pattern with a dirty gun

[stickler]

I shot my 870 today with my new Jellyhead 660 and the pattern wasnt that good. I swear I cleaned the gun a couple months ago but evidently I didnt. My question is how much can a dirty barrell effect the pattern or is it a big deal.

[DirtNap647]

some swear by the barrel being cleaned but ive also seen guns that shoot better dirty

[allaboutshooting]

I shot my 870 today with my new Jellyhead 660 and the pattern wasnt that good. I swear I cleaned the gun a couple months ago but evidently I didnt. My question is how much can a dirty barrell effect the pattern or is it a big deal.

It really all depends on the gun. I recommend starting with a squeaky clean bore and shoot without cleaning until the pattern degrades. That way you can see if yours shoots better clean, a little dirty or very dirty. It's really the only way to tell.

Thanks,
Clark