Am 18 and just bought an semi auto ak47 at a gun store do i need to clean it every time i shoot it?

Question

just asking because its my first gun.

Answer 1

I own an ak and I clean mine after every trip to the range. I only shoot non-corrosive ammo through it so technichally I wouldn't need to clean it every time. I have heard about  people who own ak's not cleaning theirs after almost 5000 rounds through them, but I would clean mine every time!  

Answer 2

Need to no, should you yes.

Answer 3

It isn't the end of the world if you don't clean it everytime, but it is much easier to clean it everytime then it is to skip a time then clean it.  

Answer 4

I own five AK's and I have never cleaned one of them.

Answer 5

WHAT KIND OF AMMUNITION do you plan on using?....  If your using any of that Polymer / lacquer cased Wolf, Hotshot, or Barnaul etc, etc..... Be absolutely sure you keep the chambered cleaned well... I didn't do that with my WASR and the bolt didn't quite close -- When I fired the rifle it exploded...... Its been 2 weeks and me and the doctor are still picking metal parts out of me...... Pay no attention to anybody that says these rifles are so reliable they need little or no cleaning and maintenance... They do... I learned the hard way but fortunately didn't blow my head off..... You dint have to clean it every time but dont put off a regular break down and KEEP THE CHAMBER clean if you are using the cheap ammo..... Contact me for details...

Answer 6

why do you need to ask, do you clean your r****m when you visit the br. honestly.  

Answer 7

Yes.

A clean and well maintained weapon is a happy weapon !

Answer 8

Do you NEED to?  No.  I normally at least wipe mine down and run a patch down the barrel.  I keep a small amount of lube on my bolt, carrier and fire control parts.  If you get moisture inside your receiver, the springs can rust as can any exposed metal that has been scratched, etc.  I do not torture test my Maadi.  I do not see the point in seeing how many rounds it will fire without malfunctioning.  Make no mistake, an AK can missfire.  They can fail to eject or jam just like any other semiauto.  Their ease of cleaning and dissasembly leave no excuses why not to take care of them.  

Answer 9

YES

Answer 10

yes, after every shooting session you need to clean it.

Further, if you are not shooting it but simply handling it, you need to wipe it down with gun oil before returning it to storage.

Finally, if you are going to be going long periods without shooting it (and hence not cleaning and lubricating the internals) you need to take some special steps for long term storage care.

Answer 11

If you shoot a few today and are shooting again tomorrow, and the weather's good, then you can get by without. But as a general rule, yes. You may also want to give it a swab every now and then during a prolonged shooting session.

I generally clean my rifles after every ten shots at the range, but they're nice hunting rifles. Your AK is designed for Russian conscripts with loose tolerances, and it'll take more abuse.

Answer 12

Most of the fodder for the AK47s is non-corrosive; you can shoot it all summer and clean it in the fall.  I have a number of AKs and they have a chrome lined barrel that is very forgiving; they were built to work under all conditions and require little maintenance.  The AK is accurate, fun to shoot, easy to disassemble and clean, and will only appreciate in value.  When you do clean it get a can of that spray brake parts cleaner; it melts the crud quickly.  Remember to never put any oil in the top tube that the operating rod is in as it will harden like varnish and give you grief.  Just spray it, brass brush it and blow with compressed air, no oil-no oil-no oil.  Other than that it is a snap to clean; once or twice a year if you feel like it.  

Answer 13

It is always a good idea to clean a weapon, especially a semi-auto after every firing.  One thing you always have to look out for is corrosion, regardless of how well your weapon functions.  The AK-47 will function in harsh conditions so it won't hurt to skip a cleaning, but I like to keep the rust off my toys.

Answer 14

Do you need to... no not really. The AK can take a BEATING and keep on ticking.

However, if you want it to not degrade, ruin things, etc... I would clean it after every shoot. Since I don't shoot it that often (like my pistols) it can go a few months between shootings...don't want the barrel to pit, etc .. in that time.

Otherwise... the AK can take a BEATING and still keep shooting.

Answer 15

Yes, thats a good idea.*

Answer 16

No. The AK-47 is a great first gun because you rarely have to clean it. I clean it and oil only to prevent rust, not because I care that it is dirty. The AK-47 will continue to fire and work perfectly regardless to how dirty it is. You need to periodically oil all metal surfaces, especially if you live in a wet climate, to prevent rust and wear. Do check the inside of the barrel though. If there is anything blocking your barrel you must clean it out before firing the gun. Ensure the chamber is UNLOADED by removing the magazine and pulling the bolt back a few times before looking down the barrel.

And I almost forgot... ACMERAVEN is correct about not putting oil in the gas tube. I use eezox cleaning spray.

Answer 17

i would.  

Answer 18

Clean the barrel to remove any debris.  keep the metal oiled with gun oil to prevent the barrel or any other metals from oxidizing.....

Otherwise, have fun with it and use it responsibly

Answer 19

After an initial inspection/cleaning to get the weapon operational...no.

Remember - this rifle was used effectively in Vietnam by troops who did not always clean up after a firefight.

That said; after a trip to the range, should you clean your weapon?  I would.

Answer 20

While the Ak-47 is a durable and reliable weapon, it requires maintenance and care just like any other firearm. All that mythology about never having to clean them and firing millions of rounds out of them, yadd-yadda-yadda, is just a bunch of hooey.

Get in the habit of cleaning it every time you shoot it. Sure, it may not need it every time, but if you're going to own a weapon you should accept the responsibility for caring for it and using it SAFELY.

I think you made an excellent choice for your first firearm. The AK is a firearm of great historical significance, it's very user-friendly and reliable, and ammunition can still be had for a reasonable price(unlike ammo for AR-15's!).

While it's not the most accurate rifle ever made, the AK is more than accurate for shooting at distances of up to 300 meters if you do your part properly. There is more mythology out there which states that AK's are inaccurate, and this is not necessarily so. Arsenal USA makes one called the SLR-106FR in 5.56x45mm, and it is capable of 1.5" groups at 100 meters, which is comparable to most off the shelf AR-15's.

Now that you have your AK, now you should start thinking about getting plenty of magazines and accessories to complete it. I would start with a good magazine pouch and at least five 30 round magazines, a sling(if it didn't come with one), cleaning kit and a case of good quality ammunition.

Good luck with your purchase, and remember: Shoot safely!

Answer 21

As long as you are not shooting Yugo or other corrosive ammo

No

Clean it when you feel like it

I have never been obsessive about cleaning my guns in civilian life and have never had a malf due to hygiene except with .22s that had not been cleaned in years

Answer 22

It depends how often you use it. It is good safety practice to get into a habit of cleaning your firearm after use, anyway. Incidentally - very surprised you chose the AK47 as your first gun. Quite a kick with those old things!