Frequency of cleaning?

umdiddly

umdiddly

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I'm talking a full clean. Disassemble, gas system, barrel, action, the whole thing. How often do black rifles (specifically XCR) need to be cleaned? I was just reading the rimfire thread, that suggested that overcleaning can actually harm your rifle! Is this the case with modern black rifles, chambered in .223/5.56, as well?

What regiment would you recommend? Cleaning the barrel after each shooting session (non-corrosive), and then only doing a full dissassemble when accuracy drops or issues come up?... or is that too frequent?
 
Depends, if I don't think I will shoot again for a few weeks, I will clean my rifle every time I finish shooting with it, but if I am planning on doing quite a bit of shooting over a month or so, say 2000 rounds, I will clean every 500 rounds or so. Sometimes every 800-1000 rounds if I get lazy.
 
I don't really need to clean the internal components of my ACR very often at all. Internally, it is about as dirty after 50 rounds as it is after 1000 rounds. I clean the bore using the same technique I use on my precision guns, just much less often. Since I can remove the barrel so easily, I remove it, fill it with Wipe-Out, and let it sit. Then I patch it out, and clear the gas system of any residue. Even though I can run it dry, I use a small amount of lube on the components, although I have found no difference in operation and wear between lubeing and not lubeing. Of course, the XCR will be different, but that's what I do.
 
from person experience i suggest cleaning the xcr fairly often especially if you want things to stay in new condition. the gas system gets dirty and if you dont clean it you will have a hell of a time when you finally decide to try and get the built up junk off gas valve, etc. These guns are easy to clean, clean it lots and keep it brand new looking, keeps it worth more in my eyes also.
 
I wiped the internals with LPX after each range trip, usually 200 rds. At 500 I gave it a soak in solvent, wiped dry and relubed. I did the piston at 500 too with a heavy coat of bore gel soaked for 10 mins or so. It really helps break up the tough carbon, it cleans up good with a bronze brush. The bore didn't copper foul much at all but I'd mine it all out every 1000 rds or so. I liked running it wet but saw no performance change with light lubing, it just cleans up easier when wet. Its not a finicky fickle-farkle fairy gun so don't be too concerned with a right and a wrong lube or regimen. The reason people warn against over cleaning .22s is because bore life is almost endless, firing it causes so little wear that cleaning tools actually do more damage. To over clean and destroy all but a primo match barrel would take some serious elbow grease. Your XCR is chrome lined so removing the copper when accuracy starts to degrade is all the love it needs, cleaning more often with a one piece rod won't change anything you'll notice over the life of the rifle.
 
I'm wondering if my routine is okay. I start off by filling the bore with CLP, let it sit, then I run a bore brush through it a couple times. Then I run some patches. Some patches with Hoppes No.9 solvent, then patches again until clear. Then a patch with Hoppes lube. Am I missing a step or two?
 
Isn't "over cleaning" mostly a problem because of bore damage from improper technique? I have been using wipeout brushless bore cleaner on my rifles after every trip to the range. It is supposed to be pretty easy on things. No brushes, just a jag and patches. Bore guide for the bolt action. Coated rod or coated otis cable for the rest.

I actually ENJOY cleaning so I am probably way over cleaning. I hope I am not doing any damage.
 
I don't use CLP or plain hoppes, do either remove copper? Sounds like it would get all the carbon for sure. Copper only needs to be removed when accuracy starts to suffer, removing it every time is a waste. Sounds like you're doing just fine.
 
For whatever reason I can't take a gun to the range without a quick disassembly/clean right when I get home.

For the ones that are more complex to strip; I'll just quickly clean the barrel and accessible spots in the chamber etc when I'm feeling lazy.

I think the time vs round count is the best method like Steve Janes said.
 
I've got about 5,000 rounds downrange now.


Other than a clean bore, and adding lube.....

I guess i'll let you know when I get around to doing a detailed clean.....

It'll run fine wet....even dirty, as long as its wet.
 
I clean them when I have time, or before winter as I don't shoot AR during winter. I never had problems even after 700 rounds without cleaning. I just add oil after every 200-300 rounds.

Don't be crazy about cleaning your gun. I'm sure that your gun can handle more rounds between cleaning than what you think.
 
I clean my guns after each use. I will typically put 200-500rds downrange each session with an AR so it gets quite dirty. I strip it down and clean it all, use a bore guide and the right products and cleaning isn't a chore. I like to keep my firearms in great condition, cleaned and ready for the next use.
 
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