{"id":204,"date":"2022-08-31T19:02:17","date_gmt":"2022-08-31T19:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=204"},"modified":"2022-08-31T19:02:17","modified_gmt":"2022-08-31T19:02:17","slug":"how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=204","title":{"rendered":"How to: Cleaning Schedules for Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, and AR-15s"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"breadcrumbs\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/\">Home<\/a> \u00bb <span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/category\/gun-care\/\">Gun Care<\/a> \u00bb <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">How to: Cleaning Schedules for Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, and AR-15s<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>As a gun owner, you know it\u2019s necessary to treat your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">firearms<\/a> with respect. It\u2019s critical to take time for proper care and cleaning. Regularly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.state.nj.us\/health\/ceohs\/documents\/tce_bro.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cleaning your gun ensures safety<\/a>, reliability, and longevity for your firearms, so it\u2019s important to have a specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/gun-care\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maintenance<\/a> routine for handguns, shotguns, rifles and more.\u00a0With that in mind, here\u2019s a list of cleaning schedules for four types of guns.<\/p>\n<h2>Handguns<\/h2>\n<p>Pistols are the ideal gun for those who want to carry a concealed weapon. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">handguns<\/a> pack a punch with their short barrels. Put these firearms on a once-a-month deep cleaning schedule. This entails stripping the whole gun and inspecting every part for rust or corrosion.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" alt=\"GSG 1911-22 handgun surrounded by loose rounds\" class=\"wp-image-81454 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"GSG 1911-22 handgun surrounded by loose rounds\" class=\"wp-image-81454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-1.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Frequent cleaning and lubrication extends the firearm\u2019s life by reducing wear on the parts. For a firearm you may have to rely on in a life or death situation, reliability is paramount.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>You can do a quick clean every two weeks or so. If you use these handguns as defensive weapons, you likely don\u2019t use them often, so it\u2019s OK to let them go for a month at a time. However, you\u2019ll want to ensure your safety. Creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanrifleman.org\/content\/how-to-clean-a-handgun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">regular cleaning schedule for your handguns<\/a> is crucial.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-2 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/?q=ap5\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Shotguns<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/shotguns\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shotguns<\/a> are the firearm of choice for those who love the sound of the pump and those hitting clay targets. Likewise, shotguns are perfect for close-range hunting with the right shells for the task in the shotgun. Either way, you still need to take good care of your firearm.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/?q=ap5\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ca_ap5_.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Some shotgun owners say you never have to clean your gun. Those people are typically well-trained with the shotgun and can shoot with the gun in any condition. You can follow these guys, but if you\u2019re less experienced, putting your shotgun on a cleaning schedule may be a good idea.<\/p>\n<p>Because of the different shotguns, reading the manual for yours is essential when you clean it. If you use your shotgun often, do a comprehensive cleaning once every 200\u2013250 rounds. This schedule will help keep your gun lubricated and ready to roll when needed. If you leave your shotgun in storage, bring it out once a month and give it a nice wipe-down with lubricant to ensure it\u2019s ready for the next time you want to use it.<\/p>\n<h2>Rifles<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/rifles\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rifles<\/a> are the gun of choice for hunters. Whether you have a Remington or a Marlin, it\u2019s best to clean your rifle before and after your hunt. When you\u2019re outside, you absorb the fresh air and everything nature has to offer, including dirt and other elements in your gun.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" alt=\"oiling the wood stock of a bolt action rifle\" class=\"wp-image-81460 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"oiling the wood stock of a bolt action rifle\" class=\"wp-image-81460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-7.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Wood stocks require attention. A little linseed oil with keep the wood protected and extend its life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rain and snow can negatively affect your hunt with unwanted moisture. The elements can harm the coating on your gun\u2019s exterior. Consider these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wingtactical.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-firearm-rust\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">different types of coating<\/a> that will help your firearm last longer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Anodizing: <\/strong>Anodizing a gun requires submerging it in an acid bath and distilled water. Your gun needs to be made of aluminum for this option to work. This process makes firearms much tougher and more resistant to rust.