Cleaning Question

[686 Shooter]

This summer I purchased a Browning Silver Hunter to do some trap shooting. This is the first semi auto shotgun I ever owned. My question is about cleaning the gas piston. The manual says not to remove the spring in the gas piston so I don't want to try taking it apart to give it a thorough cleaning.

I have an ultrasonic cleaner that I use a citrus based cleaner in. Would it be okay to place the piston in ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning? I can't think of why that would not be okay but I thought I would ask someone with more knowledge about semi auto shotguns.

 

[hunter5425]

The citrus being acidic might not be real good for any non stainless parts if not completely removed. I'd use something like breakfree to clean out any gunk in and around the piston. My Beretta has instructions not to use oil on the piston but read the manual on yours regarding lubrication. Hope this helps.

 

[Rod B]

I have a Winchester SX3 which has an identical gas system to your Browning Silver.

The gas piston requires minimal maintenance. I clean it every 500 rounds or so by soaking in mineral spirits for about an hour & then blowing it off with compressed air.

I think the ultra sonic cleaner would also work well.