Advice on maintaining handguns long-term?

[I Dont Care About You]

It's a fair question, and some good replies here so far. You're cleaning more than most people would, but it's fine as long as you're not being excessively rough during disassembly/reassembly.

I'd add that the handguns in your collection will get dirty in different ways, and 22LR is particularly ammo-dependent when it comes to fouling. There's a huge variety of 22 ammunition, and the dirty stuff is really, really dirty. Also, if you shoot cast bullets from the centerfires, you should watch for barrel leading.

The Walther P22 will get dirty fast, being both 22LR and a straight blowback action. But IMO, it's a good idea to let it get dirty and see how dirty it will run before you get malfunctions. Then, add a bit of lube and see how long it will go before you "really" need to clean it. This slide material is a zinc alloy, and I never trust this kind of material to be as robust as steel (obviously) or even aluminum. For long term and high round count (likely, given the type of pistol), I'd keep even field stripping to a minimum.

Both revolvers will get dirty around the forcing cone and front of the cylinder, but they don't need much more than an occasional quick scrub with a plastic brush in those areas once they start to feel rough turning (add solvent as necessary). They shouldn't ever require you to go inside the frame. (but that can be an entertaining journey)

The others will stay relatively clean with modest round counts, just keep the barrel / slide / frame contact surfaces lubed, and watch for eventual issues with extraction/ejection and fire control.

Well said.

The one I have the most trouble with is Ruger MK2. That gun will choke up on a dirty chamber after a while. Then dirt will eventually gum up the slide. Oil and a quick wipe down really help. Stripping the MK2 is a big hassle.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Way more handguns have been worn out by excessive cleaning than have been "shot out".

....

The Canadian Forces has an inventory management cycle that issues the worst, loosest, and most worn out guns to training establishments. The Life Cycle Material Managers expect those guns will be trashed from unfamiliar handling and excessive aggressive cleaning. The average Private will take the Parkerizing off their bolt trying to "get it clean" to pass inspection. (I remember seeing an instructors' aid to inspections at CFOCS Chilliwack - there were a half dozen FN C1 receiver covers that had been abused with steel wool, green scratchy pads, copper bristle bore brushes, etc each to show the characteristic polishing patterns. )

At the other end of the spectrum are the War Stock guns that are as new as the day they left the plant. I've seen absolutely impeccable Browning HP handguns and NIB C7 rifles.

 

[I Dont Care About You]

The Canadian Forces has an inventory management cycle that issues the worst, loosest, and most worn out guns to training establishments. The Life Cycle Material Managers expect those guns will be trashed from unfamiliar handling and excessive aggressive cleaning. The average Private will take the Parkerizing off their bolt trying to "get it clean" to pass inspection.

Exactly the point I was trying to make. "excessive, aggressive cleaning". I know civilian owners won't go nearly as far as a private in the army but over time the damage and wear add up.

I watched a private scrub the parkerizing off a C6 barrel right behind the gas port cause he thought the black was carbon buildup.