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How often do you clean your semi-auto firearm?

11K views 23 replies 20 participants last post by  aggie29 
#1 ·
I know this might sound weird, but I just bought a px4 storm, 9mm. I've been to the range 3-4 times, put about 300-400 rounds through it. Should I clean it?

I have a cleaning kit but I'm actually unsure how to clean it properly. How often do you clean your hand gun? Every outting? I did a class with an ex-marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and he said that people who tell you to clean your gun every time you should it, is ridiculous.

Thanks for the advice in advance!
 
#3 ·
I clean whenever there isn't anything good on TV. Like after every time I've put some rounds through it since there never seems to be anything good on TV these days. Well, almost every time. :anim_lol: I don't think they really need to be cleaned every time...
 
#5 ·
I did a class with an ex-marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and he said that people who tell you to clean your gun every time you should it, is ridiculous.
He's not wrong...most firearms don't need to be cleaned after every outing these days, but it doesn't hurt, either. The only exception that comes to mind would be after shooting any Eastern Bloc corrosive ammo, which sometimes shows up for rifles in 7.62x39, and pistols in Makarov or Tokarev.

KG
 
#6 ·
I clean my guns after they've been used, unless I plan on using them again soon (like this afternoon or tomorrow). If there's any possibility that they'll be be put away and unused, they need cleaning. I don't want powder and primer residue left in the barrel, which may or may not create permanent corrosion or etching. Also, gaulding and plating from lead or copper bullets should be removed to avoid electrolysis from dissimilar metals. Just my opinion.
 
#11 ·
I know this might sound weird, but I just bought a px4 storm, 9mm. I've been to the range 3-4 times, put about 300-400 rounds through it. Should I clean it?

I have a cleaning kit but I'm actually unsure how to clean it properly. How often do you clean your hand gun? Every outting? I did a class with an ex-marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and he said that people who tell you to clean your gun every time you should it, is ridiculous.

Thanks for the advice in advance!
Once a Marine always a Marine. "Former" Marine not "Ex-" Marine. I am not one. But I know many and respect them.
 
#16 ·
I am in the camp that cleans after each use but I have a couple levels of what that means. At a minimum I clean the bore and chamber and with semis, the contact areas between slide and frame after each use. The next level is after I have used the gun a few times or put a few hundred rounds thru it. In this case I really get busy with it and see how close to out of box condition i can return my guns for all areas accessible without a tool box.
 
#20 ·
These days all the .22lr get cleaned after each range visit, the .380's just get a field strip and swab out the bore as the ammo is much cleaner. I'm shooting cheap bulk in the .22's for the most part, as the good stuff is just too hard to find and expensive.

The wife and I shoot a lot, usually 200-300 rounds each trip out, primarily through two pistols and one rifle. The Ruger SR-22 and 10-22 are a breeze to clean, can do each in about 10-15 minutes.
 
#22 ·
At the least oil it down, engage or manipulate the action ,wipe it down re-oil. I do not always use solvent. Every couple weeks I will unload my carry gun just to move the slide ,etc and add a few drops of oil. Dust , body perspiration,outside moisture and whatever else might come in contact with your carry piece is a consideration for a gun lubeing or visual inspection
 
#23 ·
If you haven't cleaned it since you bought it, it is definitely time to clean it. I generally clean new pistols before taking them to the range, or after the first use. Some pistols are shipped with cosmoline gease to prevent rust, and that can cause problems with operation.

Read your manual, and look on the Web for cleaning instructions for you PX4, and you should have a long life for your Beretta. Good Luck!
 
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