4 simple steps to keep your shotgun in perfect working order

The barrel

Whether you carry a semi-auto, pump, single-shot or double gun, the barrel can be easily removed so that it can be thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, powder residue and the remnants of plastic wads can eventually impact how your shotgun patterns.

There’s no shortage of excellent bore cleaners to handle the powder buildup; simply follow the directions for optimal results. Most recommend soaking a patch and using a wooden or aluminum rod to apply a thin film of cleaner to the inside of the barrel. Let the cleaner do its work for several hours, then use a bronze brush to scrape the residue away from the barrel wall. Follow this up with a series of dry patches until they come out clean.

Most bore cleaners don’t remove plastic buildup, however, so if you’re a high-volume shooter, you should also use a solvent developed specifically to dissolve plastics. Be careful not to let the solvent come into contact with any plastic components on your gun, as they will also dissolve.