Gun cleaning

[CigarStone]

I'm sure many are already aware but it's always good to share what works.

Over the years I have cleaned my guns in various ways. I became friends with a Cleveland police officer who ultimately became one of the top snipers in the country and he shared with me how he, and other snipers, care for their guns.

He said he has to know exactly where his cold bore shot will go because he usually doesn't get a second shot. He said if you use solvent and oil in the barrel you will get inconsistent results leading to errant cold bore shots. He pulls a bore snake through the barrel a few times and that's it. If you care about the guns long term beauty, wipe it down with an oil rag but don't get anything in the action or barrel.

This saved me 10-15 minutes per gun and eliminated the chances of spilling solvent or oil on the carpet!

 

[whopper]

I agree. I have always been the less is more guy when it comes to gun cleaning.

 

[MX]

I have pistols only, but my time in the Army....well I wasted a LOT of time in the Army cleaning firearms....

My 1911's (only handguns I have ever owned) get fully disassembled day one to clean the usually crazy about of packing grease, once dry, minimal oil on internals, and a decent lube job on all functional and hard contact surfaces, then for about the next 2000 rounds, i just wipe and re-lube.

Then one more complete tear down, after that it is basic clean/lube function groups, and maybe every year, or few 1000's rounds I will take it down to ensure it is not rusting under the grips.

Normal cleaning top to bottom, takes 30 min tops

 

[rbbrock]

With modern jacketed bullets and non-corrosive powders and primers, that's about all I do as well, especially with a bolt gun. Sometimes there is a reason to do a more detailed cleaning of the action, such as a carry pistol that eventually gets a bunch of lint and crud built up, or at the end of hunting season, or if the gun's been in a dirty environment. Automatics will need a better cleaning occasionally as well as carbon will build up in the action over time just by nature of the design.

I can't point to where now but at some point I'd read about guys that will fire one round after cleaning, claiming it may help with that cold (actually cleaned) bore first shot phenomenon.

 

[CigarStone]

With modern jacketed bullets and non-corrosive powders and primers, that's about all I do as well, especially with a bolt gun. Sometimes there is a reason to do a more detailed cleaning of the action, such as a carry pistol that eventually gets a bunch of lint and crud built up, or at the end of hunting season, or if the gun's been in a dirty environment. Automatics will need a better cleaning occasionally as well as carbon will build up in the action over time just by nature of the design.

I can't point to where now but at some point I'd read about guys that will fire one round after cleaning, claiming it may help with that cold (actually cleaned) bore first shot phenomenon.

We all fire a primer through our muzzle loaders before the first hunt as it dramatically improves accuracy of the cold bore shot.

 

[BlindedByScience]

My guns get torn down and solvent cleaned once a year. They all get wiped down after the range, the AR's get a couple drops of oil before we head to the range, but that's about it. With modern ammo and decent storage, more isn't better in this case.

 

[rbbrock]

We all fire a primer through our muzzle loaders before the first hunt as it dramatically improves accuracy of the cold bore shot.

Great tip!

 

[CigarStone]

My guns get torn down and solvent cleaned once a year. They all get wiped down after the range, the AR's get a couple drops of oil before we head to the range, but that's about it. With modern ammo and decent storage, more isn't better in this case.

We went shooting in Pa. this past weekend and my son and nephew both had brand new 5.56 AR's all decked out. They both jammed after a few rounds and they were all upset.

I asked them if they took them apart and cleaned and lubed them when the bought them. They just looked at me like I was stupid! When we got back to camp my son called the shop where he bought his and the guy said "did you take it apart and clean and lube it?"

Kids! Both in their mid forties.

 

[BlindedByScience]

My oldest son was a USMC small arms armorer for a decade, so between his and my experiences, we've got opinions if nothing else...!!...

 

[MX]

this is a great thread at a great time, reminds me to look into a DW Optics ready Specialist CDR in black

 

[CigarStone]

My oldest son was a USMC small arms armorer for a decade, so between his and my experiences, we've got opinions if nothing else...!!...

Tom, I'll bet you have far more than just opinions!