Introduction
The Importance of Cleaning
The clean scent of gun oil, the glint of polished steel, the satisfaction of a smoothly functioning firearm – these are the rewards of a well-maintained shotgun. The over-under shotgun, a sporting classic, demands particular care to ensure its reliability and peak performance. Whether you’re a seasoned clay shooter or a weekend hunter, knowing how to clean over under shotgun properly is paramount. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about safety, accuracy, and extending the life of your valuable investment. Let’s delve into the essential steps for maintaining your over under shotgun.
Understanding the Over Under
The over-under shotgun, with its two barrels stacked vertically, is a marvel of engineering. Its design offers a balanced feel and excellent pointability, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and discerning hunters. However, this complex mechanism requires regular attention to function flawlessly. Neglecting your shotgun’s maintenance can lead to a range of issues, from decreased accuracy to malfunctions that could compromise your safety.
Safety Precautions
Prioritizing Safety
Before you even think about touching your cleaning supplies, safety must be your top priority. Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Even if you *think* it’s unloaded, verify it. This cannot be stressed enough.
Unloading and Inspection
Begin by opening the action. Look for the lever or button that unlocks the barrels. Once the action is open, visually and physically inspect the chambers and the face of the action for any shells. Ensure the gun is unloaded. Remove any shells immediately.
Checking the Safety
Next, confirm that the safety is engaged. Many over-under shotguns have a manual safety. Make sure it’s in the “safe” position.
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris. Gloves are also recommended, especially when working with solvents and oils, to protect your skin.
Working Environment
Choose a well-lit and well-ventilated workspace. Gun cleaning solvents can have strong odors and should not be inhaled directly. A garage, workshop, or outdoor space is ideal.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
Essential Tools
Now, let’s gather your tools. Proper tools and supplies are crucial for the job. Having everything readily available makes the process smoother and more efficient.
Start with a cleaning rod of the correct gauge for your shotgun. The gauge must match your firearm. This rod will be your primary tool for cleaning the bore.
You will need bore brushes designed for your shotgun’s gauge. These brushes are typically made of bronze or nylon and are designed to scrub away fouling inside the barrel.
A patch holder is essential for holding cleaning patches securely.
Cleaning patches made of a soft, absorbent material are crucial for wiping away solvent and removing debris from the bore. Choose patches appropriate for your shotgun’s gauge.
Gun cleaning solvent is used to dissolve powder residue, carbon buildup, and other fouling. There are various types available, and each may serve different purposes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen solvent.
Gun oil, or lubricant, is crucial for lubricating the moving parts of your shotgun. This helps to reduce friction and wear. Use a quality gun oil designed for firearms.
A brush, such as a nylon toothbrush or a dedicated gun-cleaning brush, is useful for scrubbing the exterior parts of the shotgun, especially the action and receiver.
A collection of clean cloth rags or paper towels will be needed for wiping parts, applying solvents, and cleaning up spills.
An old toothbrush or similar tool can be very helpful for reaching hard-to-access areas and scrubbing away stubborn grime.
Optional Supplies
Now, let’s get a little more in-depth. Consider a few optional items that can make the process even easier:
A gun vise will hold your shotgun securely during cleaning, allowing you to work with both hands.
A choke tube cleaner helps to remove buildup from the choke tubes.
Nylon brushes may be beneficial for cleaning areas of the gun that you want to avoid scratching.
Q-tips can assist with cleaning delicate areas.
Field Strip/Disassembly (As Necessary)
Understanding Field Stripping
Understanding how to properly disassemble your over under shotgun (field stripping) is a significant part of the cleaning process.
Steps for Disassembly
Field stripping involves taking apart the essential components of the shotgun. This allows for more thorough cleaning. While it’s not necessary to fully disassemble the shotgun every time you clean it, it’s good to know how to do it.
Begin by removing the fore-end, which can usually be done by releasing a latch or lever. Then, open the action. Some guns have a button or lever that must be depressed.
The barrels should then be removed from the receiver. The exact mechanism varies by manufacturer, but there’s typically a hinge pin or a similar mechanism that holds the barrels in place. Carefully remove the barrels.
Cleaning the Barrel
Cleaning the Bore
Now, let’s address the barrels themselves. The barrels are the heart of your shotgun’s performance.
Applying Solvent
Apply gun cleaning solvent to a cleaning patch. Gently push the patch through the bore from the chamber end toward the muzzle. Let the solvent work on the residue.
Using the Bore Brush
Use a bore brush of the correct gauge. Attach the brush to the cleaning rod. Insert the brush into the chamber end of the barrel. Push the brush through the bore from the chamber end to the muzzle and then withdraw. Never reverse the direction while the brush is in the barrel, as this can trap debris and potentially damage the barrel. Repeat this process several times.
Using Patches
Attach a clean cleaning patch to the patch holder. Push the patch through the bore, following the same chamber-to-muzzle direction. Repeat this process, replacing the patch with a fresh one each time, until the patches come out clean.
Cleaning Choke Tubes
Over under shotguns typically have choke tubes. Remove them before cleaning. Unscrew the choke tubes from the muzzle using a choke tube wrench.
Use a small brush and gun cleaning solvent to clean the choke tubes. Use the patches to make sure all debris has been removed.
Lubrication and Inspection
Once the bore is clean, apply a thin layer of gun oil to protect it from rust. Carefully push an oil-soaked patch through the bore.
Sometimes, you may have to inspect the bore with a bore light. Hold the light at the chamber end of the barrel and look through the muzzle. If you see any streaks of fouling, repeat the cleaning process.
Cleaning the Action/Receiver and Other External Parts
Cleaning the Receiver
Let’s turn our attention to the action and external parts of the over under. These parts need attention as well.
Use a brush to remove any loose debris from the receiver.
Apply gun cleaning solvent to the receiver to remove stubborn grime.
Wipe down the receiver with a clean cloth.
Cleaning the Action
Use a brush, solvent, and patches to clean the action mechanisms, including the ejectors, extractors, and firing pins. Make sure to remove all fouling, as this can cause malfunctions.
Cleaning External Parts
Wipe down the exterior metal parts with solvent and a clean cloth.
Clean the stock and fore-end. Most wooden or synthetic stocks can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap, if necessary.
Lubrication and Reassembly
Lubrication Points
Proper lubrication is crucial for smooth and reliable function.
Pay attention to the hinge pins, locking lugs, and any other points of friction. Use a quality gun oil, applying it sparingly.
Reassembly Instructions
Now, let’s put everything back together.
Reassemble the shotgun in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all parts are properly aligned and secured.
Function Test
Once the shotgun is reassembled, perform a function test. Dry-fire the gun several times to ensure the action operates smoothly and that the firing pins are striking the firing pins. Check that the safety mechanism is operating correctly.
Final Inspection & Storage
Final Inspection
After cleaning, inspect the entire shotgun to make sure everything is clean, lubricated, and functioning correctly.
Make sure the safety is working.
Storage Recommendations
Store your over-under shotgun safely in a gun safe or other secure storage device.
Maintain a stable temperature and environment, and avoid storing firearms in damp conditions.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning is not merely a chore; it is a key component of gun ownership. By knowing how to clean over under shotgun, you are protecting your investment and ensuring the safety and performance of your firearm. This guide has given you the essential steps.
The importance of a well-maintained shotgun cannot be overstated. The smooth operation of an over-under, the accuracy of your shots, and your safety all depend on it.
If you seek additional information or have questions about specific components, consult the owner’s manual or seek professional guidance from a qualified gunsmith.
Maintaining your over under shotgun isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an investment in your enjoyment and safety. Keep your shotgun in top condition, and it will serve you well for years to come.
