“You clean your guns?” That was one of the cheekier replies we got when we asked our Facebook followers how often they clean theirs. And while some answers were clearly tongue-in-cheek, the responses reveal something more interesting, even among experienced shooters, there's no single rule everyone follows.
So, how often should you clean your rifle, shotgun or air rifle? We looked at expert guidance and what everyday shooters like you had to say.
Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are smart habits to adopt.
Why Cleaning Frequency Matters
Whilst this isn’t a guide to how to clean your gun, we’ve got a separate post for that (stay tuned!). This is about how often to do it, and why that frequency matters.
Clean firearms are safer, more reliable, and last longer. A build-up of fouling or moisture can cause malfunctions, reduce accuracy, and even lead to long-term corrosion. Just like any tool, the better you look after it, the better it’ll perform when you need it.
What the Experts Say
If you ask a gunsmith or instructor, you’ll usually hear the same thing: clean it after every use, or at least inspect it. This is particularly true for shotguns and rimfire rifles, which tend to collect fouling quickly, especially with fibre wads or budget cartridges.
Manufacturers often recommend cleaning:
- After each use, especially with powder-based ammo.
- Immediately if your gun has been used in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions.
- Every few hundred rounds, if it’s seen light use but hasn’t had a deep clean.
Even air rifles, especially PCP models, benefit from occasional maintenance to keep seals and barrels in top shape. But cleaning too often, especially with aggressive solvents, can sometimes do more harm than good.
What Gun Owners Actually Do (We Asked You)
We put the question to our Facebook followers, and the responses were brilliant, ranging from the meticulous to the mildly sarcastic. Here's a flavour:
→ After Every Use
“I clean it every time I’ve used it. Especially if I’ve been using fibres for the day. It’s just become a routine.” – Reisto Shooting Sports
“Every time I use it.” – Pegasus Property UK, Gary B., Buff N.
“After every use. Also gives me the chance to inspect it.” – Craig S.
“Always after using it.” – Mike P.
→ When Needed
“PCP air rifle – when the accuracy drops off, I can tell when it needs cleaning.” – MC
“I wipe mine down with a silicone cloth after every use. I don’t run a rod through unless it’s been damp.” – Bernard D.
→ Not as Often as They Should
“You clean your guns?” – Luke P.
“You can clean them?” – Ian C.
“Stick mine in the sink every morning.” – Dougie E. (we hope he’s joking!)
“Not often enough.” – Steve F.
→ Depends on the Gun
“Airgun never, shotgun every time I use it.” – Tom K.
“Every 3 weeks.” – John H.
The takeaway? Most UK shooters tend to clean their shotguns and rifles after use, while air rifle owners use performance as their main indicator.
What Actually Determines How Often You Should Clean
There are a few key factors:
- Type of firearm: Shotguns and centrefire rifles tend to foul more quickly than airguns.
- Type of use: Game shoots, rough shooting, and range sessions all cause different types of residue and exposure.
- Environmental conditions: Moisture, mud, salt air, and dust can all accelerate corrosion and fouling.
- Ammo used: Some powders and cartridges burn dirtier than others. Fibre wads leave more residue than plastic.
- Storage: Guns stored in cabinets or safes in cold/damp rooms need more attention than those in dry, controlled conditions.
So... How Often Should You Clean It?
There’s no single right answer, but there are sensible habits.
- Shotguns and rifles: Clean or at least inspect after every use, especially if exposed to weather or used with fibre wads.
- Air rifles (PCP/spring): Clean when accuracy drops or after extended use. Wipe down metalwork every time.
- Rarely used guns: Give them a monthly once-over, even if they’ve not left the cabinet.
The best advice? Let usage and performance guide you. If it’s fired rounds, faced the elements, or started misbehaving - best give it a clean.
Ready to Take Better Care of Your Guns?
Cleaning your firearm is a small effort that goes a long way. Our community shows that while habits vary, most experienced shooters understand the value of regular maintenance, even if they have a laugh about it.
Just don’t be the one saying, “Wait, we’re supposed to clean them?”
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