Safety First: Preparations Before Cleaning
Unloading the Shotgun (Critical)
Before you even consider picking up a cleaning rod or solvent, safety must be your absolute priority. Handling any firearm requires unwavering attention to safety protocols. The golden rule is always to treat the gun as if it is loaded. This mindset should guide every action you take during the cleaning process.
The first and most critical step is to unload the shotgun. This involves several crucial substeps:
- Visual Inspection: Begin by pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. Visually inspect the chamber, paying close attention to the ejection port to confirm that there is no round present.
- Physical Check: After the visual inspection, physically manipulate the action to ensure there are no shells in the chamber or magazine tube. This typically involves working the pump action several times and observing the chamber again. Many pump shotguns have a visible indicator to show when the gun is cocked.
- Magazine Tube Inspection: If your pump shotgun has a magazine tube, you must also ensure it is empty. Most models require you to depress a button or lever to release the shells from the magazine. Cycle the action again after checking the magazine to make sure no rounds are present.
- Double-Check and Verify: Repeat the visual and physical checks. It’s essential to be absolutely certain the firearm is unloaded before proceeding. A simple oversight can lead to serious injury or worse.
Beyond the initial unloading, gathering and using appropriate safety gear is vital for protection.
- Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or shooting glasses. Cleaning solvents and debris can easily splash into your eyes.
- Hearing Protection: Gunshots are incredibly loud and can cause permanent hearing damage. Always wear earplugs or earmuffs while cleaning, as the environment will likely still be noisy.
- Gloves (Optional): Wearing gloves is a matter of personal preference, but they can help keep your hands clean and protected from solvents.
Finally, designate a suitable work area:
- Well-Lit and Well-Ventilated: Work in a well-lit space so you can clearly see the components and any buildup of residue. Good ventilation is essential to avoid breathing in fumes from cleaning solvents.
- Stable Work Surface: Use a gun cleaning mat or a clean, stable surface. This will protect the firearm from scratches and keep the components organized.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
With safety measures in place and the work area ready, it’s time to gather the necessary cleaning supplies. Having the right tools and solutions is crucial for effective pump shotgun cleaning.
- Cleaning Solvents: A good quality gun cleaning solvent is essential to dissolve the buildup of carbon, powder residue, and other contaminants. Ensure you are using a solvent specifically designed for firearms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when handling solvents. Avoid getting solvent on wood finishes.
- Lubricants/Oils: After cleaning, lubricating your shotgun is crucial to reduce friction, prevent corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Choose a gun-specific lubricant or oil designed for firearms.
- Cleaning Rod and Brush: Select a cleaning rod that is appropriate for the gauge of your shotgun. A bore brush, also sized for your gauge, is used to scrub the bore. The brush is typically made of bronze or nylon and removes debris from the barrel.
- Cleaning Patches and Swabs: Cleaning patches are used to wipe out the bore and remove remaining debris. Use patches that fit your shotgun’s bore snugly. Cotton swabs are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like the bolt face and trigger group.
- Toothbrush or Similar Tools: An old toothbrush or a similar tool is useful for scrubbing areas that are difficult to reach with the brush or swabs.
- Pipe Cleaners: Pipe cleaners can be used to clean smaller spaces like the gas ports (if applicable).
- Shop Towels, Rags, and Paper Towels: These are important for general wiping and cleaning up any spills.
The Cleaning Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now, with all your supplies assembled, it’s time to learn how to clean a shotgun properly. Follow these instructions carefully, paying attention to each step.
Disassembly (Field Stripping)
The process of disassembling your pump shotgun is crucial for complete and effective cleaning. While specific disassembly procedures will vary slightly depending on the make and model of your shotgun, the general principles remain the same. It’s essential to consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions specific to your firearm.
Generally, the steps involved in field stripping include removing the fore-end, barrel, and action components. Many pump shotguns utilize a retaining pin or a similar mechanism to secure the barrel to the receiver. Once the barrel is removed, the bolt and other action parts can usually be accessed and removed.
