Do you find yourself constantly out somewhere and trying to clean your 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun quickly but efficiently?
If that’s the case then you can definitely use the information we have here.
We’re going to walk you through the process of how to clean a shotgun (like 12-gauge, 20-gauge or bolt action) safely and efficiently, but without going through a full cleaning.
How To Clean Your Shotgun Step By Step?
Step #1. Tear it Down
For this purpose, you’re actually not looking to tear your gun completely apart. Instead, you’re going to take apart the larger pieces so you can get into them.
You don’t need to tear apart the action, for example, or any of the small pieces.
These are going to require more extensive work and cleaning if you do tear them apart so when you’re on the go that’s not the best idea.
Step #2. Degrease Everything
There’s going to be a decent amount of grease buildup in your gun depending on how long it’s been since you cleaned it last.
In order to remove that grease, you can use a specially designed firearm degreaser or you can use an .
This should be applied in any of the areas where you see the most grease, but make sure that you avoid spraying any kind of aerosol into areas with small pieces.
This could lead to breaking off a piece or actually pushing debris further into these areas.
Instead, focus your spray on the gas chamber, choke tube, barrel and anywhere else where you have a lot of metal rubbing against other metals.
Step #3. Clear the Barrel
Next up you want to swab your shotgun barrel. You will want a snake to help with this, and make sure that it’s completely clean after every use so you can pick it up and use it whenever you want.
You’ll put it into the barrel and then make sure that you pull it smoothly through the barrel.
You need to be sure that you’re not getting caught on any of the pieces inside of your rifle as you do this, as it’s entirely possible for the pull cord to wrap around something without your knowledge.
Step #4. Clear the Choke Tubes
Next up is scrubbing your choke tubes, which should be done with a brass brush to make sure that you’re getting them completely clean but more quickly than if you tried to soak them.
You’ll also need to use a bit of solvent with this, so make sure you clean your brush, spray in some solvent into the tube and then scrub it with your brush.
You’ll be able to get more of the debris and dirt out by scrubbing hard as well. You can also use your snake to clean it out a bit more when you’re finished.
Step #5. Clean Out the Action
The action on your gun is going to get a whole lot of just that, action and it’s going to need a bit of help to stay clean and clear.
You can use cotton or rags and definitely a brush to get more of the debris and hard to remove dirt and grime off.
You’ll want to make sure you’re doing this carefully because if you leave any kind of solvent or cleaning solution in this area it could damage your ability to use your gun later.
Step #6. Do a Once Over
Finally, make sure you take a look at your gun and examine the different pieces of it.
Before you put everything back together take a look at the pieces. Then, take a look at the gun as a whole once it is put together. Does everything look right?
If it does then you’re all set. If there’s something that’s less than perfect this is a good time to do some additional cleaning.
You can also add a little bit of oil to the exterior of your gun to protect it and make sure that anything you took apart is tightened up properly.
With just a total of 6 steps, you can have your gun clean and ready to go again.
And you’re going to have no problem doing this even when you’re not at home with all the time in the world. You can do it even when you’re on the go.
How To Clean A Shotgun? (Video)
The steps and instructions for cleaning the shotgun are also explained in very interesting and easy ways in the below videos.
Check this out for cleaning your semi-auto shotgun, a 20 gauge pump shotgun or a Mossberg 500 shotgun in an easy to follow guide.
If you are very much passionate about hunting or shooting you already know the need to clean your shotguns on a regular basis.
The experts in cleaning make use of best shotgun cleaning kits that contain high-quality patches, brushes, oil/ solvent, and other cleaning supplies in it.
The ultrasonic shotgun cleaning device is also one of the best for cleaning the gun parts.
Lots of shooters and rifle owners find it useful and are therefore interested in buying this machine.
In case you are searching for a good machine for cleaning gun parts, brass cases and cartridges you can check some of the best options and reviews here.
Hopefully, these can help to give you a shiny look to your shotgun in the best possible way.
