Residue collects in the shotgun's parts every time it is fired.This can cause gun malfunction, unreliability and firing unpredictability, the consequences of which can be detrimental and even lethal.It is possible to avoid these malfunctions by keeping your shotgun clean, maintained and stored.Ensuring safety, along with proper gun maintenance, will extend the lifetime of your gun.
Step 1: Point the gun in the other direction.
The first thing to do is to point the gun in a safe direction, away from your body and anyone else in the room.If you can do it alone, you should clean your shotgun.As you point the gun away from your body, keep your finger off thetrigger.
Step 2: Press the bolt on the shotgun.
In front of or behind thetrigger guard is where the bolt release is located.The gun will empty one shell when you pull back the bolt release.The pump action should be repeated until there are no shells in the magazine tube or chamber.The magazine tube of a pump-action shotgun can hold multiple shells, so make sure to check it thoroughly.
Step 3: Pull back and let go of the bolt-grip.
The gun will empty one shell when you pull back.Continue until there are no shells visible in the magazine tube or chamber.The magazine tube could be used to store multiple shells.
Step 4: The hinge on the break action shotgun is between the stock and receiver.
Most break action shotguns can only load one shell at a time, so you have to remove the shell from the chamber end of the barrel.If your break action gun is a double barrel firearm, make sure to check both chambers for shells.
Step 5: Put the shells in a safe place.
It is recommended that you put the shells far away from where you are working, just to be safe.Double check to make sure you have removed the shells from the magazine.The bolt action button needs to be put back in place.
Step 6: The barrel needs to be taken out.
If you have a pump-action shotgun, take the end cap off and place it next to the barrel.If the barrel sticks, you can open it by sliding the pump arm all the way down.Remove the barrel from the gun.Take off the forearm and remove the barrel for single-shot shotguns.Pull the action all the way back for semi-automatic shotguns.Remove the forearm cap and slide it off.
Step 7: All components need to be wiped down with a cloth.
The thick, caked-on carbon build up is created by use.To remove old oil and unburnt powder, inspect and wipe thoroughly.Well, clean all the gaps.The area around the chamber should be wiped as well.After cleaning certain areas, your cloth will be black.Continue to clean these areas until this doesn't happen anymore.
Step 8: All components must be sprayed liberally with solvent.
It's better to spray more solvent than not.Make sure to cover all areas and focus on those that are caked with dirt.After applying the solvent, allow it to sit for 15 minutes so that the dirt is well-soaked.There are a lot of solvent products on the market.It's a good idea to read the instructions and warnings on the bottle before using it.Wear gloves and use a face mask if the manufacturer recommends it.There are solvent products that are safe for skin contact.Look for products that can be used for gun cleaning.M-Pro 7 is one such product.
Step 9: Use a soft bristle brush to scrub the gun.
A soft-bristled toothbrush is great for this.The solvent loosens the build up on the gun by scrubbing the surface thoroughly.Try to get into all the nooks and crannies with your brush.
Step 10: The gun should be wiped down with a lint-free cloth.
The most effective cleaning can be done with a completely lint-free cloth.Remove the dirt and solvent from the gun's surface.If your cloth turns black, wipe it down until no more black appears.
Step 11: The gun should be soaked in insolvent.
Just as you did before, spray the solvent all over the gun and wipe it down.If you want to get into the nooks and crannies, focus on areas that turn your cloth black.The second wipe-down will clean the gun.
Step 12: You can use a gun cleaning pick to clean off carbon and powder.
The gun cleaning picks will not scratch the gun's surface.The most effective way to clean the chamber is with a pick.The gun cleaning picks are designed to clean the hard to reach areas of the gun.They look similar to the dental picks your dentist uses.It is important to clean in the corners and sides of the metal since there are other areas where build up occurs.
Step 13: Use a clean, solvent-soaked cloth to suck into the barrel.
To get the cloth into the bore, use a cleaning rod.Continue this action with more clean, solvent-soaked cloths until the clothes come out clean.Use a dry cloth to clean the barrel.If you want to protect the barrel from rust, you should use a clean cloth in oil.Instead of using a cleaning rod and cloth to clean a gun barrel, try a foam swab.You can remove the tip, wash it, and reuse it because it looks like a household Q-Tip.A bore snake can be used to clean a pump-action shotgun.When your gun doesn't need a deep cleaning, this is a good instrument to use.
Step 14: The components require lubrication.
Oil-requiring components vary from gun to gun, so check your gun manual for information about the specific areas that need oil.If you don't have a manual, inspect the gun and apply the oil in the areas that have visible wear.You should not use the oil for gun preservation.To prevent oxidation, be sure to oil the rails.Oil around the housing and firing pin can cause malfunction and prevent the gun from firing.
Step 15: Remove excess oil by wiping down the surface with a cloth.
If you accidentally got oil on the wooden parts of your shotgun, wipe it off with a dry cloth.The wood can be damaged by gun oil.
Step 16: Put the barrel on the ground.
Attach the barrel back onto the shotgun with a twist back on the end cap.Take a close look at the exterior for any dirty areas.If you see any, wipe it off with a clean cloth.After handling the gun and cleaning supplies, wash your hands.
Step 17: A quick test for something.
Before you reload the gun, make sure to do this.Take a moment to aim the shotgun at something and make sure everything feels right.
Step 18: You can store your gun in a hardshell case instead of a cloth case.
If you apply oil to the gun, cloth cases will absorb it, which could lead to rust.The gun case should have a packet of desiccant in it.While your gun is being stored, this will help cut down on the build-up of humidity.