How long between barrel cleaning (days/months) not round count

[brianf]

Not the regular cleaning regiment or how to break in barrel.
Someone asked me a question the other day...
If the rifle doesn't get soaked or corrosive ammo is used how long can it sit there before the fouling chews into a stainless barrel.
Fouling does hold (powder not jacket material) moisture and on a CM barrel is can cause pitting, but never thought about it for a SS.

 

[diverdon]

Not gonna happen.

 

[308pirate]

It's impossible to predict how long it will take due to the unknowns about storage and use environment, but the 416 stainless steel most often used in barrel manufacture WILL rust and pit if left unprotected. Even more so if it's been resulfurized to improve machinability.

 

[308pirate]

I don't know why it is so hard to clean and protect a rifle barrel after use if it will sit unused longer than a few days, given a normal environment.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

I usually get out to the range once a week. If I have something going on and I know I won’t be able to get out the next week, then I’ll clean and oil. I also make sure that any barrels I have but aren’t currently using are oiled as well

 

[...]

i generally run an oil soaked patch down the barrel of my guns every few months if theyve been sitting.....i use a heavy oil like motor oil.

i dont time it down to the day......just when the thought comes to me......

havent had an issue.....but my guns are also in a basement which is pretty temperature consistent year round.