Field Stripping a Shotgun: Dismantle and Clean Your Scattergun

If you want your firearm to work at top performance, you must take the time to clean it often. Regular maintenance allows you to identify any damage to your firearm and, more importantly, prevents any buildup from occurring. Failure to thoroughly clean your firearm can cause malfunctions and corrosion, impacting its longevity. However, field stripping a shotgun for the first time can be overwhelming for a newbie. Here’s how it went for me.

Field Stripping My Shotgun for the First Time

It may not be an enjoyable task for everyone. However, I have found that my first time cleaning a handgun was a rewarding and educational activity. It wasn’t until I faced the idea of cleaning a shotgun that I started to rethink my decision on how “fun” firearm maintenance could be.

Compared to pistols, shotguns are bigger, bulkier, and seem overwhelming to clean. But I knew rather than avoid the task forever, I had to at least give it a try.

Setting Up

Before I could start cleaning, I first had to set up my work area and gather the necessary materials. My list of items included FP-10 CLP and MC-7 Bore Cleaner by Otis Technology, gun cleaning patches suitable for a 20-gauge shotgun, cleaning rods, a cleaning brush, and a microfiber cloth.

The only item I did not have on hand was a shotgun cleaning mat. But I found that using an old towel worked just as well. Once everything was ready to go, I laid the firearm on the table and quickly got to work.

Once everything was ready to go, I laid the firearm on the table and quickly got to work.

Cleaning Time

I have limited experience working with shotguns. So, I had to ask my significant other to assist me in disassembling the Remington 1100. For proper disassembly, it is highly recommended that you read the owner’s manual. However, if you find you are a visual learner like me, there are countless videos online that can help you field strip a shotgun.

Once each piece was removed and lined up on the towel, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed at the sight. Compared to cleaning a pistol, a shotgun had a lot more parts that required maintenance. But I refused to let that stop or discourage me.

Field Stripping a Shotgun: Starting with the barrel, I attached a cleaning patch onto the cleaning rod and poured a couple of drops of the MC-7 Bore Cleaner onto the white cotton before I pushed the rod in towards the muzzle.

Starting with the barrel, I attached a cleaning patch onto the cleaning rod and poured a couple of drops of the MC-7 Bore Cleaner onto the white cotton before I pushed the rod in towards the muzzle. With a twisting motion, I pulled the rod back out the other end. The patch turned black from all the fouling.

To ensure the barrel was clean, I repeated this process several times until a dry patch came out clear. Once I was happy with how clean it was, I took time wiping down the barrel extension and gas cylinder.

Getting Into the Details

Moving on to the barrel seal, piston, and piston seal, I applied a drop of the CLP cleaner onto a cleaning patch and wiped each down. To help quicken the process, I used a brush to help scrub away the fouling.

Following this, I cleaned the trigger group and receiver using solvent, a brush, and a microfiber towel. Finally, the last two parts I needed to clean were the action bar assembly and bolt. After scrubbing with a brush, both parts were wiped clean and ready to join the other spotless pieces on the table.

The author also cleaned the trigger group and receiver using solvent, a brush, and a microfiber towel.

To ensure this firearm was shiny and fingerprint-free, I polished the exterior of the barrel and receiver with a small bit of CLP cleaner on a patch. During this, I made sure to avoid the wooden stock and forearm.

Lastly, I added a small drop of oil inside the bolt and receiver. Remember, you do not want to over-lubricate your firearm because this can cause malfunctions and attract carbon and dirt.

At this point, I was ready for the firearm to be reassembled and asked my significant other for help. Once the last piece clicked together, I stepped back from my work and observed the mess before me.

My hands were filthy, cleaning supplies were sprawled across the table, and a mountain of patches sat to the side. It was clear just how dirty this tool actually was.

Regardless of the chaos in front of me, I did not care. All I could think about was the assembled firearm before me and how I had successfully cleaned my first shotgun.

Field Stripping a Shotgun: You don’t always have to get into every detail, but the occasional deep clean is a good idea.

A Clean Shotgun is a Happy Shotgun

Overall, cleaning a shotgun for the first time was challenging but very educational. I highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone and learning how to care for your firearms properly. Even if it is a little intimidating, like this was for me.

I do enjoy cleaning firearms in general and find it somewhat therapeutic. But I found that my first time cleaning a shotgun was more difficult than I had originally anticipated. I will always advocate being a responsible owner and cleaning your firearms to protect them and make them more reliable. But in this case, I am glad my first time cleaning a shotgun is over with.