Cleaning Schedule & Best Kit
Yes, going to the range and dumping mags is a lot of fun, but over time your gun will experience a little wear and tear along with just getting dirty, which is why it is essential to clean. Keeping your firearm clean is essential for reliability, safety, and longevity. Whether you’re a casual shooter, a hunter, or a competitive marksman, understanding how often to clean your firearm ensures it performs when it matters most.
Our team at Guerrilla Tactical is here to break it down.
General Firearm Cleaning Guidelines
How often you should clean your firearm depends on how frequently you shoot and the environment you shoot in. For example, someone who goes to the range every week may be different than someone who only goes once a month to sight in their rifle. As a general rule:
- Range or recreational use: Clean every 300–500 rounds or once per month if you shoot regularly.
- Defensive or carry firearms: Wipe down after each range trip and deep clean every 300 rounds or every 1–3 months if you are shooting for defensive training.
- Hunting firearms: Clean after every trip to the field, especially if exposed to rain or snow.
- Stored firearms: Wipe down and lightly oil every 6–12 months to prevent corrosion.
These are only guidelines—your exact cleaning schedule will depend on conditions and performance.
Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency
1. Shooting Volume
The more you shoot, the more fouling builds up in the barrel and action, requiring more frequent cleaning.
2. Type of Ammunition
Cheap or surplus ammo can be more corrosive and dirtier. Clean immediately after shooting corrosive ammo.
3. Environment
Dusty, humid, or salty conditions accelerate wear and corrosion. Clean your firearm sooner if exposed to harsh elements.
4. Firearm Design
Precision rifles with tight tolerances need more detailed maintenance, while duty-style rifles can tolerate more buildup between cleanings.
5. Lubricant Quality
High-quality CLPs and bore cleaners can help extend the time between deep cleanings, but they don’t replace proper inspection and care.
Signs Your Firearm Needs Cleaning
- Malfunctions (failure to feed, fire, or eject)
- Heavy carbon buildup in the chamber or bore
- Rust spots or sticky parts
- Noticeable change in accuracy or recoil
- Rough or gritty cycling action
If you notice any of these, it’s time for a full cleaning.
Types of Firearm Cleaning
Quick (Field) Cleaning
Perform this after every shooting session.
Steps:
- Verify the firearm is unloaded.
- Run a bore snake or CLP-soaked patch through the barrel.
- Wipe down external surfaces.
- Apply a light coat of lubricant to key friction points.
- Inspect and clean magazines.
Purpose: Keeps the firearm operational between full cleanings.
Deep Cleaning
Perform this after several range sessions or extended use.
Steps:
- Disassemble as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Clean bore, chamber, and gas system with solvent and brushes.
- Wipe down all parts and inspect for wear.
- Lubricate appropriately and reassemble.
- Function-check before returning to service.
Purpose: Removes long-term fouling and ensures full reliability.
Quick-Clean Checklist for Range or Field Use
- Verify the firearm is unloaded.
- Run a bore snake once or twice.
- Wipe exterior surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
- Apply CLP to slide rails or bolt carrier group.
- Brush off carbon buildup.
- Store in a dry, safe place.
Best On-the-Go Option: Speed Cleaning Kit from Guerrilla Tactical
When you need to clean your rifle quickly and effectively, the Speed Cleaning Kit from Guerrilla Tactical is your go-to solution.
Built for speed and simplicity, this compact Carbine Cleaning Kit keeps your rifle mission-ready anytime, anywhere. Perfect for tossing in your range bag, it ensures you have everything you need for quick maintenance in the field.
What’s Included
- 1 × Microfiber Cloth
- 1 × Mil Spec CLP Lubricant
- 1 × 5.56 Bore Snake
- 1 × CLP Lubricated Wipe
- 1 × Double-Sided Gun Brush
- 1 × Magpul DAKA Pouch
Designed for portability and performance, this kit gives you all the essentials to clean and maintain your firearm—no bulky cases or unnecessary extras.
Pro Tips for Firearm Maintenance
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and lubrication.
- Use only high-quality CLPs and solvents made for firearms.
- Keep spare parts and springs for high-use firearms.
- Track round counts and cleaning dates for consistency.
- When in doubt, clean it—preventing buildup is easier than fixing corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you clean your gun too often?
A: No. Regular cleaning is beneficial. Just avoid harsh chemicals or over-scrubbing that could damage finishes.
Q: Is household oil safe to use?
A: No. Always use gun-specific lubricants and CLPs to ensure compatibility and protection.
Q: Is a bore snake enough for cleaning?
A: It’s perfect for quick cleaning but doesn’t replace a full deep clean with brushes and solvent.
Conclusion
Firearm cleaning frequency depends on how often you shoot, the conditions you shoot in, and the type of ammunition used. Quick cleanings after range days and full cleanings at regular intervals will keep your firearm performing at its best.
For fast, efficient maintenance anywhere, equip yourself with the Speed Cleaning Kit from Guerrilla Tactical—the compact, mission-ready solution for keeping your rifle in top condition.
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