Keep your finger off the trigger as you point the gun away from your body.
Pump-action shotguns have one barrel, but the magazine tube can hold multiple shells, so make sure you check thoroughly. [3] X Research source
Make sure to double check the magazine tube, which could be storing multiple shells. [4] X Research source
If your break action gun is a double barrel firearm, make sure to check both chambers for shells.
Double check to confirm you have removed all the shells from the magazine/tube. Put the bolt action button back in place to make sure there is no ammunition left in the gun. [5] X Research source
Twist the barrel off away from the gun itself. For single-shot shotguns, take off the forearm and then remove the barrel. For semi-automatic shotguns pull the action all the way back. Unscrew the forearm cap and then slide the forearm off.
Be sure to wipe the ejector and the area around the chamber, too. You will find that after cleaning certain areas, your cloth will be black. Clean these areas more until this no longer happens.
There are many solvent products on the market. Some are quite toxic, so be sure to read instructions and warnings on the bottle before using. If recommended by the manufacturer, use a face mask to reduce inhalation of toxicants and wear gloves. Some solvent products are safe for skin contact. If possible, look for these products and use those for your gun cleaning. M-Pro 7 is one such product.
Be thorough and try to get into all the nooks and crannies with your brush.
This second wipe-down will get the surface of your gun pristine.
Gun cleaning picks are tools with different kinds of hooked and pointed ends designed to clean the really hard to reach areas of your gun. They look a lot like the dental picks your dentist uses during a routine tooth cleaning. Be sure to also clean in the corners and sides of the metal, since there are other areas where buildup often occurs.
Soak another clean cloth in oil and swab the barrel with this, which will protect it from rust. Instead of using a cleaning rod and cloth to clean the barrel, try a reusable foam swab made particularly for gun cleaning. This looks like a household Q-Tip except much larger, and you can remove the tip, wash it, and reuse it. [11] X Research source For a less precise cleaning on a pump-action shotgun, run a bore snake through the barrel. This is a good instrument to use when your gun doesn’t need a deep cleaning, but rather a quick touch up.
Oil aids in gun preservation, and you should use the oil sparingly. [12] X Research source Be sure to oil the rails for the bolt and the bolt itself to prevent oxidation. Avoid getting oil around the housing and the firing pin, which can cause malfunctions and can prevent the gun from firing. [13] X Research source
Gun oil can soften the wood, causing it to be more easily scratched and dented. [14] X Research source
Always wash your hands after handling the gun and cleaning supplies.
Put a packet of moisture desiccant in the case with the gun. This will help cut down on any moisture build-up while your gun is being stored. [15] X Research source
