How clean is "clean enough"?

[Tom]

When cleaning a bore do you work until the patch comes out spotless white or is a little bit of discoloration good enough?

[BarryinIN]

With the caveat that everybody who ever owned a gun seems to have a different theory on cleaning, I'd say a little discoloration on the patch is OK.

My feeling is there is a point of no return in cleaning, where the effort to get a little more out can cause more risk of things like the cleaning rod dragging along the throat, the patch "blossoming" at the muzzle and causing wear there, etc.

[Bill_in_Utah]

With the caveat that everybody who ever owned a gun seems to have a different theory on cleaning, I'd say a little discoloration on the patch is OK.

My feeling is there is a point of no return in cleaning, where the effort to get a little more out can cause more risk of things like the cleaning rod dragging along the throat, the patch "blossoming" at the muzzle and causing wear there, etc.

I agree. More weapons are worn out from over cleaning (esp .22LR IMO) than shooting.

I clean a weapon after firing with q-tips and cloths and a little cleaner after every outing. Then I clean/wipe the finish off with a rag, then use a silicone cloth (if blued) and put it back in a sock.

When I clean the bore, I try to get from the chamber end if possible with a brush, then a few patches till they come out semi clean then a lightly oiled patch and call it a day.

Place a little oil/grease where needed depending on the weapon.

Works for me for decades.

Take care, Bill