[Bill2k1]

After some neglect I have what I would consider a big buildup of crap in my shotgun. I normally use some breakfree and patches and its all good but I seem to have quite the buildup of carbon and plastic. I would guess it has been around 2k rounds since I have really cleaned it well.

So I am looking for advice on an effective solvent to use. When I walk down the cleaning isle there are so many choices I figured some good advice on what really works would be my best start.

[sm]

Not knowing the type of platform (Pump, Semi,O/U, SXS or Single Shot) I am going to post and let folks apply as pertains to them.

Barrel(s).

Cordless Drill.
Cleaning rod with a bristle brush with wisps of 0000 (4 aught)steel wool -or - finest grit of ScotchBrite pad.
Leave the choke in if it has screw in chokes.

Remove barrel, and starting at chamber end, just run this real good to clean chamber, then through the bore, and then choke.

Easiest and fastest way to clean a chamber, bore and choke plasticized grit in the chamber, and plastic wad fouling, and fouling in general.
Then just run a swap of Zippo Lighter fluid, or Ballistol to remove any debris.
Ballistol, any gun oil or very light film of RIG [Rust Inhibiting Grease] to protect bore.

Screw in choke is then removed, threads cleaned with a cloth, and re-apply Anti-Seize Choke Tube Lube, RIG+P (high pressure) STOS, to protect threads.
Snug Tight with fingers is all I ever do.

[sm]

Semis and Pumps.

Breakfree, Ballistol, Hoppe's No 9, work fine with a soak, toothbrushing, and canned air/air hose to clean bolts, trigger groups and gas pistons

Focus on extractors, I use Pipe Cleaners.
Ports on gas guns, again Pipe cleaners to poke through, and run back and forth.


Break open guns (O/U, SxS, Single Shot) brush breech face with a toothbrush, even a Pipe Cleaner works fine.

Receiver - Old T shirt material, soft shop rag, to wipe most, toothbrush pipe clean the rest.
Ballistol won't hurt the wood finish - most often.
CLP should not either - still check both before using to aid in removing anything.

RIG+P or STOS on hinge pins, always, high pressure area.

What else?

HTH

Steve

[JohnBT]

If you don't own a drill, buy a bottle of Shooter's Choice. Here's one ad I found. It works, but it's a little hard on the nose and lungs, so use some ventilation.

www.gundogsonline.com/shooting-supplies/gun-cleaning-supplies/shooters-choice-mc-7-bore-cleaner-and-conditioner.html

"REMOVES ALL TYPES OF FOULING:

Powder
Carbon
Lead
Copper
Plastic shotgun wad fouling"