How often to clean?

I clean my rifle's everytime I use them and If I haven't used one between a 6 or 8 month period i'll take it out and clean it just to to make sure there's no issues from being previously handled or humidity.

clean after every use then wipe down 2x's a year during storage.

Keeping a rifle clean is important.I would make two points.1.Too much oil left in the action can cause problems in freezing weather.2.on my last sight in before hunting I do not adjust the scope until after the first three shots have removed oil from the barrel and the group has settled down.I do not clean the barrel until after the hunt is over.The exception would be a mishap that puts dirt in the barrel.

Fouling residue build up (copper and burned powder deposits) occur with EVERY shot, so cleaning after every session is important. In fact, with some rifles and loads, accuracy can be effected after just a few shots. You should swab all oil from your bore before shooting as excess oil in the barrel can increase pressure. Also be sure you know whether your solvent is one of the more aggressive types as these cannot be left in the barrel more than ten minutes. Follow directions for the particular solvent that you are using and you'll be alright.

If you have a new rifle,I would follow OneHorse's guidelines.It may be that fouling is building up on worn rifling and giving me tighter groups after three shots.This is the sight in method the previous owner used and it has worked for me for 20 years.My rifle gets a thorough cleaning after the hunt.When I sight in,I stop shooting after a group under 2 inches and take it hunting with no further cleaning.

My 2 cents on cleaning rifles...

I like to keep the outside of them wiped down alot thoughout the year with a silicon cloth. I make a point of running through a bore snake cleaning system everytime I return from the range except for the last time prior to taking it hunting. There was a really good article I read and about oil in the bore and how it can throw off your first shot. I have seen it myself, with the first shot fired out a clean oiled bore not ending up in the same tight group as the remaining shots.

Karl

x2 (or was that three?)

Hunting Man said:

clean after every use then wipe down 2x's a year during storage.

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What he said!!! There's no such thing as cleaning a rifle TOO MUCH.

RR

for all guns same here clean after every use during off season or storage I clean once a month

Mine get cleaned after every shooting session. When hunting if they haven't been shot they still get wiped down with oil when I come in.