RE: How long to keep a gun loaded?
Here what A & H recommends:
7. After how many shots or how often should I clean my rifle?
We recommend bore cleaning with patch and solvent after every 2-3 shots at the range and complete cleaning after every hunting or range experience, and especially prior to storing the gun, even for a day or two. The cleaning frequency may vary due to different rifling depths and weather conditions both of which affect fouling and accuracy. Excess fouling must be removed while shooting or projectiles will become very difficult to load. After bore cleaning on the range, don' t forget to snap off a couple of caps before reloading. This practice completely dries the barrel and adds to consistency in shooting.