I think I found my pattern problems, maybe.

[chipper]

As posted in earlier threads, I haven't been to impressed with the patterns of my SX3, they were solid numbers at 40 but just not up to others on the sites #'s or up to my 870 sps. I started going over my gun this afternoon and re-cleaned the barrel and thought about putting some chrome polish to the barrel,I just could not figure out way it hasn't shot better than it has , then i looked at my IC choke and noticed what looked like a small black pin feather protruding out of one of the ports. I broke out the Hoppes and a bronze brush and started cleaning and could not believe the gunk that come out of that choke tube, it was filthy with residue and I honestly believe my #'s can't do anything but go up, I may go shoot here in a while but can't right now, Just something someone with pattern troubles might check.

[Gobble!]

The wad strippers get extremely dirty. Once the get full they will no longer strip away the wad like they should. So that should make a huge difference.

[BigPeck215]

usually clean the indian creeks every 5 or so shot in order to prevent residue from messing with the patterns, that gunk and plastic residue can really hurt patterns

[VAHUNTER]

i clean mine after every shot when checking patterns

[hookedspur]

i clean mine after every shot when checking patterns

[Gobble!]

i clean mine after every shot when checking patterns

me three

[FullChoke]

i clean mine after every shot when checking patterns

How clean do you clean it? Do you mean Bore Snake clean or Hoppe's #9 clean?

FC

[HogBiologist]

 take a short rod with the 12 gauge brush and insert onto a drill.  On a medium speed I move the choke on and off the brush.  i use gun scrubber in between to loosen deposits and them finish with rem oil.