For those who own and shoot Ruger Mini 14 rifles, how often do you do a complete field strip and cleaning? I normally do it with all of my weapons each and every time I shoot them. The problem is with the Ruger Mini 14 that is a royal PITA. First off, you have to remove the scope to get the bolt out, (assuming you can even get the damn thing out). Then there is the fact the gun is a nightmare to reassemble afterward. I'm guessing they don't get stripped down that often because of that.
I know guys at our club who have fired literally thousands of rounds through their Mini's, and have NEVER taken them apart. What I've been doing after each shooting session is a wet cleaning, followed by a lot of compressed air. That seems to get most of the crap out of it. I just don't relish taking the thing apart because of all the problems associated with putting the damn thing back together. I think the only Ruger more difficult than the Mini is the Mark II and III, .22 semi auto pistols. I've known guys who ended up taking them to a gunsmith in a cigar box, and PAYING to have them reassembled!