How to Clean a Shotgun: A Step-by-Step Guide

Not only does cleaning your shotgun make it look good, but it also helps keep it in working order. It’s also super easy to do. All you need are a few supplies and a little bit of elbow grease. In this guide, we’ll go over what you need and how to clean your shotgun in no time at all.

Without regular cleaning, shotguns are susceptible to rust and corrosion. Regular cleaning ensures your firearm’s longevity and functionality. Cleaning is especially critical for preventing chamber, action, and barrel malfunctions.

A clean shotgun maintains accuracy and reliability. Cleaning your shotgun also reduces the likelihood of malfunctions or misfires from debris and fouling accumulating within the barrel.

Cleaning a shotgun after use also allows you to inspect the firearm for wear and damage. Immediate cleaning will help you catch problems that require repair or adjustments quickly.

You should clean your shotgun after every use. Keep a microfiber cloth and gun oil handy when hitting the range, and perform a quick five-minute wipe-down following each session. This quick cleaning prevents rust and maintains basic cleanliness to keep your shotgun in tip-top shape.

To prevent rust, wipe down the exterior surfaces, especially the barrel and vent rib. Lightly oil the trigger, receiver, and bolt. Next, perform a function test on the bolt to spread the oil evenly.

Now that you know how important cleanliness is for keeping your shotgun in working order, let’s start cleaning. With the help of a few cleaning supplies and a little bit of elbow grease, your shotgun will look as good as the day you first bought it. Keep in mind, however, that cleaning processes may be slightly different for each gauge, so be sure to consult your user manual for specifics.

Before you start cleaning, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. A wide selection of gun cleaning and maintenance supplies are available at Academy.

• Soft microfiber cloth
• Cleaning Mat
• Cleaning Solvent (Bore Cleaner)
• Steel rod cleaning kit
• Bore snake suitable for your shotgun's gauge, such as 12 gauge or 20 gauge
• Cotton swabsf
• Firearm lubricant
• Grease (in warm climates)

First, always remove the magazine and any ammunition from your shotgun. This step includes internal magazines. Unloading your firearm is essential for safety during cleaning.

To prevent accidents, always point the shotgun in a safe direction while unloading it. After unloading your shotgun, perform a detailed inspection to ensure no ammunition remains in the firearm. Remember, no firearm’s safety feature is 100% perfect. Accidents can occur if you solely rely on it.

Start cleaning by partially disassembling the shotgun as needed. This step may include detaching the barrel. For information on removing the barrel from your specific firearm, follow the steps in your manufacturer’s instruction manual.

During this step, look for cracks, unusual patterns, or signs of rust and corrosion in hidden areas. Pay special attention to small components, such as springs, during disassembly. Place them in a secure container like a cup or can lid to prevent misplacing or losing them.

Now that you have disassembled your shotgun, it’s time to use your cleaning tools to eliminate loose particles from the shotgun’s barrel and choke.

On most basic pump-action shotguns, you will begin cleaning by unscrewing the cap beneath the barrel and removing the barrel. Next, dip your bore brush in the cleaning solvent and run it down the barrel, back to front. Let the barrel sit for 5-10 minutes.

After letting the barrel sit, take the copper brush in your steel rod cleaning kit and dip it in bore cleaner. Run it through the barrel again to break up debris.

To clean your shotgun's chamber and action, use a bore brush and cleaning rod to remove any fouling or debris. Then, wipe them down with a clean cloth and a small amount of solvent. Once this is complete, apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

Different choke tubes require different cleaning methods, so be sure to check your user manual before disassembling and cleaning it. In general, you can remove the choke using the choke wrench that came with your shotgun. Next, use a small brush to clean the threads and eliminate build-up. You do not have to clean the choke every time, but you should do so annually to prevent debris from building up.

You must also clean your stock and grip to maintain your firearm’s look and functionality. For wooden stocks, use a soft cloth and wood-specific cleaner to gently remove dirt and grime, followed by a quality wood polish to restore luster and protect against moisture. Synthetic or composite stocks can be cleaned with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners that may damage the material.

After cleaning the action, bolt, and receiver, apply lubricant to the moving parts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Focus on bearing surfaces like bolt lugs, rails, and guides.

Use lubrication sparingly. Excess residue can attract dirt and cause handling issues. To avoid over-lubrication, use lubricating cloths for precise application.

Finally, inspect for wear on metal surfaces and apply light lubrication to areas showing bare metal from use.

Once you have cleaned and lubricated your shotgun, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the firearm. This final wipe-down will help eliminate residual oils, moisture, and fingerprints you have missed earlier. After ensuring all parts are wiped, employ wax-treated gun cloths to polish and protect the firearm.

Don't overlook wooden parts. Give them a quick wipe and polish to maintain their condition and appearance. Avoid using harsh solvents on wood, as this can damage it.

The last step is to put it all back together again. After cleaning your shotgun and wiping it down, carefully reassemble it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Check each component for any signs of damage, wear, or irregularities. Watch out for minor dents and scratches. While these are common, other forms of damage can affect the firearm’s value and safety. Use this phase to apply preservative oils if you're preparing the shotgun for long-term storage.

Finally, wrap things up by wiping down your hands and the work area to remove any residual lead or metal particles.

While cleaning your shotgun, it’s important to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls, such as ignoring the manufacturer’s guidelines. Failing to follow the manufacturer's guidelines can lead to improper cleaning or even damage to your shotgun. Always consult the manual for specific cleaning instructions.

Over-lubrication is another fairly common error in shotgun cleaning. Applying too much lubricant can attract dirt and grime, leading to a buildup that can impair the shotgun's functionality. Use lubricant sparingly and only where needed.

Finally, not using a bore brush or failing to clean the barrel thoroughly can leave a residue that affects accuracy and performance. Ensure the barrel is clean and free of obstructions.

There are common issues you may encounter when cleaning your shotgun, like stuck choke tubes, stubborn fouling, or rust spots. Although these issues are frustrating, they can be fixed with a little patience and some extra tools.

If a choke tube becomes stuck, don’t use extra force. Instead, try soaking the barrel in a penetrating oil for a few hours, then gently tapping the tube with a non-marring tool to loosen it. After, you should be able to remove it using a choke wrench.

To remove stubborn fouling, try using a bore brush and solvent to scrub it thoroughly. Be sure to wipe it down with a clean cloth afterward to remove any residual materials.

If these issues persist or seem beyond your expertise, consider seeking assistance from a qualified gunsmith or firearm maintenance professional. They can provide expert guidance and repairs to ensure your shotgun remains in good condition.

For assistance with issues like boresighting and scope mounting, check out local hunting retailers like Academy Sports + Outdoors. The store from which you purchased your shotgun provides these services for any gun owner, and free of charge if your gun was purchased at Academy.

Once your shotgun is clean and ready for storage, consider investing in a high-quality gun safe to keep it secure when not in use. Store ammunition separately from firearms in a locked location, like a second safe. Avoid storing either in areas prone to moisture, like basements or sheds.

Always unload and disassemble your firearm as much as possible before storing it to prevent misuse and ensure it remains in good condition. Be sure to have open conversations about gun safety with household members, especially children, to educate them on the realities and responsibilities of firearm ownership.

Ready to get that shiny new shotgun look without shelling out for a new firearm? Visit Academy Sports + Outdoors for gun cleaning kits to keep your firearms looking brand new for years to come.