The plain reality in the world of firearms is that, like your house or your car, it needs to be cleaned. Not only cleaning it for the purpose of preserving its quality but also for proper and safe functionality. This can be applied to every type of firearm out there but for the sake of today’s article we are going to focus on shotguns. Depending on the type of shotgun, they have a variety of intended purposes – from competition/recreation shooting like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, or using them in the field in multiple different hunting applications like upland, waterfowl, and even big game hunting, in some circumstances. Each of these applications requires maintaining and cleaning of your shotgun, so that is why in this article we are going to explore the topic of when to clean your shotgun and some of the essential tools required to service it.

Signs That Indicate Cleaning Is Required

There are many different types of firearms, some with screw-in chokes and others with a fixed choke system. This article is going to focus on screw-in/interchangeable chokes, as they are the most common nowadays. A big indication that cleaning is required is when you remove your chokes and can visibly see a buildup of melted plastic from ammunition wads accumulating in the forcing cone of the choke. This buildup increases restriction, diminishing the overall functionality of the choke and potentially leads to increased barrel pressure, which can cause damage or, in extreme cases, catastrophic failure like a barrel rupture at the muzzle. The more open the choke, the more forgiveness you have, but the accumulation still negates the intended purpose of the choke size and delays achieving the optimal pattern at your shooting distance.

Another sign that cleaning is needed is the presence of visible streaking lines running down the length of the barrel, which is residue from the plastic wads. If left unattended, this buildup of melted plastic and carbon fouling will become increasingly difficult to remove, leading to internal issues that could raise barrel pressure, ultimately causing damage to your firearm.

Do Shooting Environments Affect Cleaning Requirements?

Shooting environments definitely require different cleaning requirements. The conditions in which you use your shotgun can expose it to moisture, humidity, dust, and other small particulates that can affect its operation and lead to issues like rust and malfunctions. Waterfowl hunters, in particular, need to be cautious of water getting onto their shotgun—not just on the exterior but also internally, including the barrel, action, magazine tube, and trigger assembly, since they are often hunting in wet environments. This concern also applies to specific geographical areas with high humidity, where shooters may not be standing in water but could be hunting or competing in rain, sleet, snow, or generally damp conditions. When a firearm is exposed to these elements, rust becomes a significant concern, and moisture needs to be addressed immediately after shooting or even during use.

When Should You Clean Your Shotgun?

When to clean your shotgun depends on the shooting discipline—whether it's competition, recreational shooting, or hunting. In high-volume shooting, such as competition, a general rule of thumb is to clean the firearm after every 200–300 rounds. If a shooter doesn’t reach this round count in a single day of competition, it is still recommended to service the firearm at the end of the day. For hunting, where round counts are lower but environmental exposure is potentially higher, cleaning the shotgun at the end of the hunt is a good practice. This prevents rust formation, removes dust and debris buildup, and ensures the firearm continues to function optimally. Depending on the type of shotgun—over-and-under, semi-auto, or pump-action—this cleaning routine could include running brushes and mops down the bore with the appropriate solvents, spraying and wiping down the exterior with gun oil, cleaning any buildup around the chokes, brushing out debris in the action or breech area, and applying lubricant to any moving parts.

Does Ammunition Type Affect Cleaning Needs?

Different types of ammunition may also require different cleaning procedures. While the type of shot inside the shell does not impact the degree of cleaning, the propellants used in the ammunition can make a difference. Some powders burn dirtier than others, depending on their origin, and may require more frequent and aggressive bore scrubbing to remove unburnt powder and carbon buildup. The quality of the wads used in shotgun ammunition also plays a role, as some leave behind more melted plastic residue than others, further emphasizing the need for regular maintenance.

What Are Some Essential Tools Required To Clean A Shotgun?

• Gun vice or cleaning station – to hold the firearm in place so the user has both hands free
• Cleaning rod adequate for the length of barrel on the firearm
• Gauge specific bore brush
• Gauge specific bore mop – an alternative would be a gauge specific push jag and appropriately sized patches
• Bore cleaning solvent – shotgun specific that targets the removal of the melted wad plastic and carbon build up, like Bore Tech’s Shotgun Blend Bore Cleaner
• Gun oil
• Brass punch set – for removal of pins and other small components
• Brush and pick set – for breakup of stuck on debris buildup
• Rags or clothes – for oiling stocks and general clean up

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping any tool or piece of equipment in top working condition, and firearms are no exception. A little time spent on upkeep can prevent bigger issues down the road, ensuring reliability and longevity. Whether it’s for performance, safety, or simply preserving the investment, regular cleaning and care go a long way. With the right approach, maintaining your equipment becomes second nature, keeping it ready for whenever you need it.

A big shout out to Shane Vaughn at the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association (AHEIA) for providing the foundation of the information outlined throughout this article.

This information has been brought to you in thanks from Korth Group Ltd. – Outdoor Education.

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