Maintaining a pump shotgun in peak condition is more than just a chore; it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible gun ownership. A clean firearm is a safe firearm, a reliable firearm, and one that will provide years of service. Neglecting to clean your pump shotgun can lead to malfunctions, accuracy degradation, and ultimately, a potentially unsafe experience. This detailed guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you can confidently clean your pump shotgun and keep it performing at its best.
Prioritizing Safety: Before You Begin
Before you even think about touching a cleaning tool, safety must be your absolute priority. The following steps are non-negotiable and should be followed meticulously every time you prepare to clean your pump shotgun:
The first and most crucial step is to verify that the firearm is completely unloaded. Ensure there is no ammunition in the chamber, magazine, or anywhere near the work area. Open the action, and visually and physically inspect the chamber. Feel for a shell. Then, activate the magazine release and check the magazine tube. Physically check these areas to eliminate any doubt.
Next, point the muzzle in a safe direction. This means directing the barrel away from anyone, any object you wouldn’t want damaged, and any area where an accidental discharge could cause harm. A safe direction could be the ground, a berm or a safe area specifically designed for firearms.
Remove all ammunition from the cleaning area. Keep the ammunition separate and in a secure place away from the firearm during the entire cleaning process. This eliminates the risk of a negligent discharge.
Always wear appropriate eye protection. Small particles, solvents, and debris can easily be propelled during cleaning. Safety glasses are essential to protect your eyes.
Consider wearing gloves. While not always required, gloves offer several advantages. They protect your hands from solvents and lubricants, and make cleanup easier. Nitrile or latex gloves are good choices.
Gathering Your Arsenal: The Cleaning Supplies You Need
Having the right tools and materials is essential for effective cleaning. This is what you’ll require to maintain a clean and functional pump shotgun:
A cleaning rod of the correct length and thread size for your shotgun. Select a rod made of a material that won’t scratch or damage the bore.
A bore brush that matches the gauge of your shotgun. Make sure the brush is made of a material that’s suitable for firearms. This is key for removing buildup.
A patch holder or slotted tip to attach cleaning patches to the cleaning rod.
A generous supply of cleaning patches – cotton or specific gun cleaning patches are ideal. A sufficient supply will facilitate cleaning.
Gun cleaning solvent. Choose a solvent designed for firearms, which will effectively dissolve powder residue, carbon, and other contaminants.
Gun oil or lubricant. Use a high-quality gun oil specifically formulated for firearms. This protects against rust and ensures smooth operation.
A cleaning mat or a clean work surface. Protect your work area from solvents and spills.
A toothbrush or small nylon brush. A brush specifically designed for cleaning firearms or a small brush with nylon bristles is excellent for cleaning areas where buildup occurs.
Q-tips (cotton swabs) for detail cleaning and applying oil.
Screwdrivers. The proper screwdriver size and type may be required if you need to perform partial disassembly, which depends on your shotgun model.
Understanding Your Shotgun: Disassembly and Reassembly
The level of disassembly needed to thoroughly clean a pump shotgun can vary depending on the model. Some shotguns can be cleaned effectively without taking them apart, while others require some degree of disassembly. Always refer to your shotgun’s owner’s manual to determine the recommended cleaning procedure. If no manual is available, you can usually find information online through the manufacturer’s website or on gun-related forums.
Before you begin, make sure the shotgun is unloaded and that safety procedures have been taken.
If your shotgun requires some disassembly, start by removing the barrel from the receiver (if possible). Follow the instructions in your manual for this step. After barrel removal, if your shotgun allows, then remove the forend (pump) by unscrewing and sliding it off the magazine tube. Next, if necessary, remove the bolt from the receiver. The precise methods for disassembly will vary, but the goal is to expose all accessible surfaces of the action for thorough cleaning.
During disassembly, pay close attention to how parts fit together. Take photos, if necessary, to help with reassembly. Also, place parts on a cleaning mat or clean surface in the order they were removed to maintain organization. This will help with reassembly.
When reassembling the shotgun, reverse the disassembly process, ensuring that all parts are securely and properly installed. Pay particular attention to any screws, pins, and spring-loaded components, and make sure they are properly aligned.
