Hi guys..

So I think I'm getting close .. very close to getting my first shotgun.

 

Been doing research before hand to make sure I'm "up to speed" once I have it in my hands.

Cleaning supplies.. what do you guys recommend I should have on hand for a 12 gauge shotgun? I have the usual stuff for handguns and my 22 rifle, but I dont think running a patch thru a 12 gauge barrel would work all that well. 8-)

 

Should I go with a 12 gauge boresnake? Or should I get a rod and brushes specific for the 12 gauge barrel?

 

Thanks!

I suggest getting both. A boresnake is great for using in between the serious cleanings. With a shotgun I'll run the boresnake after every shooting event but I'll only break out the brushes and mops every 3rd or 4th cleaning.

If it's a smooth bore, I don't see much use in going crazy on it. I use a bore snake for mine most of the time.

 

I'f I'm down for a "serious cleaning", or its one of the ones I don't use much, I tear up an old tshirt and use that to oil the barrel, the 12 gauge patches aren't big enough for my taste.

 

If you want to go with the rod set up and don't have much cash, a hoppes shotgun cleaning kit should only be like $10 to $15.

who cleans shotguns? there's no need!

OP,

I use a shotgun specific rod, cut up T shirts for patches, and a bore brush and bore mop of the correct size. Those items along with Hoppes #9 and CLP have worked well for me.

FWIW

YMMV

http://www.bing.com/search?q=Shotgun+Cleaning+Methods&FORM=QSRE

 

http://www.tetraproducts.com/images/pd-cleaning%20instructions-shotgun.pdf

 

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/pumpcleaneli.htm

 

http://www.chuckhawks.com/gun_cleaning.htm

 

http://www.shotgunworld.com/guncare.html

 

You will find everyone has a diferent level of what they feel is clean. Depending on the gun and its intended use will affect this as well.

 

After hunting season, I completely rip apart my gun and clean and oil it. I like Tico tools for barrel cleaning in between shoots as well.

 

My Semi auto shotguns will receive more attention and cleaning then my O/U and pumps after each use.

Great info everyone... Thank you!

What is this cleaning thing you speak of?

 

 

 

 

 

I use a Bore Snake.... clean enough...

who cleans shotguns? there's no need!

 

I'm with Ray Ray. My Benelli Nova has requires very little cleaning. Just a wipe down and a couple drops of lube and it's good to go.

For use with patches, dont use a hoop use whats called a jag. Its a brass or nylon plug basically that presses the patch tight against the bore.

 

These are really nice, they compress through the choke nicely

For use with patches, dont use a hoop use whats called a jag. Its a brass or nylon plug basically that presses the patch tight against the bore.

 

These are really nice, they compress through the choke nicely

Red Rocket?

its this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=563679

 

 

My routine is as follows:

 

I use a kleen bore plastic coated rifle rod with a thread adaptor for shotgun attachments. Keeps cleaning supplies sorta simple.

 

With the choke still in:

I use the hoop attachment dripping in solvent. Run it through once. Then brush 10x. then i do solvent patches on that fancy jag till clean. Then 1 or 2 dry patches followed by oil if you wont use it for awhile.

 

Use a stiff bristle nylon brush for the locking recesses etc.

If your chamber or choke become excessivly fouled:

 

10GA bore brush fits a 12GA chamber real nice.

get a crappy sectional cleaning rod, attach the 10GA brush, chuck it in a power drill, dip in solvent and spin it in your chamber. Gets them clean fast! No having to reverse a tight brush in the bore, its so easy when it spins.

 

Do the same thing for the chokes (removed) but use a 12GA brush and enter from the rear

I don't think you mentioned if it was SA or break open? For break open guns I would recommend keeping the hinges greased and anywhere else metal rubs metal. That's about it. Also clean and grease your choke threads if you remove them. For semi autos I just shoot them wet and if they ever start FTE its time for a real cleaning. That may never happen though. I like Breakfree as a all in one solution for cleaning and wetting the action. I'm talking about your average shotgun of course. If you shoot competitively you absolutely want to clean and inspect your gun regularly. Also, if you have an expensive gun with fancy wood and/or engraving you should take care of it on a regular basis.