How to Clean a Shotgun?

Each time you use a shotgun some residue that comprises of carbon, lead, copper, or plastic is left in the barrel, chamber, and action. When this residue is not cleaned up, with time, it builds up and may combine with moisture from the weather to form rust. This is detrimental to a gun and may cause many malfunctions. To avoid this, it is advisable to clean it after every 200 rounds or so.

How do You Clean It?

To better understand how to do so click through to this article. Generally, there are 5 steps involved in effectively a shotgun, they include:

Step 1: Acquire the Necessary Gear

You will need a cleaning rod, toothbrush, firearms oil, bronze wire brush, firearms degreaser, and some cleaning patches or cloths.

Step 2: Dismantle the Gun

First, ensure that it is unloaded then dismantle into its three primary parts. These include the barrels, forend, and stock. While at this do not remove any tiny pieces from inside the action.

Step 3: Carry out the Cleaning

Use a cleaning rod to push through each barrel and wire brush to remove any buildup. In case the build-up is too heavy, utilize the degreaser to get rid of it. Pass the cleaning patch through the barrels again to ensure there is no residue left.

Utilize the toothbrush to get rid of any dirt on the sides of the rib between the barrels. Ensure to also give special attention to the barrel, choke tubes, gas chamber, or any other area that is likely to experience metal-metal action.

Step 4: Apply Oil

Take the cloth and put on some oil then push through the barrels. Ensure to also put on some gun oil to the locking bolt, knuckle, knuckle and cross pin. Doing this will help prevent these parts from rusting. However, ensure to put on the oil sparingly, as using too much can lead to malfunctions.

Step 5: Reassemble it

Carefully put the dismantled parts back together then use a soft cloth and some some oil to wipe the exterior parts of the gun. This will not only get rid any dust and buildup but will also give it a polished look. After you are done, ensure to store the barrels down to direct any residual oils away from the stocks and firing pins. Kindly note that the gun usually dries out with time, so it would be wise to reapply some oil every three months.

Cleaning as recommended above will not only ensure a shotgun performs satisfactorily, but also makes it last longer.