Cleaning the Heart of the Beast: The Bore
The bore, or barrel, is where the magic happens, and keeping it clean is critical for accuracy and consistent performance. Here’s how to clean the bore of your pump shotgun:
First, wet a bore brush with gun cleaning solvent. Insert the brush into the chamber end of the bore. Run the brush through the bore from the chamber end to the muzzle. Do not reverse direction once the brush is through the bore. Pull it back out.
Repeat the brushing process several times, allowing the solvent to dissolve any deposits.
Change the direction of the brush and then repeat the process. Work in a back and forth manner.
Attach a patch holder or slotted tip to the cleaning rod.
Run cleaning patches, generously soaked with cleaning solvent, through the bore. Continue until the patches come out clean, showing no signs of residue.
Finally, run dry patches through the bore to remove any remaining solvent and moisture.
Inspect the bore visually, holding it up to the light, to ensure that it is clean and free of debris.
Caring for the Action: Cleaning the Receiver and Bolt
The action of the pump shotgun is the mechanism that cycles the rounds and fires them. Regular cleaning will prevent jams and ensure smooth operation.
First, using a solvent-soaked brush (a toothbrush or a nylon brush), carefully clean the inside and outside of the receiver. Focus on areas where carbon and powder residue tend to accumulate.
Next, clean the bolt using the same method. The bolt faces, extractor, and other areas where the spent casing interacts should be carefully cleaned.
Use Q-tips soaked in solvent to get into the tight corners and crevices.
Wipe down all parts with a clean patch, making sure all traces of cleaning solvent are removed.
Maintaining the Vital Flow: Cleaning the Magazine Tube
If your shotgun has a magazine tube that’s accessible, you should clean it as well. Over time, residue can build up, hindering smooth feeding of rounds.
Use a brush designed for firearm cleaning and soaked in cleaning solvent.
Run patches soaked in solvent through the magazine tube to remove any built-up residue.
Ensure the magazine follower moves freely.
Lubrication: Keeping Everything Moving Smoothly
After cleaning, lubrication is the final step to ensure smooth, reliable operation.
Apply a thin coat of gun oil or lubricant to the following moving parts:
- Bolt rails: Ensure smooth cycling.
- Pump action bars (forend): To reduce friction and wear.
- Trigger mechanism (sparingly): A very small amount of lubricant improves trigger pull.
Use a light coat of oil, avoiding over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and grit.
Putting it All Back Together: Reassembly
Once all the parts are cleaned and lubricated, reassembly is the next step.
Reassemble the shotgun in the reverse order of the disassembly process. Be sure that all parts fit together properly and that screws are properly tightened.
Double-check all components to make sure they’re securely installed.
Final Checks and Function Testing
After reassembly, before firing the shotgun, it is essential to perform a final inspection and a function test.
Perform a final inspection Ensure the bore is clear and free of any obstructions. Check that all components are properly reassembled and that no parts are missing.
Perform a function test (with a safe target and no ammunition). Cycle the action multiple times, simulating the firing and loading process. Make sure the trigger functions properly.
If the shotgun passes the inspection and function tests, it should be safe to use with live ammunition.
Long-Term Care: Storage
Proper storage is essential to protect your pump shotgun from damage and deterioration.
Store the cleaned shotgun in a secure and dry location.
Consider using a silicone gun sock or case to protect the metal surfaces from moisture and corrosion.
Maintaining Your Investment: The Importance of Regular Cleaning
The benefits of regularly cleaning your pump shotgun are numerous. Cleaning a pump shotgun can improve reliability, accuracy and longevity. Cleaning your pump shotgun is a worthwhile investment of time, and it’s essential for the safety and function of the firearm.
Conclusion: A Clear Path to Cleanliness
Cleaning a pump shotgun is a critical part of responsible gun ownership. Following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently clean your firearm and ensure its optimal performance for years to come. Remember to prioritize safety above all else, use the right tools and materials, and never hesitate to consult your owner’s manual or seek professional advice if you have any questions or concerns. Regular maintenance is key to a long and reliable service life.
