant leaving a very thin layer. Remember, lube also usually acts as dust, dirt and debris catcher as well as working as a lubricant. Is the reasoning / logic behind thin layer of lubricant.
KillerFord1977
SAINT
I’m in line with Hans and Bob.
i put 6000 rounds on purpose thru my Sig just to see how long before a failure to feed, etc … never happened. Ran flawless for 6000 rounds so I finally cleaned it.
all my other firearms (including that one now) get cleaned after every use. Sometimes thats a week after I can get to them finally, sometimes its that same day. I do it because I just dont want a failure “if and when” …
i put 6000 rounds on purpose thru my Sig just to see how long before a failure to feed, etc … never happened. Ran flawless for 6000 rounds so I finally cleaned it.
all my other firearms (including that one now) get cleaned after every use. Sometimes thats a week after I can get to them finally, sometimes its that same day. I do it because I just dont want a failure “if and when” …
SimonRL
Hellcat
I just like to clean my guns. If I put 50 rounds through a gun it gets cleaned, but that because I enjoy it. My wife says I go somewhere else when I’m cleaning them. It’s like the flip side of the same coin when I go to the range. Everything else except what I’m doing shooting/cleaning dissolves away. It’s a very zen thing for me. I have a very intense job and anything that gets it off my brain for an hour or two is a real treat.
Not usually a bad habit to get into. But, isn't always needed. From a slightly "Reformed" clean freak.
Texas Buzzard
Elite
I too enjoy it. I am that way about everything of any quality I own.
Yup, can be very relaxing once known how, becomes almost mechanical. Mind can drift off to other things. Same with other tasks like dishes or painting. Can be one way or the other for some people though.
Old_Me
SAINT
well, i too am in that very small minority that cleans after each range trip. goes back to my wrenching days, when i'd finish one repair, clean the tools, then go onto the next repair, with CLEAN tools, less chance for a wrech to slip outta my hands.
although i don't think the gun will slip outta my hands, if it's dirty, it's just that some habits are ingrained.
Annihilator
Emissary
Every time I shoot my guns, I clean them, just a habit my dad got me into, that’s what he used to do.
TidalWave
Professional
…that is a large part of what draws me to it - I can get absorbed in my own thoughts and forget work stress, etc. And I just like my investment to be kept clean & maintained ( part of that might come from my Army days; who wants to do 5 zillion pushups for turning in a dirty weapon.. LOL! ).
I’m with Simon… but also Bob, Hans and the others.
TidalWave
Professional
Btw- I can let it go if I know I’ve got another range trip coming up; it doesn’t kill me. But if I think they may get stored awhile, a used on gets cleaned within a day or so of firing….
TidalWave
Professional
Tom: one quick rule… It’s great to ask things on this board, but…
Never forget that you should have an Owners Manual and thats the first place to look: What do they recommend??
It may not answer this specific ques (cleaning frequency) but it’s a good rule to follow in general when something comes up…
Yup, is very good 1st step and place to look. If manual's missing, many are thankfully downloadable.
TidalWave
Professional
Tom: here’s a few easy options to pull maintenance without doing a full breakdown of your gun. Spray it through and wipe off. Spray some down the barrel and swab out. Better than nothing
As always, read the warnings and directions before you buy any of these.
My favs are Tetra and Lucas products.
As always, read the warnings and directions before you buy any of these.
My favs are Tetra and Lucas products.
Attachments
TidalWave
Professional
Now why did my Drill Sergeant not know about those ?!?Push ups, 5 zillion? Argh! Could be a toughy!
Bwahaha !!
!!!
Bassbob
Emissary
It's not just you brother.
In fact I broke down 3 guns and cleaned them this past week that I hadn't even shot since last time I cleaned them. Well, I really just broke them down, wiped them down and lubed them, but...