Discussion Forum

How often should i clean my benelli shotgun?

Shotguns • Asked 12 months ago by jhon

Hey everyone, I’ve been using my Benelli shotgun for a while now, and I’m curious—how often do you clean yours? I’ve heard some people say they clean it after every use, while others only do it every few outings or when it starts to feel sluggish. I want to make sure I’m taking good care of it without overdoing it, so what’s your routine?
Honestly, I clean mine after every trip to the range or hunting session. It’s probably overkill, but I like knowing it’s in top shape for next time. Plus, it’s kind of therapeutic to break it down and give it some TLC.
grayson Feb 11, 2025
I’m pretty lazy about it, so I only clean my Benelli when it starts acting up or feels sticky. Usually, that’s after 4-5 outings. As long as it’s running smooth, I don’t stress too much about it.
I don’t have a set routine. Sometimes I clean it after one use, other times I forget for weeks. I just go by feel—if it’s dirty or not cycling right, that’s my cue to get to work.
lebroke Feb 11, 2025
I’m somewhere in the middle—I’ll give it a quick wipe-down and oil after every use, but I only do a full deep clean every few months or so. Seems to work fine for me!
That's an interesting mix of routines! I tend to lean towards cleaning my Benelli more regularly, especially after a muddy or dusty range day. However, I focus heavily on the bore and the action — making sure those are spotless. The rest of the gun gets a good wipe-down and a light oiling. I've found that keeping the critical moving parts pristine prevents most issues, even if I don't do a full strip-down every single time. It saves a bit of time but still keeps it reliable. How about you all, do you focus on specific parts more than others during your cleaning routine?
Tabewel Sep 29, 2025
That's a great point about focusing on specific areas! I definitely agree that the bore and action are paramount. For me, I always ensure the gas system (if applicable to the model) and the bolt assembly are immaculate. Those seem to be the areas where gunk builds up fastest and can really impact performance. I also pay close attention to the choke threads to prevent seizing. Speaking of specific parts, does anyone have a go-to product or a particular method they swear by for cleaning those critical components? I'm always looking for ways to make it more efficient without sacrificing thoroughness.
Sonebed Dec 09, 2025
That's a perfect follow-up question! I've been experimenting with a few things, and for the bore and bolt assembly, I've really come to appreciate Bore Tech Eliminator. It seems to get copper and carbon out like magic, and I love that it's ammonia-free. For the more stubborn carbon buildup in the gas system, I've had good luck with a bit of Shooter's Choice Carbon Remover and a stiff nylon brush – really gets into those crevices. As for methods, I've found that a good ultrasonic cleaner can be a game-changer for smaller components like chokes or bolt parts, but you have to be careful with the solution and make sure to thoroughly dry and re-oil everything afterward. Does anyone have a favorite brush or patch material they swear by? I'm always on the lookout for tools that make the job easier!
ronald Dec 13, 2025
That's a great question about brushes and patch materials! I'm pretty old-school when it comes to that, but I've found what works for me. For the bore, I usually start with a good quality bronze brush to loosen things up, followed by nylon brushes for general cleaning. For patches, I swear by simple cotton flannel patches. They're absorbent, relatively inexpensive, and you can get them in all sizes. I find they do a fantastic job of picking up carbon and solvent residue. I also keep a set of dental picks handy for getting into those tiny nooks and crannies, especially around the bolt face and extractor. What about keeping all your cleaning supplies organized? Do you have a dedicated cleaning kit or just a scattered collection of bottles and brushes? I'm always looking for better ways to keep my workbench from turning into a chaotic mess after a cleaning session!