[viking499]

What are the differences between the M2000, I-12 and the Benelli drive systems? I have heard that there are not the same, but close.

Anyone know?

[EHCRain10]

ive heard the opposite, that they all use the same system,therefore the only difference would be with the Benelli SBE because it will shoot 3.5inch shells and the others wont

[kentucky_smith]

The action is virtually the same. Vursan makes action parts for Benelli and Franchi. They don't interchange and are made almost exactly alike. The difference is in the cosmetics of the guns. The higher priced cousins are more cosmetically fitted and finished a little better. Other than that, they are basically the same action. The Benelli action has the recoil spring in the stock. The Franchi I-12 and Stoeger 2000 has the recoil spring around the magazine tube.

With all the looking and owning I've done, the Benelli is a lot smoother and much more refined.

[ArmedBear]

Yeah, I have liked Benellis I've shot, even though I am not at all attracted to them. They're very nice guns.

However, while some report some problems, it seems that a good number of hunters find the Stoeger to be a good semi-disposable hunting gun that offers the same basic advantages of the Benelli in the field, for 1/3 the price.

(By "semi-disposable" I don't mean that it won't hold up. Rather, I mean that you won't feel nearly as bad about banging up a $400 gun as you would a $1200 gun, and if it's a hunting gun, it sure won't stay pristine forever.:) )

[Snarlingiron]

Actually they are pretty different. The operating principles are the same. The Benellis have the return spring in the butt stock, and a link attached to the rear of the bolt. The Stoeger M2000 (I own one of these), has the return spring in the front around the magazine tube, and the bolt rides on a carrier similar to the Remington 11-87. Stoeger is owned by Benelli, and Franchi is exclusively imported into the USA by Beretta, who also owns Benelli. Confusing huh? The Franchi and the Stoeger use the Benelli patent, which centers around the bolt and the intertia operating principle.

With all that said, I really like the M2000. I have about 250 rounds through mine, and it is 100% so far. The manual does say you should run about 100 rounds of heavier loads in it first to break it in. Some do it, some dont. Everything I have shot has been 1 1/8 oz. 3 1/2 dram eq Winchester Super Target. Good inexpensive shotgun.