How To Clean 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun?

How to Clean a 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

The 12 gauge pump shotgun is a popular choice for home defense, hunting, and sporting clays. It’s a versatile firearm that can be used for a variety of purposes, but it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained to ensure that it functions properly.

Cleaning a 12 gauge pump shotgun is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the gun. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of cleaning a 12 gauge pump shotgun, so you can keep your firearm in top condition.

We’ll cover everything from basic cleaning to more thorough maintenance, so you’ll be able to keep your shotgun running smoothly for years to come. So whether you’re a new gun owner or you’re just looking for a refresher, read on for all the information you need to know about cleaning a 12 gauge pump shotgun.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Remove the shotgun from the stock.
2	Remove the barrel from the receiver.
3	Dry fire the shotgun to remove any remaining shells.
4	Wipe down the exterior of the shotgun with a clean cloth.
5	Disassemble the shotgun according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6	Clean the bore of the barrel with a cleaning rod and solvent.
7	Clean the action of the shotgun with a brush and solvent.
8	Reassemble the shotgun.
9	Oil the moving parts of the shotgun.
10	Reattach the barrel to the receiver.
11	Reattach the shotgun to the stock.

How to Clean a 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

Safety Precautions

Before you begin cleaning your 12 gauge pump shotgun, it is important to take some safety precautions.

• Wear eye protection and gloves. This will protect your eyes and hands from any debris that may be released during the cleaning process.
• Unload the shotgun before cleaning. This is a safety essential to prevent any accidental discharge.
• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. This will help to prevent any injuries if the shotgun is accidentally discharged.
• Clean the shotgun in a well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent fumes from the cleaning solution from building up and causing health problems.

Disassembling the Shotgun

Before you can clean your 12 gauge pump shotgun, you will need to disassemble it. The following steps will show you how to do this:

1. Remove the magazine.
2. Open the action and remove the bolt.
3. Remove the barrel.
4. Clean the action and barrel separately.

Cleaning the Action

To clean the action of your 12 gauge pump shotgun, you will need the following supplies:

• A cleaning brush
• A cleaning solvent
• A rag

1. Spray the cleaning solvent onto the cleaning brush.
2. Brush the action of the shotgun, paying attention to any areas that are difficult to reach.
3. Wipe down the action with the rag to remove any remaining debris.

Cleaning the Barrel

To clean the barrel of your 12 gauge pump shotgun, you will need the following supplies:

• A cleaning rod
• A cleaning brush
• A cleaning solvent
• A rag

1. Insert the cleaning rod into the barrel of the shotgun.
2. Attach the cleaning brush to the cleaning rod.
3. Push the cleaning rod through the barrel, working the brush back and forth to loosen any debris.
4. Remove the cleaning rod and brush from the barrel.
5. Spray the cleaning solvent onto the rag.
6. Wipe down the inside of the barrel with the rag to remove any remaining debris.

Reassembling the Shotgun

Once you have finished cleaning the action and barrel of your 12 gauge pump shotgun, you can reassemble it. The following steps will show you how to do this:

1. Insert the barrel into the receiver.
2. Insert the bolt into the action.
3. Close the action.
4. Insert the magazine.

Your 12 gauge pump shotgun is now clean and ready to use.

Cleaning your 12 gauge pump shotgun is an important part of gun maintenance. By following these steps, you can keep your shotgun in good working order and prevent any potential problems.

3. Cleaning the Action

The action of a shotgun is the part that moves when the gun is fired. It includes the bolt, the trigger assembly, and the magazine. To clean the action, you will need:

• A solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or Shooter’s Choice
• A brush, such as a bore brush or a toothbrush
• A cloth

1. Remove the bolt from the action.
2. Spray the solvent into the action.
3. Use the brush to clean the action, working in a circular motion.
4. Wipe the action down with a cloth to remove any remaining solvent.
5. Reassemble the bolt.

4. Cleaning the Barrel

The barrel of a shotgun is the part that the shot travels through when the gun is fired. To clean the barrel, you will need:

• A solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9 or Shooter’s Choice
• A brush, such as a bore brush or a cleaning rod
• A patch
• A cloth

1. Remove the barrel from the gun.
2. Insert the brush into the barrel and attach a patch to the end of the brush.
3. Push the brush through the barrel, using a back-and-forth motion.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the patch comes out clean.
5. Wipe the barrel down with a cloth to remove any remaining solvent.
6. Reattach the barrel to the gun.

By following these steps, you can clean your 12 gauge pump shotgun and keep it in good working order. Be sure to clean your gun regularly, especially after shooting, to prevent rust and corrosion.

How often should I clean my 12 gauge pump shotgun?

A: You should clean your 12 gauge pump shotgun after every use, or at least once a month if you do not shoot it often.

What do I need to clean my shotgun?

A: You will need the following items to clean your shotgun:

• A cleaning kit specifically designed for shotguns
• Gun oil
• A rag or patch
• A bore brush
• A cleaning rod
• A solvent

How do I clean the exterior of my shotgun?

A: To clean the exterior of your shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Remove the magazine and any shells from the gun.
2. Use a rag or patch to wipe down the exterior of the gun, paying attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or dusty.
3. Use a solvent to clean any stubborn dirt or grease.
4. Dry the gun thoroughly with a clean rag or towel.

How do I clean the bore of my shotgun?

A: To clean the bore of your shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Attach a cleaning rod to the end of the barrel.
2. Dip a bore brush into the solvent and insert it into the barrel.
3. Work the brush back and forth through the barrel several times.
4. Remove the brush and wipe the bore clean with a patch.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until the bore is clean.

How do I lubricate my shotgun?

A: To lubricate your shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the action of the gun.
2. Work the action of the gun several times to distribute the oil.
3. Apply a small amount of oil to the moving parts of the barrel.
4. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean rag.

What are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their shotguns?

A: Some common mistakes people make when cleaning their shotguns include:

• Not cleaning the gun often enough
• Using the wrong cleaning products
• Using too much cleaning product
• Not cleaning the bore properly
• Not lubricating the gun properly

How can I prevent my shotgun from rusting?

A: To prevent your shotgun from rusting, follow these tips:

• Keep the gun clean and dry.
• Oil the gun regularly.
• Store the gun in a dry place.
• Avoid exposing the gun to moisture or salt.
• Use a rust-resistant finish on the gun.

  cleaning a 12 gauge pump shotgun is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your shotgun is properly maintained and will continue to function smoothly for years to come.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Always wear safety glasses when cleaning your shotgun.
• Use a cleaning rod and solvent to remove any dirt or debris from the barrel.
• Lubricate the moving parts of the shotgun with a light oil.
• Be sure to dry the shotgun thoroughly before storing it.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your 12 gauge pump shotgun in top condition and enjoy shooting it for many years to come.