Henry Rifle Forums

growing up and the mid years what firearms i had were working tools, they were always kept cleaned and oiled and in the cabinet, when used they got cleaned, wiped down, and put back in the cabinet. its only been the last 3 years or so i have gotten back into shooting as a hobby

my henry, wifes ruger, while they are tools as well they are very attractive toys, as will be most in the future, and in wanting to keep them in as best shape as possible, and they will see range time, possible some hunting time,

how often do you folks do a full clean and detail for lack of a better word.

wife wants me to ask when does one officially become a collector and not a shooter ?? now while she is joking she does have some validity in her good natured ribbing,


thanks
Troy

bmsma wrote:... they were always kept cleaned and oiled and in the cabinet, when used they got cleaned, wiped down, and put back in the cabinet.

That is good rule of thumb to follow.

Me, I clean depending on how many rounds I've shot and/or how frequently I shoot. For example if I'm shooting say 10 rounds a day for 3 days. I'll clean after the 3rd or forth day. If I shoot 60 rounds a given day, I clean that day.

I also clean on round count. Especially with 22. I dont have a set amount and with 22 it may go as high as a 1000 or more. But when winter comes I go thru the safe and check all of them to make sure I have got all of them cleaned for the next time Im able to go. I use lemon pledge on the guns its cheap and its carnuba wax. It does a great job and keeps them looking good.

I did not grow up shooting firearms. But, I have adopted a philosophy of: take care of your tools and they will take care of you. This philosophy stems from serving 22 years in the Navy. So, I clean my firearms (remove bolts, clean, oil, etc.) after every use.Therefore, a day at the range is not complete until the firearms are cleaned. And, that can make for a very long day (or late night to early morning).

I have been shooting muzzleloaders for over 40 years so I just clean as soon as I am finished shooting for the day. I have done the same for my Henry BBB. I haven't been out shooting in some time due to health issues and haven't been able to get the 1860 out at all. Maybe some time this year.

Jim