Question on proper gun cleaning

[patches]

I have a question or two on gun cleaning. Is it okay to clean a gun once in awhile, or do you really have to clean it after every time
you shoot it?

Also, when I clean my gun I use hoppes .9, which I wipe off, and then I apply a layer of oil to the barrel and all other metal parts. But should I apply oil EVERY TIME I clean it, or just once in awhile? I heard over-oiling is even worse than not oiling at all.

[Americanhero1]

Even if you don't shoot it you need to keep it maintained.
Cleaning it every once and a while is good to keep it in good working condition

[arksis]

I like to clean mine at least within 2 days of AFTER I shoot. I also like to keep it oiled, as it prevents any rust. You should just take a look at it and see what it looks like and if it looks dirty/yucky, then I would clean it. I had mine it my purse for awhile in a holster, took it out and looked at it and there was lots of lint on it, I figure the oil must attract lots of yucky stuff, so I knew to at least wipe it down. If there was oil on my rag, then it was ok. Soon after awhile, you get used to your gun and pretty much will know when it needs cleaning.

[patches]

Cool, thanks!

[mord]

Also unscrew grips and check for rust

[Ulli]

You should clean it everytime after shooting with oil. And you should apply a thin layer of oil after the cleaning on it and in the barrel. Before shooting the oil in the barrel has to removed with some wicks, you can pull through the barrel with a small chain. Harder smoke residues you can remove with oil and a toothbrush.

[Every Jew AK47]

A gun runs better wet and dirty, than dry and clean..  Don't forget to keep it lubed.  ARs, you need to clean all the time.. YES!   AKs, you can theoretically throw in the mud, take it out a year later and it will still fire.  However, cleaning all your guns is never a bad idea, especially if your life depends on them.

[patches]

...you should apply a thin layer of oil after the cleaning on it and in the barrel. Before shooting the oil in the barrel has to removed with some wicks, you can pull through the barrel with a small chain.

What would happen if you didn't remove the oil in the barrel before firing it?

[Ulli]

...you should apply a thin layer of oil after the cleaning on it and in the barrel. Before shooting the oil in the barrel has to removed with some wicks, you can pull through the barrel with a small chain.

What would happen if you didn't remove the oil in the barrel before firing it?

The projectile is pushing the oil forward, more and more oil is so in front of it and the resistance is growing. It can come to it, that the projectile makes a full stop. Then the barrel becomes a belly because the gas cannot escape.

[patches]

Ah, ok.

[Every Jew AK47]

You don't want too much oil in the barrel, you can cause serious damage to the gun and yourself.  Just a very light coating.  You put a bit of oil on a patch or you can use Break Free CLP that already contains a small amount of oil (enough for what you need) and you run it through after your done cleaning.  You then put a dry patch through the barrel to wipe off the excess.    The very think coat left after running the dry patch through the gun will be all you need.   If your using an AR, they like to be run wet, so make sure you spray lube the bolt assembly.  All bolts on guns should receive some lube as that makes them run better.

Remember if your cleaning ARs to clean from the action to through the muzzle, not the muzzle to action, to avoid scarring your rifling.