Most hunting rifles spend more time in a safe than in a field. That makes the cleaning routine after each outing more important, not less. A rifle that sits dirty corrodes faster than one that's regularly maintained.
I clean my Sako S20 after every hunt. Not because it was necessarily dirty, but because it's a habit that keeps problems from developing quietly.
The process doesn't need to be complicated. A clean, lightly oiled cloth run through the barrel removes residue and leaves a thin protective layer against moisture. Wipe down the action, the bolt, and the exterior metalwork. Check the stock for any moisture that's worked into the wood or synthetic material. Store it dry, in a stable temperature environment.
You don't need expensive solvents or elaborate kits for routine cleaning. A rod, a few patches, and a lightly greased cloth cover most situations. Save the deep cleaning for after a wet day in the field or when you notice any buildup in the bore.
The rifle that cleaned after every trip is the one that shoots the same in year ten as it did in year one.
