maintenance in the field

[Mortblanc]

A proper SHTF/BUG OUT gun should require zero maintenance for 2,000-5,000 rounds. Now consider that your basic ammo stash is 200 rounds and unless you come across more ammo than you are allowed to own you will never be truly concerned with cleaning a SHTF gun unless you drop it in a mud hole.

As soon as you break down that firearm to clean it you are unarmed!

There are several sporting firearms on the market that meet that 5,000round capability. The Bennelli, Beretta, Mossberg, Savage and Remington pump shotguns being just a few.

There are also many surplus firearms available that meet that capability.

Most shooters over-clean their guns and put more wear on them in cleaning than they do in shooting. In a SHTF situation the firearm becomes a tool, not to be coddled or require special care. The stock will get scarred, the metal finish will wear, a spot of rust will appear after you forage about in the rain. Wipe it down and get on with life, you bought it to use it.

On my long range guns I never clean the bores unless I am being plagued with copper fouling. Cleaning the bore changes the point of impact for the first couple of shots and in a long range rifle that first "cold bore" shot is critical.

My travel kit?? A three piece brass rod, an old tooth brush and a small flask of synthetic motor oil.