How To Clean An Over Under Shotgun?

How to Clean an Over Under Shotgun

An over under shotgun is a versatile and reliable firearm that can be used for a variety of purposes, from hunting to sporting clays. However, like any other firearm, it is important to clean your over under shotgun regularly to ensure its proper function and longevity.

In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in cleaning an over under shotgun. We will cover everything from removing the barrel and action to cleaning the bore and exterior of the gun. We will also provide tips on how to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these steps, you can keep your over under shotgun in top condition and ensure that it will be ready to use when you need it.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Remove the chokes from the shotgun.
2	Wipe down the exterior of the shotgun with a clean cloth.
3	Disassemble the shotgun according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4	Clean the barrel with a cleaning rod and solvent.
5	Reassemble the shotgun.
6	Oil the moving parts of the shotgun.

How to Clean an Over Under Shotgun?

Safety Precautions

Before cleaning your over under shotgun, it is important to take some safety precautions to protect yourself and your gun.

• Wear eye protection and gloves. This will protect your eyes from flying debris and your hands from sharp metal edges.
• Unload the shotgun before cleaning. This is the most important safety precaution to take. Make sure that the shotgun is unloaded and that the action is open before you begin cleaning.
• Keep the shotgun pointed in a safe direction. Even when the shotgun is unloaded, it is still dangerous to point it at yourself or anyone else. Always point the shotgun in a safe direction, such as downrange or at the ground.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents. Harsh chemicals or solvents can damage the finish on your shotgun. Use a mild cleaning solution that is specifically designed for firearms.

Disassembly and Cleaning

To clean your over under shotgun, you will need to disassemble it into its major components. The following steps will show you how to do this:

1. Remove the barrel and action from the stock.
2. Clean the barrel with a bore brush and solvent.
3. Clean the action with a cloth and solvent.
4. Lubricate the action with a light oil.

Removing the Barrel and Action from the Stock

1. Open the action of the shotgun.
2. Locate the barrel release button. It is usually located on the bottom of the receiver, near the trigger guard.
3. Press the barrel release button and slide the barrel forward out of the receiver.
4. Remove the action from the stock by pulling it straight back out of the stock.

Cleaning the Barrel

1. Soak a bore brush in cleaning solvent.
2. Insert the bore brush into the barrel and rotate it back and forth to clean the bore.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the bore is clean.
4. Wipe the bore dry with a clean cloth.

Cleaning the Action

1. Apply a small amount of cleaning solvent to a cloth.
2. Wipe the action down with the cloth to remove dirt and debris.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean any stubborn dirt or debris.
4. Wipe the action dry with a clean cloth.

Lubricating the Action

1. Apply a small amount of light oil to a cloth.
2. Wipe the action down with the cloth to lubricate it.
3. Make sure that you do not apply too much oil, as this can cause the action to become sticky.

Reassembling the Shotgun

To reassemble the shotgun, simply reverse the steps that you took to disassemble it. Make sure that you tighten the barrel and action screws securely before firing the shotgun.

Cleaning your over under shotgun is an important part of gun ownership. By following these steps, you can help to keep your gun in good working order and prevent it from becoming damaged.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning your over under shotgun:

• Clean your shotgun after each use, even if it was only used for target shooting. This will help to prevent dirt and debris from building up in the gun.
• Store your shotgun in a clean, dry place when it is not in use. This will help to protect it from rust and corrosion.
• If you are not sure how to clean your shotgun, take it to a qualified gunsmith for a professional cleaning.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your over under shotgun in good working order for many years to come.

3. Reassembly

Once you have finished cleaning your over-under shotgun, it is important to reassemble it properly. This will ensure that the shotgun is safe to operate and that it will function properly.

To reassemble your over-under shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Place the barrel assembly in the receiver.
2. Insert the fore-end into the receiver.
3. Rotate the fore-end until it locks into place.
4. Insert the magazine tube cap into the magazine tube.
5. Make sure that the shotgun is properly lubricated.

4. Storage

Once you have finished cleaning and reassembling your over-under shotgun, it is important to store it properly. This will help to protect the shotgun from damage and corrosion.

To store your over-under shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Store the shotgun in a safe place, unloaded and with the action open.
2. Keep the shotgun away from children and pets.
3. Store the shotgun in a climate-controlled environment.
4. Use a shotgun sock or case to protect the shotgun from dust and dirt.

By following these steps, you can properly clean, reassemble, and store your over-under shotgun. This will help to ensure that your shotgun is safe to operate and that it will last for many years to come.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning and maintaining your over-under shotgun:

• Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the exterior of the shotgun.
• Use a solvent to clean the bore of the shotgun.
• Apply a light coat of oil to the moving parts of the shotgun.
• Have your shotgun professionally cleaned and inspected every year.

By following these tips, you can keep your over-under shotgun in top condition and enjoy shooting it for many years to come.

How often should I clean my over-under shotgun?

Answer: It is important to clean your over-under shotgun after every use, especially if you have been shooting in dirty or dusty conditions. However, you may need to clean it more often if you shoot frequently or if you are using corrosive ammunition.

What do I need to clean my over-under shotgun?

Answer: You will need the following items to clean your over-under shotgun:

• A cleaning kit specifically designed for over-under shotguns
• Gun oil
• A cleaning rod
• Patches
• A solvent
• A toothbrush

How do I clean the barrel of my over-under shotgun?

Answer: To clean the barrel of your over-under shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Remove the barrel from the shotgun.
2. Soak a patch in solvent and attach it to the cleaning rod.
3. Insert the cleaning rod into the barrel and rotate it back and forth to remove any dirt or debris.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the patch comes out clean.
5. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the inside of the barrel and wipe it off with a clean patch.
6. Reattach the barrel to the shotgun.

How do I clean the action of my over-under shotgun?

Answer: To clean the action of your over-under shotgun, follow these steps:

1. Remove the bolt from the shotgun.
2. Soak a patch in solvent and attach it to the cleaning rod.
3. Insert the cleaning rod into the action and rotate it back and forth to remove any dirt or debris.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the patch comes out clean.
5. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the action and wipe it off with a clean patch.
6. Reattach the bolt to the shotgun.

How do I prevent my over-under shotgun from rusting?

Answer: To prevent your over-under shotgun from rusting, follow these tips:

• Clean and oil your shotgun after every use.
• Store your shotgun in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• Avoid exposing your shotgun to moisture or salt.
• If your shotgun does rust, you can remove the rust with a rust remover or by using a vinegar and baking soda solution.

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

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Always wear safety glasses when cleaning your shotgun.
• Use a cleaning rod that is the correct size for your shotgun.
• Apply a light coat of oil to the moving parts of your shotgun after cleaning.
• Store your shotgun in a dry, safe place when not in use.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your over under shotgun in top condition and enjoy shooting it for many years to come.