How dusty is too dusty for 100% reliability?

[jkroner659]

This is to people who carry, and this will vary from firearm to firearm and lets stickto semi auto handguns please. After even 2-3 weeks, your carry pistols starts to look like it would not be a bad idea to give her a wipe on the outside and (presumably) inside as well. But I have a confession, I do not enjoy cleaning my guns(but I still do it pretty often) as much as some. My question is: if you carry everyday, how long would you let your carry pistol go(not shooting it, just carry) before you think it would hurt it's reliability in a real life situation(1 mag without problems)?

I am just curious because it seems like after 1-2 months, I think I almost "have" to clean it, just in case. But then you know some people don't clean their guns but once a year or even less(but those people probably don't carry, they probably keep theirs for home defense). So, do you think the dust bunnies come into play in a real life situation(like I said, to be able to get off a full mag problem free)?

[sig232]

It really depends on the gun. Many of the plastic pistols do not require much maintenance to operate 100%. You can ignore the Glocks for a long time.

If the firearm is set up for target it will have tighter tolerances and be very sensitive to dirt, dust, lint, etc.

If your life depends on your carry gun I would recommend that you give it all the attention that it deserves. Clean and inspect it often. Say once per month, at least. If you fire it I would clean it immediately.

[whompuss]

My oldest son has shot his G-17 for 17 years, cleaned it 3 times. never a misfire or jam.
On occassion at the car wash he sprays the high pressure rince water through it, lets it dry and sprays a little Break Free with the little red wand thingy. I sure can't do that with my 1911.

[sig232]

I have heard that some folks put their Glocks in the dishwasher and run them through the cycle. I don't think that is smart since the heat could cause warpping or damage to the plastic parts.

Also to remove all the residual oils from the hammer/trigger assembly may result in extra wear, long term.