What are the best cleaning tools for a Mossberg Shotgun? I have a Mossberg 500 and these tools are the best for cleaning a Mossberg pump-action shotgun. Cleaning a Mossberg 500 and cleaning my Stoeger M3500 is what inspired me to write this blog.
Typically I use different tools and methods to clean both shotguns and I’ve found a great set of tools that works perfectly with my Mossberg 500 and I’m betting with any other pump-action shotgun you may have.
There are many different types of shotgun cleaning tools, but how many give you the confidence you need to go hunting after using them? A lot of gun owners use solvents and cleaning tools that are not meant for shotguns.
I use solvents for many of the guns in my collection, but I don’t use them on my shotguns or my 30-06 (custom wood stock). People ask me why I wouldn’t want to use solvents that are made for shotguns, especially since I use them on every other gun I have? To me, the answer is simple; Many solvents on the market today strictly say that you shouldn’t EVER let the solvent hit anywhere besides the barrel and action of the shotgun.
If I’m going to be practical about how I clean my guns, it sure as hell isn’t rocket science and doesn’t require strict precision with the tools in order to get a good clean. I know for a fact that I’m going to spill solvent on my stock, handle, trigger well, and probably every other place on my gun. Most solvents are not going to hurt your gun, but they could do damage to custom wood or a proprietary rubber stock.
For this reason, I use a bore gel on my shotguns because it knocks out the carbon, grit, dirt, and oil, without leaving any dangerous solvents behind on your gun. My go-to for a bore cleaning lube is the Bore Tech Shotgun Blend.
The first thing to do while cleaning a Mossberg 500 or Mossberg Maverick 88 is to take it apart down to the main groups of the shotgun. For example, you’ll remove the trigger guard, but don’t take apart the tiny pieces inside the action.
Secondly, you can use your Bore Tech gel on all parts that have metal-to-metal contact, such as barrel, gas chamber and choke tubes. I don’t worry about putting any kind of gel or solvent in the trigger assembly because it can be difficult to clean out and traps some of the gunk you get from firing. The best thing you can do is use aerosol air can blow any debris out of the assembly.
Next, you’ll want to make sure your barrel is taken care of in the safest, cleanest, and easiest way possible. As much as I get some intrinsic value from cleaning my guns, I don’t want to spend more time than I need to. Just like everyone else, I always feel like I never have enough time in the day to get things done that I need and want to get done.
The best tool for a 12 gauge shotgun barrel is the Tipton Nope Rope because I can throw in some Bore Tech gel and run it through 3 times for a perfect clean. You don’t even need to run it 3 times, but I like to make sure it’s clean and ready to go. At least run the Nope Rope once with the bore gel and once without the bore gel. I always like 3 times because it gets the last bit of oil and grease.
I normally only use my Mossberg 500 for Turkey hunting because I also have Stoeger M3500 for duck hunting and personal safety. I love my Mossberg because it’s lightweight, durable as hell, and never jams. for me.
With that being said, I use multiple chokes with my Mossberg, but mostly a full choke for turkey hunting. As every other turkey hunter knows by now, using a full choke causes more debris and build-up inside your barrel and can cause fowling, jamming, and even a blowback if you never clean your barrel.
The best way to clean your choke tubes is to either soak them in a solvent (which I do sometimes), but it takes a lot of time that most of us don’t have. My favorite tool to use is the Tipton Bronze bore brush that is meant for the 12 gauge shotgun. Make sure you enter the 12 gauge shotgun model because it either won’t fit or will potentially cause damage to the rifling in your barrel.
There are a lot of guys that don’t believe in cleaning their shotgun action because shotguns are pretty simple with few moving parts. However, if you don’t clean your action you can have carbon build-up in your action and cause your trigger to be hindered.
Finally, I always use a clean rag or towel to wipe down each part of the gun before I reinstall the parts and tighten them back in place. Always make sure your shotgun is put together properly by running a simple function check with your pump-action and dry fire.
Luckily as technology has improved you don’t ever have to worry about dry firing your shotgun and causing damage to the bolt assembly. I use the Tipton Snap Caps for every caliber gun I shoot. They’re incredibly cheap and allow me to maintain my guns and increase the overall longevity of my collection.
Should I Use a Gun Vise?
Most gun owners that I know use a gun vise because they have at least several guns ranging from a .38 Special pistol to a 7mm Rem Mag hunting rifle. If you only have one shotgun and maybe a pistol, you can probably get away with not using a gun vise.
However, if you clean multiple guns ranging from small to large, a gun vise is going to make your life much easier and safer. A gun vise is going to give you the best chance to secure your gun without worrying about damaging the stock or barrel of the shotgun.
There are many gun vises around, but I’m confident that everyone who’s tried the Ultra (Standing) Gun Vise is happy and confident that it’s the best available. I have the standing model, but you can get the regular Ultra Gun Vise without the legs if you want to save a few dollars and/or don’t need the extra stability.
My problem is that I don’t have a ton of room to place my gear and work on my gun collection because I live in a small condo. The Standing Ultra Gun Vise is my favorite because it stands just below my waist and the legs are sturdy, durable, and fold up when not in use. For someone like me with little room to work with, the folding legs are a game-changer that saves you valuable storage room.
Are you interested in learning more about gun cleaning tools and Tipton gun vises? Please read our blogs listed below for answers to all your questions.
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