How often I clean my guns

Published on February 13, 2025
Duration: 7:04

Joel Park provides practical advice on firearm cleaning and lubrication frequency based on firearm type and usage. He emphasizes minimal maintenance for polymer frames, regular lubrication for steel frames to prevent wear, and increased attention for carbines, especially when suppressed, due to back pressure effects.

Quick Summary

Polymer frame firearms require minimal cleaning, often functioning for thousands of rounds. Steel frame guns benefit from regular lubrication on contact points to prevent wear. Carbines, especially when suppressed with high back pressure, need more frequent attention to the bolt carrier group to prevent drying and malfunctions.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Common Gun Cleaning Questions
  2. 00:19Polymer Frame Gun Maintenance
  3. 00:34Ammo Impact on Cleaning
  4. 00:57Quick Wipe-Down Technique
  5. 01:12Deep Cleaning Frequency
  6. 01:44Examples: Glock, Walther PDP
  7. 01:50Steel Frame Gun Lubrication
  8. 02:09Steel Frame Examples: CZ, Taran Tactical Innovations
  9. 02:15Lubrication Points for Steel Frames
  10. 03:06Carbine Maintenance
  11. 03:15Non-Suppressed Carbine Care
  12. 03:21Bolt Carrier Group Lubrication
  13. 03:44Oil vs. Grease
  14. 04:22Suppressed Carbine Considerations
  15. 04:28Flow-Through Suppressors
  16. 04:44Back Pressure Suppressors
  17. 05:03Example of Seized Suppressed Rifle
  18. 05:46Cleaning a Seized BCG
  19. 06:04Why Back Pressure Needs More Oil
  20. 06:30Summary: Keep Steel Wet, Polymer Good

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my polymer frame firearms?

Polymer frame guns require minimal cleaning. You can often fire thousands of rounds without issue. If the gun feels 'gunky,' a quick wipe of the feed ramp and breach face with a paper towel is usually sufficient. A full disassembly and cleaning is typically only needed once or twice a year.

What is the recommended lubrication for steel frame firearms?

For steel frame firearms, it's best to keep them 'wet,' especially at the slide-to-frame contact points. This helps prevent accelerated wear. A quick application of oil to the frame rails or contact spots around every 1,000 rounds is a good practice.

Does using a suppressor affect how often I need to clean my carbine?

Yes, suppressors that generate back pressure can significantly increase fouling in your carbine's action. This means you'll need to lubricate the bolt carrier group more frequently to prevent it from drying out and potentially seizing or causing malfunctions.

What's the difference in cleaning needs between flow-through and back-pressure suppressors?

Flow-through suppressors tend to vent gas more effectively downrange, leading to less fouling inside the firearm's action. Suppressors with significant back pressure will push more gas and debris into the action, requiring more frequent lubrication and cleaning of components like the bolt carrier group.

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