Is there a rule of thumb on what type of lubricant to use on different gun parts? When should I use a grease and when do I use oil? This would apply to a Benelli auto shotgun.
Thanks.

MWC-
An informed answer to your question will depend on the type of gun. An M-1 Garand is lubed differently than a Browning Superposed, for example.

Can you give us a hint as to what type of gun you want to lube? Then the pros on the forum can get out their thumbs and provide some rules.

--Bob

I have one, for what it's worth. I use a lubricant designed to function under high contact pressure where it exists in a firearm, say a cocking cam on a bolt action, which usually means a moly loaded synthetic grease. And a lighter oil where there is lighter contact pressure and the lubricant is less likely to get squeezed out. I usually grab Break Free for that though a lot of other oils will work.

Manufacturer's instructions overrule all rules of thumb, of course.

I've always figured that if they slide, grease 'em, and oil if they rotate.

MWC-
Ah! The specification of firearm type helps.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you have them or can get them.

Alternatively, take your question to the Benelli forum on shotgunworld.com. There are a number of Benelli shooters there who are pretty knowledgeable about the guns, and since each has at least one thumb, you're likely to be able to read multiple rules. I did a quick search and found about 3-4 threads on lubrication.

Benelli forum: http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=61

Good luck.
-Bob

Use transmission fluid never mine the grease

Just a light film of oil, it's a Benelli, just shoot it and forget it.