I do a routine cleaning after every firing and a complete cleaning annually; but up to monthly if I've done a lot of firing, if its in a very humid environment, or if I'd had it in the field.
Cleaning Regimen:
- drop the magazine
- rack the slide
- separate slide from receiver
- remove the recoil spring, guide, and the barrel
- empty all rounds from all magazines
- Hopp's 9 all over, patch until clean, through bristle scrubs
- wipe down with clean cloth
***Complete Cleaning Additions***
- remove firing pin
- remove magazine base spring
- de-grease all parts after Hopp's
- spot application of synthetic wheel bearing grease for high wear and impact points
***End of Additions***
- Rem oil over entire firearm, especially all moving parts
- final wipedown
- reassemble
- reload
- holster
I'm very fast with the dishes, but when it comes to my firearm... I have it down to about thirty minutes. Care is more important than saving time.
As for long-term protectant, Frog Lube won top honors in well-designed, independent field trials:
Comprehensive Corrosion Test: 46 Products Compared : Day At The Range