When Switzerland was being threatened with invasion by the nazis during WWII, a German official told a Swiss official that the Swiss were out numbered 7 to 1. The Swiss official just sniffed and said, "So, each Swiss citizen will have to fire 7 shots."
Hm. "No, I can't say that I have, Steve, now that you mention it".
His point was, that privately owned firearms (or anything else for that matter) are usually, if not always lovingly cared for, stored and maintained.
We came to the conclusion that upon entering service, a soldier should be issued a brand new service rifle, and that very same rifle would follow them throughout their career, however long or short. 4 years honorable service would allow one to take it home with them upon discharge.
The weapon could then be part of all inspections and part of the total evaluation of the soldier -- if, after 10 years, the weapon is poorly maintained, then there is no one else responsible except that soldier.