How often should I clean my rifle.?

Question

I know that I should clean it after every time that I go shooting, but I had surgery recently, and I have not fired it for over 6 months. How often when its not being used should I clean and oil it?

Answer 1

I don't "clean" guns unless I shoot them. However, I clean out the old oil and re-oil them every 2 months. I do not use solvents in the maintenance cleaning, only oil. I try to use cleaning solvents as little as possible because if you leave just a spot on wood, it takes off finish and bleaches the wood.

You can't clean them too often. Remember though, there are military weapons that were greased up thoroughly and stored for many decades that are being sold in almost the exact same condition as when they were put away. It depends a lot on how they are stored.

Answer 2

I would say twice each month. Many people clean thier guns every day, even, but that is just redonkerous unless you have nothing but time. after two weeks, it will have probably gathered some dust, condensation, whatnot, and leaving it this way can be very dangerous. this is often enough so that it won't stick or build-up, but not so that you are obsessing over it each day. good luck with your healing process, and be careful next time you go hunting. A rifle can jar muscles and bones that you didn't know were still sensitive. I know it's hard to wait in the fall, but don't put yourself back in surgery!

Answer 3

If it's been 6 months then it's time to a general cleaning and function check, lightly oil the mechanism. If it's going to be sitting around for a while, you need to keep it in a relatively dark and dust free environment with some sort of humidity and temperature control. A heated and air conditioned house will be just fine.I usually give all my firearms a once over at least once a month, just to make sure everything is still fine. Rust is the biggest enemy of long term storage of firearms.

Answer 4

different things impact the time between cleanings, type of finish, humidity, how it's stored etc. My rule of thumb has always been that on the first of every month, I open the gun safe and start cleaning, I use Break free CLP. With that schedule, I have never had a gun rust. My carry gun, which is with me constantly, gets wiped down with breakfree 2 times a week, friday and wednesday.

Answer 5

If you are not firing the weapon and keeping it stored i would lightly oil it and check it every 6 months...... of course you will clean, inspect and lubricate the weapon after every time you fire it at the range......

Answer 6

That all depends on how much or often you shoot it.* I use powdered graphite to lubricate the action & Remington oil every where else except for the stock.*

Answer 7

hi there
if its in a clothes closet, i would wipe it down aleast once a month, i used to keep mine there and i would get a pack of foam ear plugs and stick one in the end of the barrel just to keep the dust out, if your in an enclosed gun case ,a wipe and check every 3 months should do it.

Answer 8

I clean my guns right away after I get back from the range.

Answer 9

I don't clean unless I fire it. Between use I make sure I have it oiled.

Answer 10

I try to clean mine everytime my daughter brings home a new boyfriend. Helps to have a big pile of ammo boxes to lay around too.