Consulting your owner’s manual is extremely important here.
Cleaning the Bore (Barrel)
Begin by wetting the bore brush with your chosen cleaning solvent.
Insert the brush into the chamber and run it through the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle. Push the brush all the way through the barrel, then reverse it to pull the brush through the chamber. Avoid changing directions in the middle of the barrel, as this can potentially damage the crown. Repeat this action several times to loosen and remove built-up residue.
Wipe the bore with a clean patch. Attach the patch to the cleaning rod and run it through the barrel, using a new patch each time until the patch comes out clean.
After removing the bulk of the residue, you can dry the bore with clean, dry patches. This ensures all the solvent has been removed.
Cleaning the Bolt and Action
Once the barrel is clean, move on to cleaning the bolt and action components. Apply cleaning solvent to the bolt face, rails, and other areas where carbon and powder residue tends to accumulate.
Use a brush, cotton swabs, and a toothbrush to remove any carbon buildup and debris from these parts. Pay close attention to the bolt face, rails, and locking lugs.
Remove any remaining solvent with clean patches or a shop towel.
Cleaning the Receiver
The receiver is the core of your shotgun’s operation. Clean the inside of the receiver with solvent, a brush, and swabs to remove any dirt, debris, and old lubricant.
Make sure to access and clean all the nooks and crannies of the receiver.
Cleaning the Magazine Tube
Cleaning the magazine tube is important for ensuring smooth feeding and preventing malfunctions. Use solvent and a patch wrapped around a cleaning rod to clean the inside of the magazine tube. Make sure the follower (the piece that pushes the shells up) moves freely.
Lubrication
Once all components are clean and dry, apply a light coat of gun oil or lubricant to all moving parts. This will help to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Pay attention to the bolt, rails, trigger group, and any other points of contact. Remember that less is more; over-lubricating can attract dirt and create more problems than it solves.
Reassembly
Carefully reassemble your pump shotgun in the reverse order of disassembly. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to ensure all parts are correctly fitted.
Make sure the action functions properly and the bolt moves smoothly. Test by cycling the action several times.
Post-Cleaning and Maintenance
Inspection
Thoroughly inspect your shotgun for any signs of wear or damage after cleaning and reassembly. Check for cracks, dents, or excessive wear on any of the components. Look for any potential issues that might affect the gun’s safety or performance.
Storage
Store your shotgun in a safe and secure location, ideally in a gun safe or a locked cabinet, away from children and unauthorized users.
Cleaning Frequency
How often you need to clean your shotgun depends on how often you use it. As a general rule, clean your shotgun after each shooting session. However, even if you don’t shoot it very often, you should still perform a basic cleaning every few months. This will help to prevent corrosion and ensure that your firearm is always ready for use.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Preventative measures will only go so far if you aren’t aware of the common pitfalls involved in cleaning a pump shotgun. Recognizing and avoiding these mistakes can save you time, effort, and potentially prevent damage to your firearm.
Incomplete Disassembly: One of the most common mistakes is not disassembling the shotgun fully. If you do not completely disassemble the gun, it is impossible to effectively clean all the parts and surfaces.
Over-Lubrication: Applying too much lubricant can attract dirt and debris, which can lead to malfunctions. The goal is to use enough to protect against wear and corrosion, but not so much that it becomes a problem.
Incorrect Cleaning Solvents or Tools: Using the wrong solvents or cleaning tools can damage your firearm. For instance, using an abrasive brush on a sensitive part or using a solvent not designed for firearms could harm your gun.
Neglecting Safety Procedures: The most serious error is to disregard safety procedures. This includes not verifying the gun is unloaded before cleaning and failing to wear eye and ear protection.
Ignoring Signs of Wear: Another mistake is to ignore signs of wear and damage, such as cracks, dents, or excessive wear on components. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more serious problems later on.
Regular cleaning is a crucial aspect of responsible gun ownership. By understanding the steps involved in how to clean pump shotgun effectively, you can help maintain the safety, reliability, and accuracy of your firearm.
