Firearm Maintenance 101
Clean smarter. Lube less. Shoot more.
Firearm maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or obsessive. In fact, a lot of problems come from overdoing it, not neglecting it. Let’s break this down into what actually matters.
How Often Should You Clean Your Firearm?
Short answer: not as often as you think.
A good general rule:
- Range use: Clean after every 300–500 rounds
- Carry or duty firearm: Light clean and inspection monthly
- Home defense firearm: Inspect monthly, clean every few months
- Long-term storage: Clean before storing, inspect every 3–6 months
If your gun still runs smoothly, isn’t exposed to dirt, rain, or sweat, and isn’t showing malfunctions—you’re probably fine.
Modern firearms are designed to run dirty. Reliability usually drops from too much oil or parts worn out, not a little carbon.
What Actually Needs Lubrication (And What Doesn’t)
More lube does not equal more reliability.
Focus only on metal-on-metal contact points:
Lube these areas lightly:
- Slide rails
- Barrel exterior (where it contacts the slide)
- Barrel hood and locking surfaces
- Recoil spring contact points
- Bolt carrier rails (for rifles)
Do NOT lube:
- Firing pin channel
- Striker channel
- Magazines
- Ammo
- Optics
If oil is dripping, splattering, or attracting dirt—you used too much. A thin film is all you need.
Over-Cleaning Myths (That Actually Hurt Guns)
Myth #1: Clean after every range trip
Unnecessary. Constant disassembly increases wear and risks lost parts.
Myth #2: Scrub until it looks brand new
Carbon staining is normal. Chasing “factory clean” causes more damage than good.
Myth #3: More oil = smoother operation
Excess oil attracts debris and can cause malfunctions, especially in striker-fired pistols.
Myth #4: Solvents everywhere
Harsh chemicals used too often can damage finishes, seals, and coatings.
A Simple Maintenance Mindset
Think of firearm maintenance like vehicle maintenance:
- You don’t change oil after every drive
- You don’t power wash the engine weekly
- You check things regularly and fix issues when they appear
Your firearm wants the same treatment.
The Bottom Line
- Clean when needed, not on a schedule
- Lube only where parts touch
- Ignore cosmetic carbon
- Don’t chase perfection—chase reliability
Less cleaning, done correctly, keeps your firearm running longer and more reliably.
Shoot more. Scrub less.