There are lots of different ideas and feelings on how often, and how thorough you need to clean your firearms. Below are my feelings on the topic.

First and foremost, whenever I buy a firearm (doesn’t matter if it’s new or used) when I get home and before I shoot it I do a fieldstrip (if new) or a complete teardown (if used) so I can inspect, clean, and properly lubricate it.

Any time I shoot, it doesn’t matter the round count as soon as I get home I do a field strip followed by cleaning and lubrication. If it’s a work or carry gun you’ll find I’m anal retentive as I’ll always do a complete teardown and inspection followed by cleaning and lubrication. It’s simple, it’s a tool and tools are never perfect, and this is a tool where someone else’s and/or my life may depend on it working properly. Because of this, I do not take any shortcuts. Not to mention it’ll help you learn your firearm more and you’ll notice issues before they become problems.

If it’s simply a range gun it’ll get a field strip immediately after being shot with a basic inspection for issues along with cleaning and lubrication.
My carry guns receive a full detail strip and cleaning every six months, regardless if they’ve been shot or not.

Further, if it’s a carry gun all springs are changed at the 50% mark of the manufacturer’s suggested change points. So if the manufacturer states to change the recoil spring at 5,000 rounds, I’ll replace it at 2,500. Obviously, the manufacturer is playing it safe already with their recommendation but again, if someone’s life depends on it working perfectly, I see no reason not to change it. I do not follow this rule for range guns, they are changed at the manufacturer’s suggested change points unless I see excessive wear. Just because a life doesn’t depend on the spring doesn’t mean I won’t change it when needed to save excessive wear on the gun.

I enjoy the cleaning process and use normal cleaning brushes, scrapes, clothes, and cleaners I do have an ultrasonic cleaner for when I work on other people’s guns who’ve let them get beyond the hand scrubbing point.

Stay safe, be kind, and help those in need.