Removing the Bolt on a 12 Gauge Bull Shotgun: A Detailed Guide

Removing the Bolt on a 12 Gauge

Bull Shotgun: A Detailed Guide

Introduction:

Maintaining your firearm is essential for ensuring its longevity and proper function. One important aspect of firearm maintenance is cleaning the bolt and gas piston, this is particularly true for 12 gauge bull shotguns. If you're having trouble removing the bolt on your 12 gauge bull shotgun, don't worry! In this article, Fusion Firearms will provide a detailed guide on how to remove the bolt and properly clean your shotgun.

First Step:

Removing the Barrel

Before beginning the process of removing the bolt, it's essential to first remove the barrel. This step is crucial as the bolt is located inside the receiver and the barrel is positioned in front of it, making it impossible to remove the bolt without first removing the barrel. The tight connection between the barrel and bolt can also cause pressure on the bolt, making it difficult to move it to the proper position. To remove the barrel, ensure that the firearm is unloaded. Locate the bolt lock button, typically located on the side of the shotgun, and lock the bolt back. Next, locate the endcap that holds the barrel and forend stock in place and unscrew it. Once the endcap is removed, gently pull on the barrel to release it. If the barrel is difficult to release, use the charging handle on the bolt and cycle it back and forth, allowing the bolt to hit the back of the barrel. This should cause the barrel to move forward and come out of the receiver. Remember to always handle your firearm safely and use caution when disassembling and reassembling.

• Ensure that the firearm is unloaded.
  
• Locate the bolt lock button, typically located on the side of the shotgun, and lock the bolt back.
  
• Locate the endcap that holds the barrel and forend stock in place and unscrew it.
  
• Gently pull on the barrel to release it.
  
• If the barrel is difficult to release, use the charging handle on the bolt and cycle it back and forth, allowing the bolt to hit the back of the barrel.

Second Step:

Removing the Charging Handle from the Bolt

Once the barrel is removed, the next step is to remove the charging handle from the bolt. The charging handle is the lever that you use to cycle the bolt and chamber a round. To remove the charging handle from the bolt, you will need to align the notch on the bolt. This notch can be found on the side of the bolt and is typically shaped like a "V". Once the notch is aligned, use a pair of nylon pliers or pliers with some tape wrapped around them to pull straight out. Nylon pliers or pliers with tape wrapped around them are recommended because they will not scratch or damage the metal parts of the bolt.

• Align the notch on the bolt.
• Use a pair of nylon pliers or pliers with some tape wrapped around them to pull straight out.

Third Step:

Removing the Stock

The next step is to remove the stock. The stock is the part of the shotgun that you rest against your shoulder when firing. To remove the stock, you will need to locate the retaining nut for the stock or end cap. This is typically located on the bottom or rear of the receiver. Once you've found the retaining nut, use a wrench or pliers to unscrew it. Once the retaining nut is removed, the stock should be free to slide off the receiver.

• Locate the retaining nut for the stock or end cap.
• The stock fore-end should be free to slide off the receiver.
• You will only need to do this if the barrel was already removed and the end cap was put back on

Fourth Step:

Cleaning the Gas Piston and Removing the Bolt

Once the stock is removed, you will have access to the gas piston. The gas piston is the part of the shotgun that uses the gases from the fired round to cycle the bolt and chamber a new round. To clean the gas piston, you will need to remove it from the bolt. To do this, locate the retaining nut that holds the gas piston in place. This is typically located on the side of the bolt. Once you've found the retaining nut, use a wrench or pliers to unscrew it. Carefully remove the gas piston and set it aside.

Now that the gas piston is removed, you can remove the bolt. To do this, make sure your hand is on the spring for spring tension and then slowly release it. Once the spring tension is released, the bolt should be free to slide out.

At this point, you will have removed the bolt, charging handle, stock, and gas piston from your shotgun. Now, you can perform a thorough cleaning on all of the parts. Clean all parts with a good quality gun oil or solvent and use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess oil. Make sure to clean all surfaces and crevices, including the inside of the bolt and the gas piston. Once cleaning is done, reassemble your shotgun by reversing the steps above.

• Locate the retaining nut that holds the gas piston in place.
• Carefully remove the gas piston and set it aside.
• Release the spring tension and the bolt should be free to slide out.
• Clean all parts with a good quality gun oil or solvent and use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess oil.
• Reassemble your shotgun by reversing the steps.

Conclusion:

Removing the bolt on a 12 gauge bull shotgun may seem intimidating at first, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done easily and safely. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should now have a better understanding of how to remove the bolt, clean the gas piston and properly clean your shotgun. Remember to always handle your firearm safely and use caution when disassembling and reassembling. It's also important to note that this guide is intended for general information purposes and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your shotgun's manual or seeking help from a professional.

It's also worth mentioning that regular cleaning and maintenance of your firearm is important to ensure that it continues to function properly and safely. A dirty or poorly maintained firearm can malfunction, leading to accidents and injuries. Be sure to clean and maintain your firearm according to the manufacturer's recommendations and always follow all safety guidelines when handling firearms.

In summary, removing the bolt on a 12 gauge bull shotgun is not difficult, but it requires attention to detail and the right tools. By following this guide, you should be able to remove the bolt, clean the gas piston, and properly clean your shotgun. Happy cleaning!