Beretta cleaning.

[Firespecialist]

After running a couple hundred shells through my Beretta the other day I sat down to clean it. It is a fairly new gun when I had bought it and didn't have any tools or books with it. I printed off the handbook from Beretta's website. My question is, I can't get the breech out to clean it. After messing with it for about an hour, the cocking handle would not come out for anything. How in the world do you get it out?!?!

 

[mswestfall]

I assume you are asking about a semi-auto gun; maybe an AL 391?

You:
cock the gun and close the bolt
remove the magazine cap
pull the forearm and barrel off the magazine tube
pull the cocking lever out of the bolt
turn the gun upside down and slide the bolt from the receiver.

Getting the lever back over the hammer and back into the cone is the trick.

 

[mswestfall]

The cocking handle should pull straight (perpendicular) out of the bolt.

 

[Pete409]

After messing with it for about an hour, the cocking handle would not come out for anything. How in the world do you get it out?!?!

Assuming you are talking about a Beretta 390 or 391, lay the gun on its left side on a padded table or bench. Take a thin string and tie it around the base of the operating (bolt) handle. Then wrap that string around the base 4 or 5 turns, get a good grip on the string in your hand/fingers and pull straight up on the string with a sudden JERK while holding down on the receiver with your other hand.

This should pull it right out. You could also use a thin rubber pad (like is used to open jars) to help grip the operating handle if a string is not available.

 

[Firespecialist]

Sorry, yes it is an AL391. I will have to try the string thing. I heard as new they are a pain to get out, but I just didn't want to start really tugging on something and take a chance to break something. I do appreciate the help though!

 

[45crittergitter]

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=101242

 

[jdb]

Don't forget to put the safety on

One thing to add to MSWESTFALL's excellent summary:

After you cock the gun -- and before you start to take it apart -- be sure to put your safety on. I'm told that pieces in the trigger mechanism can come loose (and are hard to put back) if the gun isn't cocked.

I haven't tempted fate, so I can't testify to how much tougher it can get if you don't keep it cocked.

jdb

 

[RNB65]

Why are you trying to take it apart?

I own a 391 and I've never taken the bolt or trigger group out to clean it and I never intend to. I clean the gas cylinder and wipe the inside of the receiver after each range trip. I clean the bore about every 6 months. And that's it. Lightly lube everything and it runs fine.

There's no need for excessive cleaning unless you start having a specific problem that requires it.

 

[Pete409]

Why are you trying to take it apart?

I own a 391 and I've never taken the bolt or trigger group out to clean it and I never intend to. I clean the gas cylinder and wipe the inside of the receiver after each range trip. I clean the bore about every 6 months. And that's it. Lightly lube everything and it runs fine.

There's no need for excessive cleaning unless you start having a specific problem that requires it.

Removing the bolt assembly and trigger assembly on a semi-auto for cleaning purposes is routine maintenance. It doesn't need to be done every time the gun is shot, but it should be done about every 1000 to 1500 rounds or if the gun gets thoroughly soaked with water.

While it's not an abolute necessity to do this, it will certainly remove some of the grime, grit, and powder residue from the action. It will make the gun run smoother and with less wear. Therefore, it should run longer without the need for excessive parts replacement.

Your argument is similar to the person who says that he never changes the oil or oil filter in his car and never has it greased or lubed. Sure, you can neglect these things for quite a while, but why would anyone want to? It's not hard to do. It costs very little to do it (other than a little of your time). It will prolong the life of your gun. And it will increase the odds that your gun will operate reliably. But, if someone wishes to neglect the care and maintenance of their shotgun, that's their choice. It just doesn't happen to be the choice I would make.

 

[JNewell]

grime, grit, and powder residue

Some semiautos are worse than others in this regard. I really love my Berettas (3), but they are among the dirtiest I've used.