couple of O/U cleaning questions

[Chance55]

I am kinda new to the O/U shotguns. And my first question is should I remove the chokes when cleaning ?
And my second question is, should I use some kind of lube when installing/changing the chokes ?

Thanks in advance
C55

PS, I have a CZ Redhead Deluxe.

 

[Milkmaster]

For the guns I shoot & clean often, I don't take the chokes out ABSOLUTELY every time. For seldom used guns, then I always take the chokes out when cleaning, beacuse it might be a greater length of time before I use the gun again. That's just me.

That being said, you should take out the chokes to clean the threads and make sure there is no crud in there. I clean the bore with the choke in place first and then remove the choke afterwards for cleaning. That process keeps me from dragging all the crud across the threads on the way out.

Use a little gun oil when you reinstall and hand tighten them. (Some use neverseez, but I don't) The worst thing you don't want is a corroded choke from neglect! That would mean it is difficult or impossible to remove and will cost you money to repair. Just take care of the chokes as you would the rest of the gun and all will be alright.

Good Luck!

 

[Chance55]

Thank you Sir, The reason I asked is becuase I changed chokes last time out and it didn't do so well. When I went to put the former choke back in I had a heck of a time getting that choke out. The one in the top barrel came out no problem. Thanks again!!!

C55

 

[Milkmaster]

Look at the choke when you have it removed. You should be able to look at the threads on it and/or feel any buggering. Look with a flashlight and run your finger in the barrel and see if you feel any buggering to the threads.

If you are lucky, then the threads in the barrel are just dirty with crud, In that case I would use an old tooth brush and solvent to wash the threads with the barrels pointed down. Get out the crud, lube the threads, and see if it goes back in smoothly. Just don't force anything and ruin your nice gun!

All I can say is be really careful not to cross thread a choke. It can be a pain from then on. I would get a gunsmith to chase the threads with a proper tap if that is what you think has happened.

The CZ is a pretty common gun. I would suspect there is plenty of information on what the thread design is for those shotguns. Remember that a loose choke can cause problems too. Check them occasionally while the gun is unloaded to make sure they stay tight if you are shooting a lot of shells like in a clay target game. There is nothing different about your chokes in an O/U gun that would not equally apply to any or most removeable choked guns.

I hope this helps however, the advice given here by many is worth what you pay for it! Good luck!

 

[Chance55]

Thank you again, The choke was just cruded up. I cleaned everything up well and brushed the threads out good (no shortage of used toothbrushes around this house) my nine year old keeps me supplied. All the threads are good and the choke went in and back out with no problem. Back out to the trap and skeet club tomorrow, but this week I will be cleaning as soon as I get home.

C55

 

[rcmodel]

Your tubes should be removed, cleaned, and anti-seize lube applied to the threads every time you clean the gun.

Failure to keep them clean can result in lead, carbon, and shot wad plastic eventually almost welding the fine threads in the barrels.
At that point, you will need to find a gunsmith with a "stuck choke" remover tool to get them out.

Several companies sell choke tube anti-seize grease in small tubes.
Or you can buy a small tube of anti-seize grease at any auto parts store.

Light oil won't Get-R-Done in extreme conditions.

rc

 

[Milkmaster]

Light oil won't Get-R-Done in extreme conditions.

Define extreme?

 

[rcmodel]

Trap shooters, skeet shooters, or the average guy who goes out and blows through a case or two of shells every range trip.

rc

 

[Milkmaster]

Gun oil has been working for me no problem RC. I qualify as extreme by your definition. I checked my Browning, Beretta, Remington, and Winchester manuals. Every one of them says use a light gun oil when installing chokes. All in all I don't think it matters if you want to take a step further and use anti-sieze as long as it isn't the thick molasses type product on fine choke threads. I just don't think it is a MANDATORY practice. Evidently the gun manufacturers agree. Do what makes you comfortable.

 

[Chance55]

I guess I don't quite qualify for extreme yet, I usually average 75 to 100 rounds every Sunday. For now I will go Milkmasters route and use light oil and when I get serious about shooting I will consider the anti-sieze. Thank you both for the input.

C55

 

[oneounceload]

I am kinda new to the O/U shotguns. And my first question is should I remove the chokes when cleaning ?
And my second question is, should I use some kind of lube when installing/changing the chokes ?

Yes

Yes

in response to question 1 -brake cleaner on the threads inside the barrel and on the choke tube works well

Use some grease on the threads when you reinstall the tubes

 

[Chance55]

Thanks for the brake cleaner tip oneounceload. It comes in handy for a lot of things.

C55

 

[esheato]

I use anti-seize because it's typically a bit of time between removal. IE, when I look down the barrel and see plastic on the chokes, it might be time to clean. Also, I'd rather not add a regularly scheduled check of chokes (on 5 O/Us) to my already busy schedule.

Here's a tip...if you shoot a lot, you will get plastic wad material lining the choke. Take an old shotgun rod, chop it down to about 12 inches. Put a brass 12 ga brush on one end and chuck up the other end in a cordless drill. Wrap the bronze brush in Chore Boy until it's a tight fit and have at it. Makes a two minute job of cleaning chokes.

 

[gunut]

Be carefull with the brake cleaner most will eat any wood finish....

 

[243winxb]

What RCModel said. Plus >

should I remove the chokes when cleaning ?

No. run the brush and patches thru barrel with chokes in place. The threads are very find and easy to damage. . When changing to a different choke, lube with choke lube.

should I use some kind of lube when installing/changing the chokes ?

Yes, always. I use Break Free CLP, it has teflon in it. Plastic will build up inside the choke, changeing a IC to a Mod. if you dont soak it in a plastic removing solvent. If you shoot 1000's of rounds, you will notice it. It not easy to see it, but its there.

 

[oneounceload]

should I remove the chokes when cleaning ?
No. run the brush and patches thru barrel with chokes in place. The threads are very find and easy to damage. . When changing to a different choke, lube with choke lube.

I'll disagree - I ALWAYS remove my chokes when I clean the bores - I spray brake cleaner down the barrels and use a brush on a rod chucked into my cordless drill - this helps get the crud buildup INSIDE the barrel in those threads out - if you do not clean them, you can easily get them to the point you won't be able to get them out. Most chokes do allow a minute amount of blow-by to into the threads - cleaning them thoroughly prevents that. When reinstalling after cleaning and lubing, use anti-seize, or some other grease - I like the red Shooter's Choice in the syringe - a little applied on the tube threads as I reinstall makes it go in easily and stay there.

You will not damage steel threads with a bronze brush

 

[Mark8252]

Cleaning

I shoot 100-150 shells a week skeet shooting. I clean my shotgun (Remington 20ga Wingmaster) every two weeks. I use gun oil on the choke threads before installing. Done this for more years than I can remember with no problems.