New shotgun cleaning

[XeRoFuN]

Hey guys,

I purchased a new Mossberg 500 shotgun, but have a question about the first cleaning. I never purchased a new firearm before (only have a used Beretta 92) but I know they come factory oiled, so is it best to clean and lube the gun before shooting it the first time, or just shoot? I heard that the factory lube is superior to what you can buy out there, but wanted to know what you guys thought. Thanks.

 

[12GA00buck]

Welcome,

Congratulations on the new shotgun, Mossberg’s are great guns. Your right about cleaning the factory lube out before you shoot. The factory lube is a thick heavy coat of oil/grease to prevent any rusting while the gun is waiting to be sold. If you shoot without cleaning, the lube will collect a great deal of powder residue/ grime etc. In a pump gun you probably wont have a problem, but in a semi-auto with tight clearances you could experience a jam.

I’d go ahead and degrease, and apply a light coat of your gun lube of choice. Besides, it good to get acquainted with field stripping your shotgun.

Have fun

 

[camacho]

Personally, I shot my 500 right out of the box and then thouroughly cleaned it. I've heard about first cleaning it, but my thinking was : "I ain't cleaning this sucker twice for a 45-60 minutes at the range." Just being lazy, that's it. Congrats on your Mossberg. They are tough!

 

[XeRoFuN]

Thanks guys. Since I like breaking things down and putting them back together (like I did with my Beretta as soon as I got my hands on it), I will probably strip off the factory lube and put some Militec-1 on. Thanks again fellas.

 

[RNB65]

You should always clean the action and barrel of a new gun before shooting it. The factory lube is a thick, greasy lube intended to protect the gun from rust while in storage. A large accumulation of it in the barrel can cause the barrel to burst. This is more of a threat with rifles than shotguns, but it's always best to just make it a habit to clean a new gun before shooting it.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Guns from the factory are lubed for shipping NOT shooting. Clean the hell outta it, lube it up with some proper stuff and then go have fun!

 

[Tbu61]

Especially important when buying Surplus guns.
Cosmoline can provide lots of entertainment at the range!