Cleaning your hunting firearms is no easy task, but it’s an important one. A clean firearm is a safe firearm and essential for keeping your guns in top working order. This is why you need quality gun cleaning products and reliable gun cleaning supplies. But how often should you clean your hunting firearms?
This is an overarching question that most hunters will have. This article will provide a comprehensive answer and break down the different factors that can influence your cleaning schedule.
The Frequency of Your Hunting Trips
The frequency of your hunting trips will directly influence how often you should clean your firearms. If you’re an avid hunter and go on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, then you should be cleaning your firearms each time before and after the trip.
This will ensure that your firearms are in tip-top shape for the duration of the hunt. But if you’re a hunter who only goes out once or twice a year, then it’s recommended to have your firearms cleaned at least twice a year – before and after each hunting season.
The Type of Firearm
The type of firearm will also influence how often you should clean it. For example, firearms with a larger caliber require more frequent cleaning due to the amount of fouling that builds up over time. And if you are using your favorite AR-15 frequently, make sure you use only the best AR-15 cleaning kits.
On the other hand, smaller calibers, such as .22s, typically don’t need to be cleaned as much due to their relatively low levels of fouling.
In addition, shotguns that are only used for recreational shooting should be cleaned less frequently. Just make sure you use proper cleaning supplies for this purpose and store your shotgun properly.
Storage Conditions
The storage conditions of your firearms can also influence how often you should clean them. If your firearms are kept in a dry and temperature-controlled environment, then they won’t need to be cleaned as often.
However, if your firearms are stored in a damp area or exposed to extreme temperatures, then it’s highly recommended to clean them more often than usual.
Quality of Ammo
The quality of ammo used can also play a factor. Low-quality ammunition will cause more fouling and debris buildup on the barrel and action, which means your firearms will need to be cleaned more often.
On the other hand, high-quality ammunition is designed to produce less fouling and debris buildup, resulting in fewer cleanings.
Age of Firearm
The age of your firearm also plays a role in how often it should be cleaned. Older firearms, especially if they are not stored properly and exposed to the elements, may need to be cleaned more frequently than newer models.
This is because older firearms are more prone to corrosion and buildup from the accumulation of dirt and dust particles over time.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to clean your firearms regularly to keep them in top working order and ensure they are safe to use. The frequency of your cleaning schedule will depend on the factors outlined above and should be tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re an avid hunter, then cleaning your firearms before and after each trip is highly recommended. On the other hand, if you only go hunting once or twice a year, then having your firearms cleaned at least twice a year should suffice.