How to Clean a Shotgun: A Simple Guide to Keeping Your Gun Safe and Sound

For any shotgun owner — whether you shoot clays, game, or both — cleaning your firearm isn’t just good practice, it’s essential. A clean shotgun is safer, more reliable, and will last for generations if properly looked after. Neglect it, and you risk corrosion, mechanical failure, and even potential safety hazards.

But don’t worry — cleaning a shotgun is straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to doing it properly.

Why Clean Your Shotgun?

• Reliability: Fouling from powder residue can cause misfires or poor cycling in semi-autos.

• Corrosion Prevention: Shotguns can rust surprisingly quickly, especially in damp field conditions.

• Safety: A clean, well-maintained gun is far less likely to malfunction.

• Respect: Your shotgun is a precision tool. Caring for it is part of being a responsible shooter.

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What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the right tools:

• Cleaning rod or pull-through with patches

• Bore brush (brass or nylon)

• Shotgun cleaning solvent

• Gun oil or lubricant

• Microfibre cloths or rags

• Toothbrush or nylon brush

• Snap caps (optional, for dry firing and releasing spring tension)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make Sure It’s Safe

Before anything else, check the gun is unloaded. Open the action, visually and physically confirm the chambers are empty, and remove all ammunition from your cleaning area.

2. Break the Gun Down

For an over-under or side-by-side:

• Remove the fore-end

• Separate the barrels from the action

For a semi-auto or pump:

• Remove the barrel according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This gives you full access to all the parts that need cleaning.

3. Clean the Barrels

• Run a dry patch through the barrels to remove loose fouling.

• Use a solvent-soaked bore brush to scrub the barrels. Work from breech to muzzle, if possible.

• Let it sit for a minute or two.

• Push clean patches through until they come out clean.

• Finish with a lightly oiled patch to protect the bore from moisture.

Tip: Use a torch or bore light to inspect the barrel interior. It should be shiny and smooth, with no debris or corrosion.

4. Clean the Action and External Metalwork

• Use a brush or cloth to remove dirt and residue from the action face, ejectors, and moving parts.

• A small amount of solvent on a cloth or cotton bud can help clean hard-to-reach areas.

• Wipe everything down with a clean cloth.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts

• Apply a light coat of oil to the hinge pins, ejectors, and any areas with metal-on-metal movement.

• Don’t overdo it — too much oil can attract dirt and cause build-up.

6. Wipe Down the Woodwork

• Use a dry cloth to wipe the stock and fore-end.

• Avoid harsh chemicals. A light wood oil or wax can keep the finish nourished if needed.

7. Reassemble and Final Check

• Put the shotgun back together and work the action a few times.

• Wipe off any excess oil or fingerprints.

• Store it safely in a gun cabinet with a barrel-down orientation to let any remaining oil drain away from the stock.

How Often Should You Clean It?

• After every shoot: A basic clean and oiling after every use is ideal.

• Deep clean: Every few outings or if the gun has been exposed to bad weather.

• Storage: Always clean before long-term storage. A quick wipe down during the off-season helps too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-oiling: A common trap. Use just enough to protect and lubricate.

• Neglecting hard-to-reach areas: Pay attention to extractors, hinge pins, and the action face.

• Using the wrong tools: Avoid steel brushes or harsh abrasives — they can scratch your barrels.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your shotgun doesn’t need to be a chore. It’s a simple, satisfying routine that ensures your gun stays safe, functional, and looking its best. Plus, there’s something grounding about the quiet ritual of stripping down and caring for your kit — it’s part of the tradition and discipline of shooting.

So after your next day out, pour a brew (or something stronger), and give your shotgun the attention it deserves. It’ll pay you back with years of dependable service.