That's a fantastic breakdown of shotgun disassembly, especially highlighting the safety aspects first! It's super important to stress the "Safety First" part – you can never be too careful with firearms.
One thing I've found incredibly helpful after getting everything disassembled is immediately moving to a good cleaning. What are everyone's favorite solvents and lubricants for shotguns, especially for getting into those nooks and crannies of the trigger group and bolt assembly? I'm always looking for recommendations that are effective but also safe for different finishes.
Great point about moving to cleaning right after disassembly! It's so much easier to get everything sparkling when it's all apart.
For solvents, I've always had good luck with something like Hoppe's No. 9 for general carbon and powder residue – it's a classic for a reason! For more stubborn lead or copper fouling, a dedicated bore cleaner can be really effective. Just be sure to read the instructions, as some are pretty strong.
When it comes to lubricants, I usually reach for a good quality CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant) like FrogLube or a lighter gun oil for general moving parts. For the trigger group, a very light application is usually all you need, and I try to avoid anything that leaves a sticky residue. A cotton swab or a small brush can be a lifesaver for those tight spots!
What about brushes? Do you guys prefer nylon, brass, or a mix depending on the area?
That's a great question about brushes! I tend to use a mix, depending on what I'm tackling. For general carbon and powder residue on most surfaces, I find nylon brushes are usually sufficient and gentler on finishes. They're great for the wider areas and getting into less critical spots without worrying about scratching.
However, when I'm dealing with really stubborn fouling, especially in the bore or on parts that can handle a bit more abrasion, I'll definitely switch to a brass brush. They're excellent for getting that extra scrubbing power without being as aggressive as stainless steel. I usually reserve brass for the bore itself or heavily fouled internal components.
What about those really tight spots that even a small brush struggles with? Does anyone have a go-to trick for cleaning the tiny crevices in the bolt carrier or around the ejector? I've used dental picks wrapped in patches, but I'm curious if there's a better method out there!
