When hunting season kicks off, your shotgun becomes your most important piece of gear. Whether you’re chasing mallards in flooded timber, busting coveys of quail, or sitting tight for doves, a well-maintained shotgun makes all the difference. A little care goes a long way toward keeping your firearm reliable from opening day to the final hunt.

Clean After Every Hunt

Moisture, powder residue, and dirt can quickly gum up your action. After every hunt, take a few minutes to:

• Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth.
  
  
• Run a bore snake or cleaning rod through the barrel.
  
  
• Lightly oil the moving parts.
  
  

Stock up on Gun Cleaning Kits and Rem Oil from Springhill Outfitters to make the job quick and easy.

Check Your Chokes

Don’t overlook your chokes—they’re the first point of contact for your shot pattern. Remove them, clean the threads, and apply a dab of choke tube grease to keep them from seizing up after repeated hunts in wet conditions.

Different chokes control your pattern and range:

• Cylinder & Improved Cylinder – Best for close-range shots (20–30 yards), like flushing upland birds or decoying ducks.
  
  
• Modified – A versatile middle ground, great for general waterfowl hunting (30–40 yards).
  
  
• Full – Tight patterns for longer shots (40+ yards), often used for turkey hunting or pass-shooting geese.

Browse our selection of Choke Tubes to stay prepared.

Inspect Your Ammunition

Wet shells are unreliable and can cause misfires. Always store your ammo in a dry, secure container. Consider a waterproof box or blind bag for days in the marsh.

Keep your shells safe in a Dry Ammo Box or Waterproof Blind Bag.

End-of-Season Deep Clean

At the end of the season, give your shotgun a thorough deep cleaning. Strip it down, clean every component, and re-oil to prevent rust during the off-season. If you’re not comfortable taking it apart, a professional gunsmith can handle it for you.

Make it simple with a Complete Shotgun Cleaning Kit available at Springhill Outfitters.

Looking for a New Firearm?

Sometimes, no amount of cleaning or maintenance can make up for a shotgun that just doesn’t fit your needs. If it’s time for an upgrade, Springhill Outfitters carries a wide selection of shotguns and firearms from the industry’s top brands.

• Shop Benelli Shotguns – including the Super Black Eagle series, trusted by waterfowlers everywhere.
  
  
• Shop Browning Shotguns – from the classic A5 to modern autoloaders built for versatility.
  
  
• Shop Beretta Shotguns – legendary semi-autos and over/unders perfect for serious hunters.
  
  
• Shop Winchester Shotguns – proven reliability across upland, waterfowl, and big game seasons.
• Shop Mossberg Shotguns – durable and dependable workhorses at a great value.
  
  
• Shop Franchi Shotguns – lightweight, high-performance guns built for fast handling.
  
  

And that’s just the start—explore our full lineup of Firearms at Springhill Outfitters to find the perfect fit for your next hunt.

A Legacy in the Making

A shotgun that’s properly cared for isn’t just reliable—it’s a legacy piece you’ll pass down for generations. With the right maintenance and the right gear, your shotgun will be ready for every hunt, season after season.

Shop all Gun Care & Maintenance Essentials at Springhill Outfitters and keep your shotgun running smooth.