Maintaining your Mossberg shotgun is crucial for its longevity and reliable performance. Regular cleaning prevents malfunctions, extends the lifespan of your firearm, and ensures accuracy. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to cleaning your Mossberg, catering to both novice and experienced shooters. Remember, always prioritize safety. Before beginning, ensure the shotgun is unloaded and the action is open. Visually inspect the barrel and chamber to confirm they are empty.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you start, gather these necessary items:
- Mossberg Shotgun Cleaning Kit: A kit tailored for your shotgun's gauge (e.g., 12 gauge, 20 gauge) will contain the appropriate size brushes, jags, and patches.
- Cleaning Rod: A high-quality cleaning rod, ideally one-piece to avoid binding and potential damage.
- Bore Brushes: One for cleaning the barrel and another (if applicable) for cleaning the choke tube.
- Cleaning Patches: Plenty of patches in a suitable material (cotton or microfiber are good choices).
- Gun Oil: A high-quality gun oil specifically designed for firearms. Avoid using household lubricants.
- Solvent: A solvent designed for removing fouling and residue from gun barrels.
- Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Gloves (Optional): Consider using gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean.
- Cotton Swabs: Useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Rags or Paper Towels: For wiping excess oil and solvent.
- Chamber Brush (if needed): For cleaning the chamber thoroughly.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
This process covers general cleaning; specific instructions may vary slightly depending on your Mossberg model. Always refer to your owner's manual for model-specific advice.
1. Field Stripping (if necessary):
Some Mossberg shotguns require field stripping for thorough cleaning. This involves disassembling certain parts, such as the receiver and barrel. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model. If you are unsure how to field strip your shotgun, do not attempt it. Take it to a qualified gunsmith.
2. Removing Residue:
- Run a dry patch: Carefully run a dry patch through the barrel to remove loose powder residue and debris.
- Apply solvent: Apply a generous amount of solvent to a patch and run it through the barrel. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen stubborn fouling. Repeat this process as needed.
- Scrub with the bore brush: Attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod and carefully scrub the barrel from the breech end (rear) to the muzzle end (front). Avoid forcing excessive pressure.
- Use the chamber brush: If your model requires it, use a chamber brush to thoroughly clean the chamber.
3. Rinsing and Drying:
- Rinse with clean patches: Run several clean, dry patches through the barrel until the patches come out clean.
- Inspect: Inspect the bore for any remaining residue. If necessary, repeat the solvent application and rinsing steps.
4. Lubrication:
- Apply gun oil: Apply a thin coat of gun oil to a clean patch and run it through the barrel. This protects the metal from rust and corrosion.
- Oil external parts: Lightly oil the external moving parts of your shotgun, such as the action, trigger mechanism, and hinge pin.
5. Reassembly (if applicable):
If you field stripped your shotgun, carefully reassemble it according to your owner's manual instructions.
Maintaining Your Mossberg Shotgun
Cleaning after each shooting session is ideal. However, at minimum, clean your shotgun after every 200-300 rounds or after shooting in adverse conditions (rain, mud, etc.). Proper storage in a dry, cool place is also essential to prevent rust and corrosion.
Beyond Basic Cleaning
- Choke Tube Cleaning: Clean your choke tubes regularly, especially after shooting steel shot.
- Professional Cleaning: Consider having your shotgun professionally cleaned and inspected periodically by a qualified gunsmith.
This comprehensive guide should help you maintain your Mossberg shotgun effectively. Remember to consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions and always prioritize safety. Regular cleaning ensures your Mossberg remains reliable and performs optimally for years to come.
