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• Like any other tool, a shotgun needs to be properly maintained. If a shotgun is not cleaned regularly, it will have a higher chance of jamming, misfiring, or becoming unusable, so be sure to clean it after each use.

• There's a specific set of tools you'll need to properly clean a shotgun. Most of these can be found at a sporting goods store, or can be ordered online at places like Cabela's.

1. Shotgun
2. Cleaning rod
   1. Barrel cleaning brush
   2. Patch holder - This is a small plastic or metal tip that attaches to the end of the cleaning rod, with a hole at the top through which you can stick a rag.
3. Cleaning oil
4. Paper towels
5. Newspapers
6. Clean rags - They should be small, about 2"x3". Use a scissor to cut either a towel or old socks to the appropriate size.

• Once you've got the tools you need, you'll have to get set up before you get to it. Find a well-ventilated area where you'll have room to spread things out.

1. Before you do anything else, make sure that the shotgun is unloaded, and there are no rounds in the chamber.
2. Spread the newspapers on the ground to protect the floor.
3. Have a garbage can nearby.
4. Remove the barrel: How to do this varies depending on the make and model, so consult the instructions for your shotgun.
5. Remove the choke if it comes off.

• Now that you're set up, you're ready to start cleaning.

1. Wipe the outside of the barrel and the stock with the paper towel; just wipe it once, don't bother scrubbing just now.
2. Attach the brush to the head of the rod, and run it through the barrel two or three times to loosen up some of the debris inside.
3. Fold a paper towel until it is about two inches in length, and will fit snugly inside of the barrel.
4. Put the paper towel in the barrel, and push it through with the rod. Repeat a couple times to get out the loose dust.
5. Remove the brush, and attach a patch holder.
6. Thread one of the rags through the eye of the patch holder.
7. Soak the rag in the cleaning oil, then squeeze off the excess oil until the rag is no longer dripping
8. Push the oiled rag through the barrel, twisting the rod to scrub the inner walls. Repeat, pushing it through several times to clean the inside of the barrel thoroughly. Depending on how long it's been since you last cleaned the shotgun, you may wish to repeat this with a fresh rag as well.
9. Remove the rag from the Patch Holder, and use it to clean both ends of the barrel by hand. Pay particular attention to where it attaches to the stock, and where any chokes attach.
10. Use the rag to wipe down the action by hand. This is the important part: Scrub thoroughly to get the spent gunpowder and dust out out to prevent the gun from jamming.
11. Finally, use the rag to scrub the chokes if they detach.
12. Give the whole gun another once-over with a paper towel to remove extra oil and debris.

• Now that the gun's clean, it's time to clean up your work space. Among other things, the oil has a very powerful smell that will stick around if you don't clean up soon after you're finished.

1. Reassemble the shotgun. Again, consult the instructions for the gun to find the best way to do this without damaging it.
2. Wipe down the cleaning rod with a paper towel; putting it through the barrel will get it covered in powder that you won't be able to see with the naked eye until you wipe it off.
3. Throw all the used rags and paper towels into a garbage bag.
4. Wrap up the newspapers and throw them out.
5. Throw the garbage bag out; do not keep the garbage bag for very long, as the oils tend to smell.
6. Put away the shotgun.