Req 2A-g — Cleaning Safety Rules and Materials
Cleaning a shotgun is maintenance, not recreation. It removes fouling (residue from burning powder and shot) that can degrade accuracy, damage the bore, and cause malfunctions. But cleaning involves chemicals, lead residue, and a firearm—so the process has its own safety rules.
Safety Rules for Cleaning
Verify the shotgun is completely unloaded before beginning. Open the action, visually inspect the chamber and magazine, and physically check with a finger. Remove all ammunition from the cleaning area entirely—not just from the gun, but from the table or bench.
Clean in a well-ventilated area. Bore solvents and lead residue produce fumes that should not be inhaled in an enclosed space. A garage with the door open, a covered porch, or an outdoor bench is ideal.
Point the muzzle in a safe direction throughout cleaning, just as you would during handling.
Wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly after cleaning. Lead fouling accumulates on cleaning patches and the cleaning rod. Follow the hygiene guidelines from Req 1h.
Keep solvents away from skin, eyes, and mouth. Bore solvents are chemical products. Read the label. If you get solvent in your eyes, flush with water immediately.
Never look down the muzzle of a shotgun. When checking the bore, look from the breech (chamber) end with the action open and light shining in from the muzzle end.
Materials Needed
- Cleaning rod: A one-piece rod long enough to pass through the entire barrel. Shotgun cleaning rods are typically sized for 12 or 20 gauge.
- Bore brush: A bronze or nylon brush that matches your gauge. The brush scrubs fouling from the bore walls.
- Cleaning patches: Cotton or synthetic patches that fit your gauge. Used with solvent to wipe the bore clean.
- Bore solvent: A chemical cleaner that dissolves powder fouling and lead or plastic residue. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Gun oil or lubricant: Applied lightly to metal surfaces after cleaning to prevent rust and ensure smooth action operation.
- Clean rags or paper towels: For wiping down external surfaces.
- Patch holder (jag or slotted tip): Attaches to the cleaning rod and holds patches in the bore.
The Counselor Conversation
Be ready to list the safety rules from memory and name the materials. Your counselor may point to items in a cleaning kit and ask you to identify each one and explain its purpose. The next requirement (2A-h) is where you demonstrate the actual cleaning process.