So, Ive got a new Benelli M2 American that I am getting ready to break in, I have already cleaned it, so how should I go about this? I have about 160 rounds of Reminton Gun Club 2 3/4 Dram 1 - 1 1/8 Oz. loads. What else is affordable that I should use to break it in? Then, how should I shoot it / clean it between the first few shots? Thanks!
No break in necessary. I have several, and they all shoot any load and never malfunction. Just go shoot the piss out of it.
To clean, I run a snake twice and wipe it off with cloth and put a little oil on the bolt. Other than that, clean every thousand rounds or so.
Agreed, this ain’t a bolt gun with any kind of break-in proceedure… except, shoot it till its too hot to touch 
I use a bore snake with some Breakfree CLP, and I lube the bolt rails with Mobile 1 motor oil. Mine runs like a champ with 1oz. loads or heavier (m1 S90).
That’s what I did! Hasn’t failed me yet.
The 2 3/4 dram Gun Clubs should be fine. Burn 'em all in a range (or clays) session or two, and if no malfunctions it’s good. It should lock back every time it runs dry.
I’ve seen several Benelli’s that were stiff when new out of the box with reduced recoil 9 pellet buck, but later ran just fine. There is no need to tear it down and detail clean after every session either, (but you won’t hurt anything by doing so).
Got my M4 in Oct… Been shooting it ever chance I get… Each time out it does better and better… Get out and shoot
I just picked up a M4 and started shooting birdshot 1200fps. First 50 rounds were great but between 51-75 rounds I started having failure to feeds which occurred I think 4-5 times. Ran 1oz slugs at 1650fps and no issues.
Someone on the Benelli forums said to break it in using full power loads. I might just lock the bolt to the rear to take some stiffness out of the spring.
Benelli was not design to run light bird shot loads. But, like others said after shooting some buck shots, slugs, it will run some bird shots. (try Winchester AA bird shot, not Federal 100rd value pack)
Also, lube helps as they meant to run some what wet.
I was using the Remington and Winchester 100rd value packs from Wal-Mart both rated at 1200 fps.
Thanks for the info. though!
What is your source for this info? I only ask because my Benelli eats everything without hesitation. Like me at a Golden Corral.
I found this on the Benelli forum
http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showpost.php?p=136075&postcount=4
From board member Mknobfler:
“I fired my new M4 for the first time today. 75 shells of the 2 3/4” Federal LE full power buckshot variety. The lady from Benelli’s tech support line said to use full power loads to break in the new springs. I took 125 shells with me but got rained out b4 I could shoot 'em all. To be honest, my shoulder was hurting after 10 shells.
ARGO, shmargo, my M4 kicks like a Minnesota mule !!
That being said, inside of about 50 yards it’s my go to gun now. 50 to 200 yards LE 6920, beyond that it’s M1A time. "
We tried out my buddys 2 new benellis yesterday. The first was a vinci the second a super black eagle. They ran 100% right from the box, even with 1 oz target loads.
Sorry, what I was asking about was this:
Benelli was not design to run light bird shot loads.
That is a very definitive statement with no real backing. So what’s your source for that bit of misinformation.
I only ask because some nugget will come along someday, find this in a search and perhaps take it as fact.
What I meant was Tactical shot guns.
Sure ones it run some full power shots, it will cycle some light loads. But, purpose of gun is not for bird shots.
The first time I took mine out it didn’t cycle just right a few times in about 100 or so rounds. I took it home, broke it apart and cleaned it really well and never had another problem with it. Flawless after that.
Yea I had similar issues with light load in my Benelli. Shoot a fair amount of full loads and it will loosen up. Went skeet shooting with some of the guys and everyone kept wanting to use mine instead of theirs.
Lube generously, shoot it a lot. It can be expected to function well with full power and LE/low-recoil defensive loads. Lighter low-base bird shot or training loads may be iffy until it has a few miles on it. Some will work fine with the light stuff, some won’t.