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gun bluing: <\/strong>Bluing is a common tactic for coating hunting rifles. You can \u201cblue\u201d the gun by changing the iron into black oxide. This method will give your rifle a black and blue color on the steel. It will require continued maintenance, but this finishing can still prevent rusting effectively.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parkerizing: <\/strong>Parkerizing, or phosphating, includes putting the gun in a tub of phosphoric acid and then adding copper and chlorates. The mixture heats up to over 200\u00b0F and produces a strong coating for your weapon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nickel boron: <\/strong>Nickel boron coating is great for reducing the amount of friction in your firearm. It also protects against heat better than other coatings, making your firearms last longer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ferritic nitrocarburizing: <\/strong>As the name suggests, this process uses nitrogen, carbon, and heat to make a stronger coating for the gun. A firearm with this coating will better resist scratches, scuffs, and corrosion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quench polish quench (QPQ): <\/strong>QPQ is like ferritic nitrocarburizing and is even more effective. This process starts with a salt bath, then a polish of the piece you\u2019re treating. It then goes back into the salt bath. The three-step process is how the name came to be.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cerakote and other baked-on paints: <\/strong>Cerakote is a popular coating for firearms that a gunsmith can apply as a liquid and then dry in the oven. It will provide your hunting rifle with excellent corrosion resistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>AR-15<\/h2>\n<p>The ArmaLite AR-15, simply known as an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/tactical\/ar-15-rifles\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AR-15<\/a>, is a favorite among target shooters and people who participate in gun competitions across the country. They\u2019re also great for hunting varmints and small animals such as jackrabbits. You can take down large animals such as elk, deer, and feral pigs with the proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ammunition<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" alt=\"AR-15 rifle with coyote brown furniture atop a plastic case\" class=\"wp-image-81455 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?resize=640%2C360&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"AR-15 rifle with coyote brown furniture atop a plastic case\" class=\"wp-image-81455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cleaning-Schedules-2.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The ArR15 got a bad reputation early on due to an ammunition switch in with the Vietnam era M16. Today, with a modicum of care, it is very reliable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Like shotguns, AR-15s are another firearm you\u2019ll hear a different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/gun-care\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cleaning<\/a> schedule recommendation from every person you ask. Some say clean it after every use, whereas others say never to clean it. A good rule of thumb for your AR-15 is cleaning it every 250 to 300 rounds. Use the eye test to determine if debris is building up inside the gun. You\u2019ll want to clean the debris to prevent corrosion from ruining one of your prized possessions.<\/p>\n<p>If you shoot your AR-15 for competition, you may want to put your firearm on a different cleaning schedule. A good practice is to do a thorough cleaning before and after every match. Cleaning your gun beforehand helps ensure everything will work properly during the competition. If you tend to your AR-15 after, you\u2019re giving yourself a head start for the next competition because you\u2019ll have less to clean.<\/p>\n<h2>Firearms Cleaning for Your Benefit<\/h2>\n<p>Cleaning your firearms is necessary maintenance for any weapon you have, whether <a href=\"https:\/\/modded.com\/7-tips-for-your-first-time-at-the-shooting-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">you\u2019re a beginner with guns<\/a> or a lifelong expert. This makes them last longer and maintain their performance. Without cleaning, your guns could suffer from the elements and develop rust, which could then lead to corrosion. These problems can burn a hole in your wallet, so put your firearms on a cleaning routine appropriate to their purpose and how often you use them. Clean weapons ensure safety and fun for gun lovers everywhere.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Do you have tip or cleaning schedule for your firearms? Share it in the comment section.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"tve_leads_end_content\" style=\"display: block; visibility: hidden; border: 1px solid transparent;\"\/><!-- AI CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home \u00bb Gun Care \u00bb How to: Cleaning Schedules for Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, and AR-15s As a gun owner, you know it\u2019s necessary to treat your firearms with respect. It\u2019s critical to take time for proper care and cleaning. Regularly cleaning your gun ensures safety, reliability, and longevity for your firearms, so it\u2019s important to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":205,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gun-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}