r/canadaguns Aug 05 '26

Feets / Collection / My build Gun Care Advice

Hey all,

I just got my PAL and snagged a gorgeous Benelli Nova 3 HD (used but basically new) for $500, and I have absolutely zero idea what products I need to clean/lubricate this thing.

I looked at some forums but they're all 20+ years old and recommend disconnected products, but I keep seeing "CLP" popping up. What are some good recommendations for cleaning/regular maintenance for this shotgun/in general?

I should mention that I have a Huntshield all-in-one cleaning kit, so bore brushes and mops aren't an issue at the moment, unless there's a specific material I should use/avoid that I need to be aware of?

Thanks!!

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u/Lumindan Aug 05 '26

CLP is "cleaner, lubrication and protection" or something along those lines. Basically a one stop shop. Personally I like a separate cleaner and then applying an oil afterwards (hoppes and MDT have combo packs)

Hoppes has it along with other companies like ballistol or MDT etc. they're all pretty much the same, there's some minor variations like how hoppes elite doesn't have a strong smell whereas ballistol smells horrible etc.

They all do the same thing. Dealers choice really.

Boresnake is great for a quick clean and it gets used and then stuffed back into the case every time (I let it soak every like, year lmao).

Only other recommendations is a vice or a gun butler, something to safely hold your firearm in place vs letting it sit flat, it's just a tad more convenient but entirely not required.

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u/anonyme450 Aug 05 '26

So I found the "Hoppe's Boresnake CLP All-in-One Hunting Cleaner" and that's apparently discontinued everywhere.

Does this work? A gun butler is a great idea, I just live in an apt. so I have very limited room. Definitely an investment option! For now I'm just buying a cheap gun mat to keep surfaces clean.

Any order/process to cleaning you can recommend/guide me through? I imagine the bronze brush heads I have would be used first to scrap off excess stuff, then a mop head or sponge on a rod with the CLP applied would scrub all the shit out and clean it? Or am I missing a step?

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u/Lumindan Aug 05 '26

Ive never used Lucas personally so I can't speak for it but most clps are the same.

I usually spray the areas I want to clean (ie chamber, barrel etc) then use the brush to break up the carbon build up, some paper towel or cotton patches (with some more clp applied because God my guns run dirty), then just run a few patches / rags through, apply lube to moving parts and rack it back. I don't take apart my entire rifle when unless it's a deep clean. Sometimes I'll just run my boresnake through the action and barrel with some clp and then call it a day.

I'd recommend you check out YouTube for a cleaning guide if you want a visual aid.

I don't buy my cleaner on Amazon, MDT for example has its own store, or check out your local gun store. Cabela's/Bass pro has stuff too but I'd rather support local.

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u/anonyme450 Aug 05 '26

Really appreciate the detail, thank you!