1. Make triply sure the gun is unloaded. Visually and physically inspect the gun to be sure there isn’t a shell in either the magazine or the chamber. Rack a pump or semi-auto several times, or break open an over/under, several times just to be sure.
  2. Secure the gun in a gun vise and spray a little Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber around the action and down the barrel.
  3. Fit your cleaning rod with a gauge-appropriate brass brush and work it up and down the barrel. Take care not to drag the cleaning rod along the muzzle.
  4. Dowse a patch with gun solvent or bore cleaner and scrub the bore. Repeat as necessary.
  5. Run a dry patch down the barrel. Check for rust or residue. Repeat step 3 and 4 if necessary.
  6. The gun scrubber on the action should have done its work by now. Wet a toothbrush with solvent and scrub any tough spots on the action. Use a dry patch to soak up any excess solvent.
  7. Soak a patch in rust-prevention solution or gun oil and run this through the barrel.
  8. Put a drop or two of oil on the action and rack the gun a few times to distribute evenly.