Cleaning a 12ga pump? Boresnake?

[Lamski]

Is a boresnake the easiest and most effective way to clean a 12ga pump action shotgun? Since the gun doesn't have delicate rifling to worry about I figured a boresnake might be an effective and simple solution.

I don't like to use them in my rifles as they drag dirt back through the rifling. I prefer to use a patch worm and patches in my rifles but since the shotguns are different in the barrel I figured I could probably get away with using a boresnake.

What do you think?

[bigbearbear]

I clean 2 shotguns every week after trap shooting with my wife, because I've yet to be able to convince her that learning how to field strip and clean her own shotgun is a good thing. I do this because our trap shooting shotguns are also our primary home defense shotguns.

The most cost effective method I've found, is to buy those Painter's Rags from big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes. They sell them by the pound. I cut them into strips and wrap them around my bore brush, making a tight fit in the bore. Spray the barrels down with WD-40 or brake cleaner and then ram the bore brush with rags wrapped around it through the barrel and it'll push out just about everything. I do a final pass with a rag that has Froglube on it.

The barrels of my shotguns are chromed lined and this works wonderfully. I've read about people using 0000 steel wool wrapped around a wooden dowel with good effect as well, might be worth a try.

[afteractionreport]

I use a metal brush with clp and then wipe it clean with lots of patchs

[BigFatGuy]

a solid cleaning rod, a brass brush, and lots of simple green, a few sprays from a water bottle, then a wadded paper towel to dry it out.

[tommyboy619]

Don't over think it. Get all the gunk out and make sure you don't leave any corrosive cleaner in it. I use a cheap rod and brass brush it clean and then run a mop with clp.

[Brandon04GT]

I clean my barrels with a shotgun brass rod with a nylon brush and then a nylon jag with cotton patches. For everything else, I just wipe it down with CLP-coated cotton patches.

[axhoaxho]

Don't forget the infamous tampon cleaning method... Work like a charm, period.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu9.htm

[madbeans88]

Don't forget the infamous tampon cleaning method... Work like a charm, period.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu9.htm

I am imagining someone running off to the market and buying a couple of the economy packs after reading this.

[jeffrice6]

Old rag + stick/dowel + hoppies #9

[Tom-ADC]

I just use a Tico tool until it looks like I have to get more serious about cleaning.
I take one with me and use it before I put the gun back in the case.

[wjc]

Hoppe's shotgun cleaning rods and solvent. I'd only use a bore snake in an emergency.

The one thing extra I do is use old t-shirts instead of patches. The patches aren't big enough to clean out the barrel.

[CSACANNONEER]

Boresnakes do not "clean" guns. They do help but, do you really think putting a dirty boresnake down your barrel is going to get your barrel clean? Boresnakes have a great advertising campaign and do a half azz job in the field. But, if you want a gun clean, don't waste your time with them.

[ceh383]

I use a bore-snake with a little CLP on my shotguns. I have found it to be the quickest easiest way to get the bores spotless.

[NapalmCheese]

Boresnake with CLP for a few cleanings just to get the easy crap out. A brush and some 0000 steel wool for serious wadding fouling.

[wweigle]

I use one regularly with a little wd-40 for a quick cleaning and rust protection when done hunting before putting the shotgun in a case for the trip home. I like them as they are easy to carry in a zip lock bag, along with a rag and a small can of WD-40. They do actually do a pretty decent quick cleanup of the barrel crud. I don't clean my gun after every outing unless the gun gets wet, or other extenuating circumstances. Two or three times through bore with the snake, a quick wipe down with a rag slightly soaked with WD-40, and I'm done. Full gun cleaning at the end or mid season with a rod and brushes for sure. You can also clean up the bore snake after each use with a little paper towel or a rag, or if really dirty soak it for a full cleaning. I think they are very useful as describe. Sure beats carting a rod around, but will never take the place of the rod, brushes, and steel wool for a full cleaning and burnishing.