The Great Cleaning Debate: Finding Balance in Firearm Maintenance
- Hootey Cline
- Feb 5
- 6 min read
From the Bench: A gunsmith's perspective on the eternal cleaning question
By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company
We've all heard both sides of this passionate debate: firearms must be either spotless after every shot, or cleaning is an overrated waste of time and energy. After nearly a decade as a gunsmith, I've witnessed the full spectrum of cleaning philosophies – and I'll admit, I've been guilty of both extremes with my own firearms.
As the old saying goes, "the shoemaker's children often go barefoot." Sometimes the gunsmith's personal firearms get the quick wipe-down treatment while customer guns receive the white-glove service. I'm still learning to find the right balance myself.
The All-or-Nothing Problem
The real issue isn't whether to clean or not – it's our tendency to make everything in the firearms world an absolute. Pick any topic: weapon platforms, calibers, holsters, shooting stances, cleaning methods – and you'll find passionate advocates declaring their choice either the greatest innovation ever or a complete abomination to modern engineering.
There's rarely middle ground.
In our current age of strong opinions, everyone has the answer, and by the gods, you're going to hear it! I'm certain somewhere, someone has started an argument over commercial cleaning patches versus cut-up t-shirts, or which brand of solvent reigns supreme.
But has it always been this polarized?
A Brief History of Cleaning Obsessions
The Black Powder Era: Clean or Die
Early firearms – matchlocks through the percussion era – required almost obsessive cleaning due to the corrosive nature of black powder. This wasn't opinion or preference; it was scientific fact. The salts in black powder would eat your firearm alive if you didn't clean thoroughly with hot water.
I learned this lesson accidentally when I neglected a muzzleloader after hunting season. Eight months later, the rifle looked like an archaeological artifact with its vibrant spectrum of rust colors.
The old-timers weren't being dramatic – they were being practical.
The Smokeless Revolution: Swinging the Pendulum
When smokeless powder became widely available in the late 1800s, the cleaning "science" swung completely opposite. (Kind of like how eggs are good for us, then bad, then good again – I can never keep track.)
The experts declared: Scrub your guns after every use!
The people responded: Collective shrug
During the era of mass-produced, inexpensive firearms, guns were viewed more like hammers – common tools that didn't need polishing after every use. This practical approach explains the "patina" on many vintage firearms I see today, both in my collection and on my bench.
The clean-gun minority existed mostly in military and law enforcement circles, though even there, official maintenance standards often differed from actual practice. Anyone who kept genuinely clean firearms was probably viewed with suspicion – especially if they were... bench-rest shooters.
The Semi-Auto Shift
The culture began changing when law enforcement transitioned from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols. Semi-autos proved more finicky than wheel guns, suddenly making cleaning relevant again.
And like all good American trends, we may have taken it too far.
I listen to stories from veteran officers who remember dire warnings about dirt and over-oiling. Then came the radicals advocating no lubrication whatsoever – oil attracts dirt, dirt kills reliability, therefore oil equals death wish. Never mind that regular cleaning and proper lubrication would solve the perceived problem, but who am I to let facts interfere with good panic?
As "proper" maintenance fever rose, so did the tidal wave of new cleaning products.
A new era of "science and snake oil" had begun.
Today's Golden Age
According to the veterans in this trade, we're living in an unprecedented era. Modern firearms demonstrate measurably better engineering than even twenty years ago. While cleaning technology has reached new levels of sophistication, overall attitudes seem more reasonable.
The New School Philosophy
"They'll run dirty, but they won't run dry."
This modern wisdom acknowledges that today's firearms can function with some fouling, but they absolutely need proper lubrication. With high-tech gun oils requiring just a few drops, we've moved away from both extremes – the obsessive scrubbing and the complete neglect.
Even precision shooters seeking maximum accuracy have recognized the dangers of overly aggressive maintenance. Too many bores have been ruined rather than preserved by excessive cleaning.
Dare I say it? The firearms community might actually be agreeing on something.
