cleaning brand new shotgun???

[erichtmobile]

So, I just picked up a brand new maverick 88. I was wondering how thorough of a cleaning to give a NIB shotgun. The owners manual gives only a few vague paragraphs about routine cleaning and nothing about first time cleaning. All rifles and pistols I have owned got disasembled and cleaned as soon as I got them home. The reason I even ask is one of my uncles is swearing all it needs is a boresnake and a wipedown. Any advise is appreciated

 

[the rifleer]

Its a good idea, but you don't have to, especially with such a rugged shotgun. Its a good idea to get the factory grease off and use real gun oil and that sort of thing. Its not going to hurt it if you don't clean it, but it will probably work better. Plus, if you clean it before, you will know how to clean it when you are done shooting it.

 

[RyanM]

The reason I even ask is one of my uncles is swearing all it needs is a boresnake and a wipedown.

That's really it. The only other thing I'd do would be add a little oil to the action bars where they poke things inside the receiver, but that's lubrication and not cleaning.

 

[reckless carolinian]

Field strip. Clean thoroughly. Reassemble.

 

[arizona98tj]

Over the past few years, the firearms I've purchased have come with a fairly liberal application of what appears to be rust preventative. It isn't lube as it is more sticky than it is slick.

Last time I checked, rust preventative is not lubricant.

I thoroughly clean all new firearms before taking them to the range. I can't think of a logical reason why anyone would not want to get rid of the rust preventative and properly lubricate the weapon prior to using it.

 

[19-3Ben]

I'd want to strip it down and clean it for two reasons.

1) You get to know your gun better.
2) You can check for defects, and possibly clean out metal shavings, or other bits that may have been missed in the initial assembly.

After your introductory cleaning, I'd be inclined to follow your uncle's advice. It really doesn't take much to maintain the shotgun, but you do want to give it a good clean-up from the get go.

 

[Fred Fuller]

It needs a good cleaning first thing out of the box to get the factory shipping/storage preservative out of it. Pay particular attention to the chamber and bore.

Once it's reasonably free of the preservative gunk, then lube it properly and start putting on the wear marks...

lpl

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I don't clean mine before first use. I've never had a problem. Cleaning it first won't harm it. I just don't think it's necessary.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

I always do it because I feel it'll give you a more accurate representation of how your shotgun will feel and perform out of the box. More important in a defensive gun rather than a sporting arm though, in my opinion. It's not a life or death thing though.

 

[oneounceload]

It needs a good cleaning first thing out of the box to get the factory shipping/storage preservative out of it. Pay particular attention to the chamber and bore.

An don't forget the mag tube.....

 

[AcceptableUserName]

oneounceload is correct...on most shotguns i acquire, new OR used, the mag tubes are often the gnarliest looking parts of the gun and could theoretically cause more issues than a dirty bore or receiver ever could.

 

[Rembrandt]

Fuzzy (Stick) Rod is the fastest way to clean barrels. Available from Birchwood-Casey.

 

[erichtmobile]

Thanks for the info guys, just got done cleaning it. Pulled the barrel and sent some patches through. I did get some sticky crud out of the barrel and chamber and it was very dusty in there, I think it was on the rack at sports authority for a long time. Also pulled out that stupid dowel. I won't get to shoot it for a week or two, but its cycling shells like a champ