Cleaning Carry Gun During Winter

[JonInNY]

It's the middle of winter up here in the Catskill's now, and my range is frozen solid. I have not gotten up there to practice in several months.

My carry gun was well cleaned and lubed after the last usage back in November, but has not been fired or cleaned since. It's not been exposed to the elements or any harsh conditions (other than cold when I'm outside).

Would you guys (and gals) suggest breaking it down just for a routine cleaning every few months even if it was not used?

Can't wait until the weather warms up again...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[hybrid]

well it depends on you, since I use grease, I just re-oil very lightly were I use oil

[dairycreek]

Would you guys (and gals) suggest breaking it down just for a routine cleaning every few months even if it was not used?

I certainly recommend a periodic cleaning of all my guns. Over the years I have become supersensitive to the possibility of rust formation on all my firearms. Living in western Oregon in a damp climate tends to exacerbate the problem. An old friend of mine is fond of saying, "rust never quits and you can't either"! So, just to be sure I field strip my guns and wipe them down with Eezox on a regular basis whether I have shot them or not. Works for me!

[C9H13NO3]

I would clean a carry gun once a week even if it wasn't fired.

[rottkeeper]

I would break it down, give it a good wipe down and re-lube it. If this is an every day carry gun it may have collected lint, dust etc. that can cause some gunk build up. I just did mine a couple of days ago, it was clean no build up, but I feel better knowing. I don't know the forecast for your area but here they are talking about a storm tomorrow so your range will have some more cover. Enough is enough already...

[ctr]

I'll wipe my revolver down and run an oil and dry patch thru the bore and cylinders every couple of weeks, not that it needs it, but it keeps everything clean and well protected.

For the auto, I'll wipe it down every couple of weeks and check the rail lube. Monthly, I'll strip it, run an oil and dry patch thru the bore, lube the rails, port, and springs, regardless.

[hondaman]

I would clean a carry gun once a week even if it wasn't fired.

Really that much?

[C9H13NO3]

I clean it once or twice a week, but I also shoot it once or twice a week. If I don't shoot that week, I still clean it. This is something that my life could rely on. If I clean it once a week, I know I'm getting rid of a weeks worth of lint, dirt, and other random accumulation from carrying it, I know everything is still in working order, I know it's lubricated, etc. It only takes a few minutes to clean it, so I think it's a small price to pay for ensured reliability. I enjoy cleaning it too.

[rocky]

Once a month minimum , due to dust and fuzz from clothing .

[JimH58]

Would you guys (and gals) suggest breaking it down just for a routine cleaning every few months even if it was not used?

I field strip and clean my semi-autos once a month, fired or not.