What I've Learned from the Bench
The Reality of Customer Firearms
Most firearms that come to my shop for cleaning and repair aren't suffering from too much maintenance – they're suffering from too little. The most common issues I see:
Jamming and feeding problems caused by accumulated fouling
Worn parts that could have lasted longer with proper lubrication
Neglect-related damage that could have been prevented with basic care
The pattern is clear: Most gun owners err on the side of too little maintenance rather than too much.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Through working on hundreds of firearms, I've observed what actually works:
For most shooters:
Clean when accuracy degrades or function becomes unreliable
Lubricate regularly – a few drops of quality oil goes far
Inspect frequently – catch problems before they become expensive
Store properly – control moisture and temperature when possible
For high-round-count shooters:
More frequent cleaning maintains peak performance
Quality cleaning products make the job easier and more effective
Proper technique prevents damage during maintenance
For occasional shooters:
Annual deep cleaning even if unfired (storage can cause issues)
Function check before each use
Basic lubrication before storage
The Modern Maintenance Mindset
Quality Over Quantity
Today's cleaning products are remarkably effective compared to previous generations. You need less product, applied more precisely, to achieve better results.
What this means practically:
A few drops of modern gun oil outperform yesterday's heavy applications
Targeted cleaning works better than aggressive scrubbing
Quality solvents remove fouling without damaging finishes
Proper tools make maintenance easier and more effective
Understanding Your Firearm
Different firearms have different maintenance needs:
Semi-automatic pistols: More sensitive to fouling in critical areas
Revolvers: Generally more tolerant but still need attention
Rifles: Barrel condition affects accuracy more than function
Shotguns: Often the most forgiving of maintenance neglect
The key: Learn your specific firearm's needs rather than following universal rules.
Practical Guidance from Experience
When to Clean
Definitely clean when:
Accuracy noticeably degrades
Function becomes unreliable
After exposure to moisture or corrosive conditions
Before long-term storage
After high round counts (varies by firearm)
Consider cleaning when:
It's been several months since last cleaning
You're preparing for important use (hunting, competition, etc.)
You notice unusual fouling or debris
Manufacturer recommends specific intervals
When NOT to Over-Clean
Avoid excessive cleaning that can:
Damage bore rifling through aggressive brushing
Remove protective finishes with harsh solvents
Introduce contaminants through poor technique
Create unnecessary wear on moving parts
The Lubrication Balance
Too little lubrication causes:
Increased wear on moving parts
Function reliability issues
Premature component failure
Too much lubrication causes:
Dirt and debris attraction
Potential accuracy issues
Messy handling conditions
The sweet spot: Light, even application of quality lubricant to specified points.
Blue Coat Arms Company Observations
What Brings Firearms to My Bench
Most common maintenance-related issues:
Neglect-related jamming – easily preventable with basic care
Improper lubrication – either too much, too little, or wrong type
Storage damage – rust and corrosion from poor storage conditions
Cleaning damage – bore damage from aggressive cleaning techniques
What Works in Practice
Successful maintenance approaches I observe:
Consistent basic care beats sporadic deep cleaning
Quality products used properly outperform cheap products used excessively
Understanding your firearm leads to better maintenance decisions
Professional guidance when unsure prevents costly mistakes
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the Cleaning Debate
This cleaning controversy reflects a larger pattern in firearms culture – our tendency toward absolutes. The truth usually lies somewhere in the middle, adapted to individual circumstances.
Factors that influence maintenance needs:
Usage patterns: High-volume vs. occasional shooting
Environmental conditions: Humidity, temperature, exposure
Firearm design: Some are more maintenance-sensitive than others
Storage conditions: Climate-controlled vs. variable environments
Ammunition types: Some are "dirtier" than others
A Balanced Approach
What I've learned: The best maintenance program is one you'll actually follow consistently.
A simple routine performed regularly beats a complex system used sporadically.
My recommendation: Start with manufacturer guidelines, adjust based on your specific use and environment, and don't be afraid to ask questions when unsure.
Final Thoughts
After years of working on firearms and observing the cleaning debate, I'm convinced that both extremes miss the point. Firearms don't need to be surgical-suite clean, but they shouldn't be neglected either.
The goal isn't perfection – it's reliability and longevity.
Modern firearms are remarkably tolerant, but they still benefit from basic care. The key is finding a maintenance routine that matches your usage patterns and sticking with it.
What I hope you take away: Don't get caught up in the absolutes. Learn your firearm's needs, use quality products properly, and remember that consistent basic care beats sporadic perfectionism.
No matter your era, we got your six – whether your firearm sees daily use or occasional outings, proper maintenance keeps it ready when you need it.
Questions about firearm maintenance or need professional cleaning services? Blue Coat Arms Company offers comprehensive cleaning, inspection, and maintenance services. Contact us at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com to discuss your firearm's specific needs.
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