Oregon Elk Hunter

I need some help from my Eastern brothers. I have a shotgun only elk hunt (the only one in Oregon)for which I use a Benelli M2 rifled slug gun. Since shotgun hunting is a "foreign concept" in Oregon, I could not find a local shop that knew anything about slug guns, let alone carried them. I ordered mine directly from Benelli. So my question to any slug gun hunters out there - what, specifically, do you do to clean the barrel. Do you clean it like a shotgun or like a rifle? Is copper fouling a problem (I am using Winchester Partition Gold sabot slugs)? Brass brushes? Solvents? Wipeout? Patches? etc? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, OEH

OK - I am hoping for some wisdom from the Benelli and/or slug hunting experts on the board. I have an M2 slug gun I am going to use for a special season here in Oregon for anterless elk that is "shotgun only." Unfortunately, there is little or no information about slug gun hunting here in Oregon. Therefore, my question. In Oregon, it is common practice to cover your rifle muzzle with black electrical tape (even condoms) to keep out moisture and dirt (it is Oregon after all.) I was wondering if slug gun/shotgun hunters do the same? Thanks, in advance, for your help. OEH

Did the same with my Nova - works great. The ebay price was $20 less than Benelli factory price. Good hunting. OEH [ 11-22-2004, 07:19 PM: Message edited by: Oregon Elk Hunter ]

Well, I found the cure. I just ordered my M2field slug gun. The Nova will get a shorter barrel and become an Alaska fishing (bear) gun. Thanks, to all for the input. OEH

HighBaller - It is a slug gun and I will not be shooting 3 1/2". It's cost is about 1/2 what a new SBEII would cost. Any reason why the BE would not be a good choice? Thanks, OEH

OK - let me start by saying that I am a new guy to Benelli and that this is probably a stupid question. I am looking at an auction for a Benelli "Black Eagle" with two receivers and two barrells, one smooth-bore and one rifled for slugs. I would like to know how this gun would compare with the models I am familiar with, such as the SBE or M2? Thanks, in advance, for any help you can give? OEH.

69beers - thanks for the input. My Nova would handle everything, but never tried 3 1/2. After trying several rounds, my best groups were Winchester, either Partition Gold 2 3/4 or 3" or Winchester Super X in both sizes. As you said, I see no reason to go up to 3 1/2. Thanks, OEH

To all my Deer Hunting Brothers (Sisters) on the east coast. I am likely going to sell my Nova and get a SBEII or M2 slug gun. Nova was too noisey (see post below.) I would appreciate any thoughts for other big game hunters as to which model would be best for 3" Sabots. Thanks, in advance, OEH.

To all my Deer Hunting Brothers (Sisters) on the east coast. I am likely going to sell my Nova and get a SBEII or M2 slug gun. Nova was too noisey (see post below.) I would appreciate any thoughts for other big game hunters as to which model would be best for 3" Sabots. Thanks, in advance, OEH.

Well, just to report. I have tried tightening the allen screws as suggested by Benelli support staff. I have also tried the velcro suggested above. It helps alittle, but not really. IMHO - the noise (rattle) is still too much for short range big game hunting. I believe my only option is to sell the Nova and look at the SBE or M2 rifled barrel. Any suggestions welcome. OEH.

Greetings: I have a Nova Pump with rifled barrel that I want to use for (yes, you guessed it) Elk Hunting (special area - shotguns only.) I have been very pleased with the Nova's preformance at the range using Prem. Partition Gold Sabot slugs. My concern is with the slide or hand piece. It rattles and makes far too much noice for hunting purposes. I am sure that turkey and whitetail hunters are having the same concern. Does anyone have a remedy? Do I need to sell my Nova and get something else? I don't want to - but it is a very big problem. Thanks, in advance, for any help you can give. OEH.