[header] How to maintain a shotgun [title] Point the gun away from you. [step] Always begin by pointing the gun in a safe direction, which is away from your body and anyone else in the room. If possible, clean your shotgun during times when you can do so alone, without anyone else around. 
[substeps] Keep your finger off the trigger as you point the gun away from your body. [title] Press the bolt release on a pump-action shotgun.