20k Rounds Without Cleaning?

Published on February 19, 2024
Duration: 8:50

Ben Stoeger discusses his approach to firearm maintenance, emphasizing that many pistols, like the CZ Shadow 2, can reliably function for 20,000 rounds with minimal cleaning. He advocates for a balance between maintenance effort and acceptable malfunctions, suggesting deep cleaning only when issues like stovepiping arise. For AR-15s, a simple wipe-down of the BCG is often sufficient between range sessions.

Quick Summary

Pistols like the CZ Shadow 2 can often handle 20,000 rounds before a deep cleaning is required, with occasional slide wipes and lubrication being sufficient. Malfunctions like stovepiping are key indicators for more thorough cleaning, including the extractor. AR-15s can be maintained by wiping the bolt carrier group with an oiled cloth every 500 rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: 20k Rounds Without Cleaning?
  2. 00:26CZ Shadow 2 Maintenance Discussion
  3. 00:41General Pistol Reliability Expectations
  4. 01:05Indications for Deep Cleaning
  5. 01:21CZ Shadow 2 Magazine Release Cleaning
  6. 02:03Real-World Cleaning Scenario
  7. 02:33Post-20k Rounds Cleaning Results
  8. 03:03Striker-Fired vs. Other Designs
  9. 03:14Glock 34 Maintenance Philosophy
  10. 03:46When to Wipe Down a Pistol
  11. 04:19Glock Performance Trigger Maintenance
  12. 04:36Apex Trigger Maintenance
  13. 04:52Practice Guns vs. Match/Duty Guns
  14. 05:02Extractor Goo and Cleaning Intervals
  15. 05:37Maintaining for Absolute Reliability
  16. 05:41AR-15 Rifle Maintenance (BCM)
  17. 06:00Bolt Carrier Group Wipe-Down
  18. 06:36Arrow Guns vs. BCM Experience
  19. 06:53Why This Knowledge is Important
  20. 07:08Balancing Maintenance and Training
  21. 07:37Uncommon but Practical Maintenance
  22. 07:52Workplace Firearm Maintenance
  23. 08:07Extreme Cleaning Methods
  24. 08:23Conclusion: 20k Rounds is Possible

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rounds can a CZ Shadow 2 pistol realistically be fired before needing a deep cleaning?

According to Ben Stoeger, pistols like the CZ Shadow 2, Beretta, and similar designs can often shoot 20,000 rounds before requiring a thorough cleaning, with occasional slide wipes and lubrication being sufficient for much of that period.

What are the signs that indicate a pistol needs a proper cleaning?

A common indicator that a pistol needs a proper cleaning is the onset of malfunctions, such as stovepiping. This suggests that components like the extractor and slide may be fouled with debris.

How should an AR-15 rifle like a BCM be maintained for high-volume shooting?

For AR-15s, a common maintenance practice for high-volume shooters involves wiping down the bolt carrier group with an oiled cloth after approximately 500 rounds, leaving a thin layer of oil.

Is it necessary to clean a firearm after every single range session?

Not necessarily. For many pistols and rifles used for training, especially striker-fired models, it's often sufficient to clean them only when malfunctions occur or after very high round counts, balancing maintenance with training time.

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