Anyone else relax by cleaning their guns?
- Thread starter tirwin1
- Start date
I really don't mind it, it's necessary maintenance. Some firearms need more maintenance than others. I do it so I have the peace of mind that when I pull the trigger I've done as much as I could to ensure that it will go bang.
speedkills27
6.5 Creedmoor
I actually despise it most the time. I find it tedious and feel like Im wasting my time but i do recognize the importance of maintenance. That being said every once in a while I get the itch to escape into my gun room
While I often procrastinate cleaning my guns after a range trip, once I start I too find the process realxing and even somewhat enjoyable.
Also a perfect opportunity to check for damage and defects along with other PM items.
I really don't see why some people are so averse to cleaning the guns they spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on. I spend 15 minutes or less per gun, maybe 20 on an AR if I'm being especially thorough. Pistols I can do in 5 minutes.
Also a perfect opportunity to check for damage and defects along with other PM items.
I really don't see why some people are so averse to cleaning the guns they spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on. I spend 15 minutes or less per gun, maybe 20 on an AR if I'm being especially thorough. Pistols I can do in 5 minutes.
gun_slinger_boy
.338 Win Mag
It's just tedious. And if you are somewhat of a perfectionist it takes much longer that 5-20 mins. If you have a bunch of guns it compounds things even more. Out of curiosity how many guns do you own? <10? >20? >30?
Jmac00
.475 A&M Magnum
exactly, I relax using the reloading machine
I own 12. It should not take more than 20 minutes for even a thorough clean. Using bore snakes to punch the bore speeds up the process considerably. I spray some Hoppes in the chamber and action and snake the bore twice. Then I drop some oil in the bore and snake it once. For the action I just spray and scrub with the "toothbrush" and wipe with a cloth and things like these for little crevices
(the actual ones I use are smaller and pointy)
Same process for bolts, with the addition of carbon scrapping. Its very simple.
Guns are expensive and I want mine to last and function at their best so I maintain them properly.
Its not hard.
gun_slinger_boy
.338 Win Mag
I agree that guns are an investment but I guess I've come to the realization that we clean our guns way more than they need to be. Especially if they're just range toys. I don't think most people can harm their guns due to not cleaning them. I've been shooting my 300blk almost exclusively with a can for a long time now and haven't cleaned it. So many rounds in fact that I lost count. With a can it gets filthy in just a couple hundred shots. It has a nickle boron BCG and I guess I'm trying to see how long it can go before it fails. My AKs... forget about it. I keep 74U "clean" for an AK because it's the go to but don't go crazy about it. Same with the pistol I'm carrying at the time. Everything else can wait until I get to it.
A firearm is a mechanical device with moving parts. Moving parts need lubrication, moving parts need to be kept free of debris and fouling.
The guns I take to the range most often are also the guns I depend upon for defense. I make sure they are in top condition. for the guns I don't use much I just squirt some oil in the bore and action and work said action a few times. I do this every few months.
Carlos Hathcock
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I work in the garage. Don't know what it is about that stuff. Works well but not very pleasant to the snooter.
I think I'd agree with you. Only way to really know something is to take it apart.
I picked up some Ballistol in the newly reopened Gander Outdoors in town. I used on some of my pocket knives. I don't find it to be all that bad smelling honestly.
Vapor
.308 Win
I hate it. You never get it all. I also put down newspaper to catch any lead dust and chemicals, wear gloves, etc.
I use mp7, no smells to worry about.
I will give my tc compass the nod. Its 5r barrel does actually eventually come out clean. Its about my only rifle that does so.
I use mp7, no smells to worry about.
I will give my tc compass the nod. Its 5r barrel does actually eventually come out clean. Its about my only rifle that does so.
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
I've noticed over the years that the better I shoot, the more time and care I spend cleaning the gun.
Robin
Robin
oc shooter
.223 Rem
don't hate cleaning but don't love it either
Eddie Gunks
.338 Win Mag
This.
My carry guns dont see much range time so they dont get dirty.
My toys dont get cleaned that much. They dont need it. They all run fine. My suppressed m4 has not been cleaned in 6-7k rounds. Still runs perfect. I add a bit of slip 2000 EWL every now and then.
My g34 was fucking up a bit last 3 gun. I wiped it with a towel and added 3 drops of oil and it is back working fine.
HighlandLofts
6.5 Creedmoor
I like cleaning guns but my gun room is to small to clean them in so I have to use the dining room table with a sheet of cardboard over it or out side on the picnic table which is a pain in the are with the grandkids. They want to touch everything and ask a thousand questions. Then the old lady bitches about the hoppies #9.
So mine only get scrubbed when it is nessicary which isn't to often. I have over a hunded so it would take a shit load of time to get them all done.
I use to tear them all the way down and meticulously clean and wipe down every piece, not any more, just don't want to go through the BULLSHIT.
I do relax when I take my grandson out shooting, he will be seven in another week and can shoot better then most adults. Reloading is another enjoyment, I'll turn on YouTube Johnny Cash, have some beers prepping the brass, I don't touch anything when priming, and loading the cartridges.
I want to down size the collection and pick up a few higher end guns and scopes.
It is all good, part of the over all picture
So mine only get scrubbed when it is nessicary which isn't to often. I have over a hunded so it would take a shit load of time to get them all done.
I use to tear them all the way down and meticulously clean and wipe down every piece, not any more, just don't want to go through the BULLSHIT.
I do relax when I take my grandson out shooting, he will be seven in another week and can shoot better then most adults. Reloading is another enjoyment, I'll turn on YouTube Johnny Cash, have some beers prepping the brass, I don't touch anything when priming, and loading the cartridges.
I want to down size the collection and pick up a few higher end guns and scopes.
It is all good, part of the over all picture
Armyman 73
.38 Special
It's always a good idea to be cleaning one when my daughter brings a boyfriend over, makes a lasting impression. Also just cleaning them to hold and care for them is reason enough.
Duke
.357 mag
I'm thinking more black powder guns....
Cleck
.308 Win
I definitely like to set a table up and clean while I'm watching a game or Clint movie 
Definitely relaxing. I don't do it enough though.
Definitely relaxing. I don't do it enough though.
X3 I relax by shooting my guns.
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
I clean all my guns. The black powder guns actually take less time, including removing the lock and barrel. You can put off cleaning your smokeless powder guns, not so with black powder, the residue is relatively inert till moisture is added, it is very hydroscopic, so even a humid day will get it going. No matter to me, I enjoy cleaning them, and even if I don't feel like it I do is as a debt of gratitude to an object that brought me a certain amount of joy.
Robin
I wouldn't say relaxing. Ever take down a Remington model 81? Tedious as hell, small parts everywhere just begging to be lost and springs wanting to go flying across the shop or through a window. It's an amazing piece of engineering, but no fun at all to clean.