My nephew, got a Benelli Super Nova for his birthday. His Mom took him to BassPro and picked it up today. They were told the gun did not need to be cleaned before its used.

They are in New Orleans and I'm 9 hours away in Austin. So I need some help from those that have recently purchased this gun.

Does it need to be cleaned before used?

Most gun manufacturers specifically tell you to clean the bores before you shoot but it is probably a liability issue. I would think it is more of an issue on riffles but it is a good opportunity to make sure there is no obstruction. Excess oil in a rifle bore can cause bulging and damaged barrels but a shotgun not so much of an issue. If it is a new gun there is probably some kind of packing grease or modern equiv of cosmoline in there, last Beretta shotgun I bought new was caked with cosmoline and it has to be cleaned sooner or later. In my book any excuse to play with a new gun is a good thing.

I took mine right to the range. Just clean it after usage and you should be good

I never do.

I bought my Supernova and two hours later I was shooting clays with it without cleaning it. That was over a year ago. I've cleaned it probably 4 or 5 times since then. I don't clean my shotguns as much as I do my rifles.

I had to clean mine just so the pump smoothed out. Other than that it was good to go.

mine gets cleaned twice a year, once in september then again in febuary. unless it falls in the lake then it gets a quick cleaning. usally run 400-600 rounds a year and havent had a problem with my nova in 13 years.

Thanks guys.

His Dad past away and his other Uncle that lives close by is at deer camp. He wants to go shooting today, and his mom is going to take him, if she can get someone at the range to help them.

I just don't want him having any issues the first time he shoots his gun.

His Dad just passed away? That's horrible... I hope he's doing ok. Too bad you're not closer.

No, sorry if I gave everyone that idea. Its been a while now, its just last season he really got into hunting.

Big thanks to everyone for posting up.

He did great at the range. Got some videos sent to me on the iPhone and I think the kid is a natural. For only shooting a shotgun a few times before owning one, I was impressed.

His mom is going to send him here for a hunt, and we'll meet at my parents place in central Louisiana. Now I just got to get my dad to agree to the use of his boat.

Thanks again.